Double slit experiment and white light

[Amith2006]

Homework Statement

# It is given in my book that if white light is used instead of monochromatic light, the central fringe will be white while there will be coloured fringes on either side of the central fringe. Could anyone please tell me the reason for this? Is it because, due to diffraction at the slits each colour is deviated by different angles? I am not quite sure. Please guide me.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Chi Meson]

Since you have a book, notice how it explains what causes there to be a "bright fringe." It has to do with the "extra distance" traveled by the light form one of the slits. How much does this extra distance have to be to create a bright fringe? Then, anwser this: different colors of light have different ____________ .

 

[Amith2006]

Since you have a book, notice how it explains what causes there to be a "bright fringe." It has to do with the "extra distance" traveled by the light form one of the slits. How much does this extra distance have to be to create a bright fringe? Then, anwser this: different colors of light have different ____________ .

Different colours have different wavelengths.As a result their path difference at points of maxima or minima are different.So points of maxima or minima are different for different colours.Is my reasoning right?

 

[Amith2006]

Please say whether I have understood it correctly.

 

[Amith2006]

Come on guys!

 

[Hootenanny]

Sounds good to me.

 

[Amith2006]

At last I have got the answer. Thanks.