Find the phase difference in terms of d, lambda, theta

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The discussion focuses on calculating the phase difference between two waves based on their path difference. The path difference is defined as d*sin(theta), where d represents the distance and theta is the angle. The phase difference is confirmed to be (d*sin(theta)*2*pi)/lambda, where lambda is the wavelength. This relationship holds true under the condition that d is much smaller than x.

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joelkato1605
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Homework Statement
Referring to Figure 4.8, what is the phase difference φ between S¯1 and S¯2 in terms of d,
θ and λ.
Relevant Equations
See attached image.
So in figure 4.8 the path difference between the two waves is d*sin(theta), then is the phase difference just (d*sin(theta)*2*pi)/lambda?
 

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joelkato1605 said:
So in figure 4.8 the path difference between the two waves is d*sin(theta)
This is a good approximation for the path difference when ##d << x##.

then is the phase difference just (d*sin(theta)*2*pi)/lambda?
Yes
 

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