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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of the 2nd-order maxima in a double-slit interference experiment as a man walks towards the screen at speed v. The relevant equation derived is v (2nd order maximum) = λ v m / d, where m is the order of the maximum, specifically m=2 for the 2nd-order maximum. The participants clarify that while m can be large in general, for this specific case, m is simply 2, which may lead to confusion regarding the problem statement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double-slit interference patterns
  • Familiarity with wave properties of light, specifically wavelength (λ)
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics, particularly relating speed and distance
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations involving variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave interference in detail
  • Learn about the derivation of interference patterns in double-slit experiments
  • Explore the effects of varying slit separation (d) on interference patterns
  • Investigate the implications of high-order maxima in interference experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics and optics, as well as educators looking to explain the double-slit experiment and its implications on wave behavior.

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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