Calculating Wavelength in Young's Interference Experiment

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to Young's interference experiment, specifically focusing on calculating the wavelength of light based on given parameters such as slit separation and distance to the screen.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for the position of the interference maximum, questioning whether their approach of substituting values is correct. Other participants inquire about the meaning of the variables and the significance of the subscript in the formula.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the use of the formula and the interpretation of the variables involved. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance is being provided regarding the notation and the application of the formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the specifics of the problem setup, including the definitions of variables and the implications of the provided data. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct understanding of the formula used for calculating the wavelength.

elementozzy
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So I got a warning for just posting questions so I'll do as best as I can to try and put effort lol

Homework Statement



A Young's interference experiment is performed with monochromatic light. The separation between the slits, d, is .50 mm, and the interference
pattern on a screen L = 3.3 m away shows the first maximum y1 = 3.4 mm from the center of the pattern. What is the wavelength?


GIVEN DATA

d=.50mm

L=3.3m

y1= 3.4mm


Homework Equations



Yn=(nλL)/d

The Attempt at a Solution



I need to know if I'm attempting this right.

I started off by plugging in y1=3.4mm, L=3.3m and d=.50mm

Pretty simple.
3.4=(nλ3.3)/.5

1.7=(nλ3.3)

.5151...=λ

?

Am I right by plugging in 1 for n?
 
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Quoting from the text you provided "first maximum y1 = 3.4 mm".
 
So... Am I right?
 
elementozzy said:
So... Am I right?

Do you need to ask? the formula given is for yn, you were given y1, what do you think n is?
 
Oh I just needed to make sure. So yn(subscript), whatever is in the subscript is just n?
 

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