Distance between two second order maxima

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the distance between two second-order maxima produced by monochromatic light passing through a diffraction grating, with specific measurements provided for the screen distance and first-order maxima separation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevant equations, including those related to diffraction and trigonometry. There is uncertainty about how to apply the given measurements and which equations are necessary for finding the second-order maxima distance.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered references to external resources and suggested drawing diagrams to visualize the problem. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations needed, with various interpretations of the parameters involved. No explicit consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the relationship between the first-order and second-order maxima, with some confusion regarding the values of L and the application of specific equations. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the relevance of certain measurements.

kuzco890
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Homework Statement


Monochromatic light strikes a diffraction grating at normal incidence before illuminating a screen 1.99 m away. If the first-order maxima are separated by 1.36 m on the screen, what is the distance between the two second-order maxima?


Homework Equations


I think these are the relevant equations:
deltaL = dsinθ
y = Ltanθ


The Attempt at a Solution


L = 1.99 m
I'm not sure where the 1.36 and 1.99 come in.
 
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So I only need the d sinθ = mλ equation?
Would you be able to help walk me through it?
I feel like I need the y = Ltanθ or deltaL = dsinθ equation.
Doesn't L = 1.36 for the first order maxima?
d = 1.99 m
m = 2?
 
Draw the triangle with theta, x (distance from center to maximum - half the 1.36), L (L is the hypotenuse), and the 1.99 m distance to the screen. Use the triangle and some trig to find theta.

Use the formula to find lambda/d. This value doesn't change as you move to 2nd order, so you can use the formula again with this value to find theta when m = 2.
 
Thanks!
 

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