Diffraction grating and red light

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a diffraction grating problem involving the calculation of the angle at which red light of wavelength 635 nm appears in first order, given a grating with 2469 lines/cm.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for calculating the angle using the wavelength and the distance between grating lines. There is a focus on understanding the correct interpretation of the variable 'd' in the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the calculation of 'd' and its significance in the formula. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion in the setup of the problem, particularly concerning the units involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly identifying the distance between grating lines based on the number of lines per centimeter, which is crucial for applying the formula accurately.

Kris1120
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


White light is spread out into its spectral
components by a diffraction grating.
If the grating has 2469 lines/cm, at what
angle does red light of wavelength 635 nm
appear in first order?
Answer in units of ◦.


Homework Equations



sin(theta) = m(\lambda /d)

The Attempt at a Solution



theta = inverse sin [( 1 * 635 e-9 m) / 24.69 m} = 1.4735 e -6 degrees
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Kris1120,

Kris1120 said:

Homework Statement


White light is spread out into its spectral
components by a diffraction grating.
If the grating has 2469 lines/cm, at what
angle does red light of wavelength 635 nm
appear in first order?
Answer in units of ◦.


Homework Equations



sin(theta) = m(\lambda /d)

The Attempt at a Solution



theta = inverse sin [( 1 * 635 e-9 m) / 24.69 m} = 1.4735 e -6 degrees


In your formula, d is the distance between grating lines. If there are 2469 lines in every cm, what is the distance between each line?
 
I see... its 1 / 2469 cm! Thank you!
 
Kris1120 said:
I see... its 1 / 2469 cm! Thank you!

That's right (as long as you meant (1/2469) cm; some people inadverdently put the cm in the denominator for this type of problem).

Glad to help!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
27K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K