Calculating Wavelength in Young's Interference Experiment

  • Thread starter Thread starter elementozzy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Homework Optics
AI Thread Summary
In a Young's interference experiment using monochromatic light, the user is tasked with calculating the wavelength based on given parameters: slit separation (d = 0.50 mm), distance to the screen (L = 3.3 m), and the position of the first maximum (y1 = 3.4 mm). The relevant equation used is Yn = (nλL)/d, where n represents the order of the maximum. The user correctly identifies that for the first maximum, n should equal 1, leading to the equation 3.4 mm = (1 * λ * 3.3 m) / 0.50 mm. After calculations, the user arrives at a wavelength of approximately 0.5151 mm and seeks confirmation on their approach, particularly regarding the interpretation of n. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying the order of the maximum in the calculations.
elementozzy
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Second bright fringe in Young's Experiment
Replies
3
Views
1K
HW Question regarding double-slit interference
Replies
8
Views
2K
Thomas Young's double slit experiment
Replies
6
Views
4K
Predicting Changes in Interference Patterns using Laser Interference Equations
Replies
3
Views
2K
Inteference Fringes of Double Slit Experiment in Water
Replies
3
Views
3K
Double Slit Wave Interference - what is m?
Replies
1
Views
2K
With the info given, what are 3 ways to calculate wavelength?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Quasi-Monochromatic Light and Young's Double Slit Experiment
Replies
2
Views
4K
Question about Intensity in an Interference Pattern
Replies
6
Views
8K
De Broglie wavelength of a train
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top