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

In summary, 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, creating an interference pattern. The man walks towards the screen at a speed v, causing the central maximum on the screen to remain stationary. To find the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen, where m can be very large, the equation y = λvtm/d is used. This results in v 2nd order maximum (m=2) = y' = λvm/d. However, it is unclear if
  • #1
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=[tex]\lambda[/tex]L m / d


The Attempt at a Solution



L changes with v, and y changes with v

so y = [tex]\lambda[/tex] v t m /d

then v 2nd order maximum (m=2) = y' = [tex]\lambda[/tex] v m /d
 
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  • #2
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?
 

1. How do you determine the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen?

The speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen can be determined by measuring the distance between the first and second maxima, dividing it by the time interval between them, and then multiplying it by the wavelength of the light source. This will give the speed of the 2nd-order maxima in meters per second.

2. What is the significance of finding the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen?

Finding the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen can help to determine the properties of the light source, such as its wavelength and frequency. It can also provide insights into the behavior of light and its interactions with matter.

3. Can the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen vary?

Yes, the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen can vary depending on the properties of the light source and the medium it is passing through. It can also be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other particles.

4. Are there any other methods to find the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen?

Yes, there are other methods to find the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen, such as using a diffraction grating or a spectrometer. These methods may provide more accurate measurements and can also be used to analyze different wavelengths of light.

5. How can knowing the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen be applied in real-life situations?

Knowing the speed of the 2nd-order maxima on the screen can be applied in various fields, such as optics, astronomy, and telecommunications. It can also be used in scientific research to understand the properties of light and its applications in different technologies.

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