Diffraction Grating: Calculate Wavelengths

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The discussion revolves around calculating the wavelengths of green and red light from an atomic hydrogen lamp using a diffraction grating with 200 lines per centimeter. The distance between the first and second order green spots is 2.43 cm, while the distance between a green and red spot in the first order is 8.5 mm. Participants express confusion regarding the application of the diffraction grating equation, particularly the significance of the order (m) in the calculations. The equation mλ = d sin(θ_m) is highlighted, with discussions focusing on how to derive values for the variables involved. The thread emphasizes the need for clarity on how to relate the observed distances to the wavelengths using the grating formula.
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Homework Statement


light from an atomic hydrogen lamp falls on a diffraction grating with 200 lines per centimetre. on a screen 2.5 m away, the distance between green spots of the first and second order spectra is 2.43cm while the distance between a green spot and a red spot both of the first order spectrum is 8.5mm. calculate the wavelengths of the green and red radiation?


Homework Equations



λ = d sinQ = md/D & d=1/N

The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure about the 1st and 2nd order spectrum stuff! i know the equation will end up with
(a) x(b)/2.5 but I am not sure how to get the values of (a) and (b)?
 
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The first and second order spectrum has to do with the 'm' in the diffraction grating equation. I have no idea what happened to your 'm' on the left. The equation is:

m\lambda = d \sin(\theta_m)
 

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