Finding slit seperation in two-slit experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the slit separation in a double-slit experiment using a He-Ne laser with a wavelength of 632.8 nm. The relevant equations include d*sin(θ) = m*λ and y = L*sin(θ). The user initially struggled with finding sin(θ) but ultimately determined that constructing a diagram and applying the Pythagorean theorem allowed for the correct calculation of the slit separation distance, d.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double-slit interference patterns
  • Familiarity with the He-Ne laser and its wavelength (632.8 nm)
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their application in physics
  • Ability to apply the Pythagorean theorem in geometric problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the double-slit interference formula d*sin(θ) = m*λ
  • Learn how to construct and analyze diagrams for interference patterns
  • Explore the application of the Pythagorean theorem in physics problems
  • Investigate the effects of varying slit separation on interference patterns
USEFUL FOR

Students studying wave optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of interference and diffraction in light waves.

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Homework Statement



Light from a He-Ne laser ([itex]\lambda[/itex] = 632.8nm) strikes a pair of slits at normal incidence, forming a double-slit interference pattern on a screen located 1.50 from the slits. The figure shows the interference pattern observed on the screen
Walker.28.17.jpg


What is the slit separation?

Homework Equations



d*sin([itex]\theta[/itex]) = m*sin([itex]\lambda[/itex])
y = L*sin([itex]\theta[/itex])

The Attempt at a Solution



I know i can solve this problem if i just find sin([itex]\theta[/itex]) but this is where I'm getting stuck.

Also, does the diagram tell me anything important? i thought maybe by dividing the 23mm by 4, i could get y (the distance between each bright fringe) but that proved to be fruitless when i tried solving for sinθ using 0.023/4 = 1.5sinθ but that didn't give me the correct answer for d.

nevermind. i figured this out.
 
Last edited:
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The formula should be d*sin(θ) = m*λ.
Draw your diagram with one line horizontal from the slits to a bright central maximum and another line at angle θ to the next bright spot, separated from the first by x. You can figure out x from the given diagram and then you can get the hypotenuse in the new diagram using the Pythagorean theorem. Use the formula to solve for the slit separation distance d.
 

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