Diffraction Grating and Maximums

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angles of the first three principal maxima for a diffraction grating with 728 lines per centimeter illuminated by 680 nm light. The relevant equations include d sin θ = mλ, where d is the grating spacing calculated as d = 1/N. The user attempted to rearrange the equation to find θ but encountered errors due to unit conversion issues, specifically converting N from lines per centimeter to lines per meter. The correct approach requires ensuring that all units are consistent, particularly using meters for d.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of diffraction grating principles
  • Familiarity with the equation d sin θ = mλ
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, specifically between centimeters and meters
  • Basic trigonometry, particularly the arcsin function
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of diffraction grating and its applications
  • Study the derivation and application of the equation d sin θ = mλ
  • Practice unit conversion techniques, especially for optical calculations
  • Explore examples of calculating diffraction maxima for various wavelengths and grating densities
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone involved in experiments or calculations related to diffraction patterns and light behavior through gratings.

majormaaz
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Homework Statement


A grating has 728 lines per centimeter. Find the angles of the first three principal maxima above the central fringe when this grating is illuminated with 680 nm light.


Homework Equations


Our teacher briefly told us that N = # of slits / cm
and that d sin θ = mλ, and that d = 1/N


The Attempt at a Solution


I substituted d=1/N into the d sin θ = mλ so it became sin θ / N = mλ.
I then rearranged for θ to get arcsin(mNλ) = θ, and I plugged in values:
first order --> arcsin(1 * 728 * 680e-9) and so on for m = 2, 3.
However, I got it wrong.
I tried converting N into lines / m instead of cm, but I still got it wrong.

I know our teacher started to tell us this before class ended, but I feel that I am missing something
 
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never mind, I converted from cm into m in the opposite direction.
my bad. don't answer this.
 
In the equation d should be in metres
 

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