Find ratio of brightness & the distance the 6th dark fringe is from central fringe

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to wave interference, specifically focusing on calculating the ratio of brightness and the distance of the sixth dark fringe from the central fringe in a double-slit experiment context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of trigonometric functions in the context of the problem, questioning the correctness of the original poster's use of the sine function and the units for the angle β. There are attempts to clarify the relationships between variables and the formulas used.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance regarding the correct use of units and the importance of ensuring consistency in angle measurement. The original poster indicates they have resolved part of their confusion, but there remains uncertainty regarding the second part of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the original poster's calculations, particularly concerning the application of trigonometric relationships and the handling of units. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to identify and correct these issues without providing direct solutions.

hraghav
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Homework Statement
Light of wavelength λ = 517.4× 10^−9 m is incident on a metal plate that has two thin, parallel slits etched into it a distance of d = 5.44 × 10^−6 m apart. A distance of L=1.29 m away lies a viewing panel onto which the diffraction pattern can be displayed.
The metal plate with the two slits is replaced with a metal plate with a single slit that has a width of a= 3.96 × 10^−6 m. a) What is the ratio of the brightness at y = 1.26 m (from the central fringe) to the brightness of the central fringe?

b) The metal plate with the two slits is replaced with a metal plate with a single slit that has a width of a = 7.96 × 10^-6 m. How far from the central fringe is the 6th dark fringe (destructive interference)?
Relevant Equations
a) I = Io(sinβ / β)^2
β = (pi * a*sinθ) / λ
sinθ = y / L

b) asinθ=mλ
a) sinθ = y / L where y = 1.26 m and L = 1.29m
sinθ = 0.9767

β = (pi * a*sinθ) / λ where λ = 517.4 * 10^-9 m and a= 3.96 × 10^−6 m
β = 0.000012151 / 517.4 * 10^-9 = 23.485

I / Io = (sin(23.485) / 23.485)^2
I / Io = 0.0002879
which is 0.2879 * 10^-3

b) asinθ=mλ where m = 6 and λ = 517.4 * 10^-9 m
sinθ = 0.000003104 / a where a = 7.96 × 10^-6 m
sinθ = 0.39

y = Lsinθ. where L = 1.29 m
y = 0.5031 m
which is 50.31 * 10^-2 m

Both these answers are incorrect. Could someone please let me know where am I making an error?
 
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hraghav said:
Relevant Equations:
sinθ = y / L
Do you have the correct trig function here?
 
hraghav said:
Homework Statement:
Relevant Equations: a) I = Io(sinβ / β)^2
β = (pi * a*sinθ) / λ
When you use this formula, is ##\beta## in degrees or in radians?
 
TSny said:
When you use this formula, is ##\beta## in degrees or in radians?
I got my error in part a but still can't figure out part b
 
When you use the formula for obtaining the angle ##\beta##, the angle will be in units of radians. So, be careful with the units.

Did you catch your mistake in writing ##\sin \theta = y/L##?

EDIT: Never mind, you said you got part (a) correct. So, you must have made these corrections. In part (b) did you make the correction in ##y = L \sin \theta##? Also, be careful if you've been switching your calculator back and forth between radian and degree mode.
 
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TSny said:
When you use the formula for obtaining the angle ##\beta##, the angle will be in units of radians. So, be careful with the units.

Did you catch your mistake in writing ##\sin \theta = y/L##?

EDIT: Never mind, you said you got part (a) correct. So, you must have made these corrections. In part (b) did you make the correction in ##y = L \sin \theta##? Also, be careful if you've been switching your calculator back and forth between radian and degree mode.
Yes I understood what you mean, Thanks I got the correct answer
 
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