Help with relationships in equations ΔX/L = λ/d?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationships expressed in the equation ΔX/L = λ/d, particularly focusing on the inverse relationship between ΔX and d. Participants seek clarification on how these variables interact within the context of wave diffraction and related phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests an explanation of the relationships in the equation, specifically how ΔX is inversely related to d.
  • Another participant asks for the context of the equation and what it describes.
  • A participant provides a detailed assumption that L and λ are constants and illustrates the inverse relationship by stating that doubling d results in halving ΔX, and tripling d reduces ΔX to one-third.
  • Another participant hypothesizes that the equation relates to a plane wave encountering an opaque screen with a hole, suggesting that the diffraction pattern observed at a distance L is influenced by the size of the hole d and the wavelength λ.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and assumptions about the equation, with no consensus on the original context or specific applications of the equation. Multiple interpretations and clarifications are present.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the original context of the equation and the specific definitions of the variables involved. The discussion includes assumptions about the constancy of L and λ, which may not be universally accepted.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in wave phenomena, diffraction patterns, or those seeking to understand mathematical relationships in physics equations may find this discussion relevant.

totomyl
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Can someone explain to me the relationships with this equation (and probably any other equation). For example i don't fully understand how the ΔX is inversely related to the d. I have an idea of how this is so, however i can't really picture it with numbers. If you could explain the relationships and how they work that would be nice ty.
 
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What context is this in? What does the equation describe?
 
totomyl said:
Can someone explain to me the relationships with this equation (and probably any other equation). For example i don't fully understand how the ΔX is inversely related to the d.
The equation in the thread title (which should be here in your post) is
$$\frac{\Delta x}{L} = \frac{\lambda}{d}$$
I'm assuming that L and ##\lambda## are constants in this equation.
If you double d, the result is that ##\Delta x## is halved. If you triple d, ##\Delta## becomes 1/3 of its former value. That's what inversely related means.
totomyl said:
I have an idea of how this is so, however i can't really picture it with numbers. If you could explain the relationships and how they work that would be nice ty.
 
My guess is that a plane wave of wavelength lambda impinges on a opaque screen with a hole of size d. The outgoing diffraction pattern has an angle of about lamda/d. Another screen , at L meters from the first one (really far), is used to observe the diffraction pattern. delta_x is the approximate size of the main diffraction lobe.
I'd like to see the original context
 

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