First order minimum - Wave interference

In summary, the terms "first order minimum" and "second order minimum" refer to the dark patches of destructive interference on either side of the bright fringes in wave interference. The numbering system is based on the order of the fringes, with the central fringe being the "zero-th order" and subsequent fringes being labeled in numerical order. However, the exact meaning of these terms may vary depending on the context of the discussion. It is important to refer to your coursework for clarification.
  • #1
Maddie1609
81
11


Hi :-)

I'm currently learning about wave interference and came across two phrases I can't seem to find the meaning of; first order minimum and second order minimum. What do they mean an how are they used? I presume they are for the order of destructive interference or something?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Maddie1609 said:
Hi :-)

I'm currently learning about wave interference and came across two phrases I can't seem to find the meaning of; first order minimum and second order minimum. What do they mean an how are they used? I presume they are for the order of destructive interference or something?

The actual answer might depend on the context of the statement.

But commonly, the "zero-th order" maximum refers to the bright central point of the interference. The "first order" maximum refers to the bright fringes on either side of the central fringe. "Second order" maximum refers to the next set of fringes on the opposite sides of the first order fringes. And so on.

The "minimum"s refer to the dark patches (as opposed to the bright fringes). So first order minimums refer to the dark patches on either side of the bright, central fringe. Second order minimums refer to the dark patches just outside the first order, bright fringes. And so on.

But again, although this terminology is common, it is not absolutely universal, and might depend on the context of what is being discussed. Refer to your coursework to be sure.
 

1. What is a first order minimum in wave interference?

A first order minimum is a point in the interference pattern where the waves from two coherent sources cancel each other out, resulting in a minimum amplitude. It is the first point on either side of the central maximum where the waves interfere destructively.

2. How is a first order minimum calculated?

A first order minimum can be calculated using the equation d sinθ = mλ, where d is the distance between the sources, θ is the angle between the source and the point of interest, m is the order of the minimum (in this case, m = 1 for first order), and λ is the wavelength of the waves.

3. What is the difference between a first order minimum and a central maximum?

A first order minimum is a point in the interference pattern where waves cancel each other out, resulting in a minimum amplitude. A central maximum, on the other hand, is the point in the interference pattern where the waves from two coherent sources reinforce each other, resulting in a maximum amplitude.

4. How can a first order minimum be observed in real life?

A first order minimum can be observed in real life by conducting an experiment using two coherent sources, such as two lasers or two slits, and observing the interference pattern that is created on a screen. The first order minimum will be a point where the light is dimmer than the surrounding areas due to destructive interference.

5. What is the significance of first order minimum in wave interference?

The first order minimum is significant because it demonstrates the principle of superposition, which states that when two waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves. It also provides valuable information about the properties of the waves, such as their wavelength and the distance between the sources.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
624
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
599
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
824
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top