Find the distance between the two third order maxima

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The discussion revolves around calculating the distance between the two third-order maxima in a double-slit interference pattern created by red light with a wavelength of 713 nm. Participants clarify that the initial calculations focused on finding the position of one third-order maximum rather than the distance between both. The correct approach involves recognizing the symmetry of the interference pattern around the central maximum, leading to the conclusion that the distance between the two third-order maxima is twice the calculated distance from the center to one maximum. The final consensus is that the distance is approximately 0.098 m. Understanding the relationship between the angles and the geometry of the setup is crucial for accurate calculations.
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Red light with wavelength 713 nm pass through a double split with "split distance" 0.120 mm. The interference pattern gets observed on a screen that is 2.75 m from the double split. Find the distance between the two
third order maxima we seeing on the screen.


(My english is really awkward)
 
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d sin 0 = n*lambda

sin 0 = ((n*lambda)/d) = (3 * 713 * 10^-9 m/ 0.120 * 10^-3 m) = 0.017825 = Sin (1.02)

tan 0 = y/r = y/2.75 m

y = tan 1.02 * 2.75 m = 2.80 m
 
Spruance said:
y = tan 1.02 * 2.75 m = 2.80 m
Recheck that last step. (Note that for small angles, tan(theta) = sin(theta))

You have caculated the position of the 3rd order maximum from the central position (where y = 0), but the problem asks for the distance between the two 3rd order maxima. Where's the other one?
 
I don't got any answer-book, but I am sure that my previous answer is wrong.
 
I really don't know what I have to do ...
 
Last edited:
You multiplied by 1.02 instead of tan(1.02). (1.02 is degrees, by the way.)
 
y = tan 1.02 * 2.75 m = 0.04896 m

It cannot be correct
 
Spruance said:
y = tan 1.02 * 2.75 m = 0.04896 m

It cannot be correct

I hope Doc Al doesn't mind me jumping in here, but he seems to be else where. You have calculated the distance between the normal (zero order beam) and the third order beam. The question asks you to calculate the distance between the two third order beams.

HINT: You are half way there.

~H
 
  • #10
Sin 0 = (n*lambda)/d = ((3 * 713 *10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3)) = 0.018

Sin 0.018 = 1.047

Sin 1.047 = (x/2.75)

x = Sin 1.047 * 2.75 m

x = 0.050 m
 
  • #11
Spruance said:
Sin 0 = (n*lambda)/d = ((3 * 713 *10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3)) = 0.018

Sin 0.018 = 1.047

Sin 1.047 = (x/2.75)

x = Sin 1.047 * 2.75 m

x = 0.050 m

I'm not sure what your doing here, in any case it is incorrect, \sin\theta only equals zero when n = 0, i.e. the zero order beam. Alarms bells should have started ringing when you abtained sin 0 = a non zero number. You were very close with your previous answer. BIG HINT: The interference pattern is symetrical about the zero order beam (y=0).

~H
 
  • #12
sin theta = (n*lambda)/(d)

= (3*713 * 10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3)

= Sin(0.017825) = 1.02135136

tan (1.021) = (x/2.75)

x = tan 1.021 * 2.75 = 0.049

0.049 * 2 = 0.098 m
 
  • #13
Spruance said:
sin theta = (n*lambda)/(d)

= (3*713 * 10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3)

= Sin(0.017825) = 1.02135136

?? How do you get from the first line to the second line??:confused:
Where do you get your 0.017825 or your 1.02135136??
What do you get for the first line??
 
  • #14
I believe that if you just put the numbers into a calculator, it gives you that (3*713 * 10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3) is 0.017825

Invers sinus of 0.017825 is the same as Sin(1.02)
 
  • #15
Spruance said:
I believe that if you just put the numbers into a calculator, it gives you that (3*713 * 10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3) is 0.017825

Invers sinus of 0.017825 is the same as Sin(1.02)
Sorry.. I had used 0.1 mm. You are correct. My apologies:redface:
 
  • #16
Spruance said:
sin theta = (n*lambda)/(d)

= (3*713 * 10^-9)/(0.120 * 10^-3)

= Sin(0.017825) = 1.02135136

tan (1.021) = (x/2.75)

x = tan 1.021 * 2.75 = 0.049

0.049 * 2 = 0.098 m
This is correct...
 
  • #17
Spruance said:
y = tan 1.02 * 2.75 m = 0.04896 m

It cannot be correct

Just for reference, the same result can be obtained by simply doubling this number because (as I said earlier) the interference pattern is symmetrical around the zero order beam.

~H
 
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