Calculating the Distance Between Interference Maxima: Yellow Light

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the distance between the first and second interference maxima for yellow light with a wavelength of 589 nm, the double slit setup involves using the formula for angular position, where tan(theta) equals the position on the screen (X) divided by the distance to the screen (L). The user seeks clarification on how to compute the angles theta1 and theta2 for the first and second maxima. The difference in positions (X2 - X1) will yield the distance between the two maxima. The discussion emphasizes the need to refer to the textbook for the relevant equations regarding intensity and maxima angles. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately determining the interference pattern on the screen.
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Homework Statement



a)Yellow light Lambda= 589nm falls on a double slit. The distance between two slits is d=0.5 mm the width of each slit is a=100 micrometer. A screen showing the interference pattern is located 4 m behind the slits.



Homework Equations



What is the distance between the first and the second maximum on the screen ?


The Attempt at a Solution



To calculate the distance

tan theta1 = X1 / L
tan theta2 = X2/ L

X2 - X1 = is the answer ?

Is this right ? If it is , how can i calculate theta1 and theta2 ?
Thanks
 
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Where your textbook discusses the double slit there should be an equation, either for intensity as a function of angle OR the angles of the maxima (1st, 2nd, etc.)
 

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