Determining the width of a slit

[chef99]

Homework Statement

A laser emitting light with a wavelength of 560nm is directed at a single slit, producing an interference pattern on a screen 3.0m away. The central maximum is 5.0cm wide. 10mks
Determine the width of the slit and the distance between adjacent maxima.[/B]

Homework Equations

λ = wΔy / L

The Attempt at a Solution

Given: Required: w, and https://www.physicsforums.com/file://localhost/Users/jefferyhewitt/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.png λ = 560 nmL = 3.0m

m₁ = 5.0cm

For the distance between adjacent maxima:

Δy = m₁ / 2

Δy = 5.0cm / 2

Δy = 2.5cm

Δy = 0.025mthe distance between adjacent maxima is 0.025m.λ = wΔy / L

w = λL / Δy

w = (5.6 x10^-7m)(3.0m) / (0.025m)w = 6.72 x10-5mTherefore, the width of the slit is 6.72 x10-5m.I'm pretty sure I have this right for calculating the slit width, but I'm not sure if I calculated the Δy value properly. any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[mfb]

the distance between adjacent maxima is 0.025m.

Only for some of them (the central maximum is not 0.025m away from any other maximum), but I guess that's what the question is asking about.

 

[chef99]

Only for some of them (the central maximum is not 0.025m away from any other maximum), but I guess that's what the question is asking about.

Thank you for your help!