Find the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of the 2nd-order maxima in a double-slit interference pattern as a man walks toward the screen. The relevant equation is y = λL m / d, where L and y change with the man's speed v. The derived expression for the speed of the 2nd-order maximum (m=2) is v = λv m / d. There is some confusion regarding the interpretation of "m can be very large," as m=2 is not considered large. Clarification on the problem statement is suggested to resolve this confusion.
burgerkin
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Homework Statement



A man holds a light that emits light of wavelength λ. The light beam passes though a pair of slits separated by a distance d, in a screen plate attached to the front of the light beam(double slits experiment). The beam then falls perpendicularly on a screen, getting an interference pattern on it. The man walks straight toward the screen at speed v. The central maximum on the screen is stationary. Find the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen, where m can be very large. (Use variable or symbol )

Homework Equations



y=\lambdaL m / d


The Attempt at a Solution



L changes with v, and y changes with v

so y = \lambda v t m /d

then v 2nd order maximum (m=2) = y' = \lambda v m /d
 
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burgerkin said:

The Attempt at a Solution



L changes with v, and y changes with v

so y = λ v t m /d

then v 2nd order maximum (m=2) = y' = λ v m /d
Your answer looks correct for small angles, even though L is not really equal to v·t.

I am puzzled by this statement:
Find the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen, where m can be very large
For the 2nd-order maxima, m is 2, which is not a large number. Are you sure you typed this part of the question exactly as it was written in the problem statement?
 
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