Double Slit Wave Interference - what is m?

In summary, the conversation is about a problem involving interference patterns and the determination of the wavelength of light. The person is having difficulty understanding the provided diagram and is asking for clarification on the meaning of "m." They also provide the relevant equations and their attempt at a solution. The conversation ends with a welcoming message.
  • #1
snowcrystal42
1
0
Hi,
I'm doing a very simple problem, but I don't understand the diagram provided (see image below).
28-34-gif.gif

What is m here?
I know that m is the order with respect to the central bright fringe, but there isn't a central bright fringe (assuming those circles are the bright fringes)?

Homework Statement


Suppose the interference pattern shown in the figure is produced by monochromatic light passing through two slits, with a separation of 161 μm, and onto a screen 1.32 m away. What is the wavelength of light?

Homework Equations


dsinθ = mλ (m = 0,1,2,3...) for constructive interference
dsinθ = (m + ½)λ (m = 0,1,2,3...) for destructive interference
tanθ = y/L

The Attempt at a Solution


tanθ = (23mm)/(1.32m)
θ = 0.998°
λ = (dsinθ)/m = [(161μm)(sin(0.998))]/m

Thanks!
 

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  • #2
Hi snowcrystal42,

Welcome to Physics Forums!

From the diagram, what can you say about the separation between the individual maxima (or minima)? Can you concoct an expression for the distance between two successive maxima (or minima)?
 

FAQ: Double Slit Wave Interference - what is m?

What is double slit wave interference?

Double slit wave interference is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave, such as light or sound, passes through two narrow slits and interferes with itself. This results in a pattern of light and dark bands on a screen placed behind the slits.

How does double slit wave interference work?

Double slit wave interference occurs when waves from two sources, in this case the two slits, overlap and interfere with each other. This interference can either be constructive, where the waves amplify each other, or destructive, where the waves cancel each other out.

What is the "m" in double slit wave interference?

The "m" in double slit wave interference refers to the order of the interference pattern. It represents the number of bright or dark bands that appear on the screen, with "m=0" being the central bright spot and "m=1, 2, 3..." representing the subsequent bright or dark bands.

How is the "m" value calculated in double slit wave interference?

The "m" value is calculated using the equation m = λL/d, where λ is the wavelength of the wave, L is the distance between the slits and the screen, and d is the distance between the slits. This equation helps determine the spacing between the bright and dark bands on the screen.

What practical applications does double slit wave interference have?

Double slit wave interference is used in various practical applications such as in diffraction gratings for spectrometers, which are used to separate and analyze light of different wavelengths. It is also utilized in the design of optical instruments, such as microscopes and telescopes, to improve image resolution.

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