How Can Similar Triangles Help Prove Light Interference Formulas?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MathematicalPhysicist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the formula sin(b_n) = (n*lambda)/d in the context of monochromatic light interference. The variables involved include dX, the distance between adjacent light spots, lambda, the wavelength of light, L, the distance between two screens, and d, the gap distance of the first screen. The user attempts to establish a relationship using right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem, leading to the expression D = sqrt(L^2 + n^2*(dX)^2). However, they seek further assistance to derive the desired formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of monochromatic light interference principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their approximations for small angles
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem in geometry
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of interference patterns in Young's double-slit experiment
  • Learn about the relationship between angle, wavelength, and distance in light interference
  • Explore the concept of small angle approximations in trigonometry
  • Investigate the application of right triangles in optics and wave phenomena
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, optical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding light interference and its mathematical foundations.

MathematicalPhysicist
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,662
Reaction score
372
i need to prove that sin(b_n)=(n*lambda)/d
while dX=(lambda*L)/d

this is a situation of monochromatic light inteference where dX is the is the distance between every adjacent light spots, lambda is ofcourse the light wavelength, L is the width between the two screens, d is the distance between the gaps of first screen and n describes the place of light spots.

i know it's rather simple but my text doesn't reveal all the simple algebraic and trigonometric tricks.
but i think that if we were to build a right triangle then n*dX equals one of its sides while L is the other and by pythogrean sentence the hypotenuse equals:
D=sqrt(L^2+n^2*(dX)^2)
and then sin(b_n)=(n*dX)/D
but this is as far as i went and i didn't get the formula i needed to prove, your input is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
946
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K