Double Slit Diffraction Problem

AI Thread Summary
In the double-slit experiment, blue light with a wavelength of 478 nm creates a second-order maximum at a specific screen location. To find a wavelength of visible light that results in a minimum at the same location, the correct approach involves using the formula for diffraction minima, which is different from that for maxima. The equation d*sin(θ) = (m + 1/2)λ is used, where m is an integer. The user initially miscalculated the order of the minimum but later realized it should be one order less, leading to the correct wavelength. Understanding the distinction between maxima and minima is crucial for solving such problems.
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In a double-slit experiment it is found that blue light of wavelength 478 nm gives a second-order maximum at a certain location on the screen. What wavelength of visible light would have a minimum at the same location?


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I have no clue how to approach this problem but looking in the book I assumed the wavelength with a minimum at that same location should be 3rd order (m=3) so I set up an equation as follows:


m1*Lambda(max) = m2*Lambda(min)
Lambda(min) = m1*Lambda(max)/m2 = (2*478*10^-9)/3 = 319 nm

Apparently it's wrong. I'm lost on where to go from here.. Any help ??
 
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The minimum from the second wavelength needn't be of the same order. Also, you need to note that diffraction minima are not described by the same equation as diffraction maxima.

The minima are located by:

d*sin(θ)=(m+1/2)λ

You have d and θ. You also need to note that m must be an integer.

Can you take it from there?
 
yeh i actually tried somethin like that before but i just now realized the other wavelength's m should be an order less (1, instead of 3) and i got it right, thanks tho !
 
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