How Can You Identify Diffraction Gratings Using a Laser and Detection Screen?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying two unlabelled diffraction gratings using a red laser and a detection screen. The gratings differ in the number of lines per centimeter, specifically 5000 lines/cm and 10000 lines/cm. Participants are exploring how to determine which grating corresponds to the higher line density based on the interference patterns produced.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the angles for the first maximum of each grating and discussing the expected differences in interference patterns. Questions about the relationship between the grating density and the resulting angles are raised, along with considerations of how far the maxima would appear on a detection screen placed at a distance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing calculations and questioning assumptions about the setup. Some have pointed out potential errors in equations, while others are exploring the implications of these calculations on the observed patterns. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the expected outcomes based on the different gratings.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of using specific equipment and known values, such as the wavelength of the laser. There is a noted confusion regarding the correct application of formulas, particularly concerning the inclusion of wavelength in the calculations.

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You find two unlabelled diffraction gratings in your lab. From purchase records, you know that one grating has 5000 lines/cm, while the other has 10 000 lines/cm. Given the following equipment, describe how you would determine which is the grating with 10 000 lines/cm:
• Red laser
• detection screen
• the two unknown diffraction gratings
describe what difference you would observe.
n = d sin(theta)
d=1/5*105 = 2*10-6
d=1/1*106= 10-6
I don’t know how to start can someone give me any idea about this question
 
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At what angle would you see the first maximum for the 5000 line grating? At what angle would you see the first maximum for the 10000 line grating?

If you had a screen, say, 10 m away from the 5000 line grating, how far would the central maximum be from the first, second and nth maximas? What about for the 10000 line grating?
 
You missed a \lambda in your equation. It should read

n \lambda = d sin(\theta)

Anyway, what do you expect the difference between the interference patterns to be when you shine the laser on the two different gratings? Where is the first order (n=1) maximum with each grating?Edit:
And I see oedipa maas just posted similar remarks. . .
 
Last edited:
thats what i got
suppose the wavelength= 1cm = 1*10^-9
and m= 1
when d= 2*10^-6 m/line
theta= 0.029

when d= 10^-6
theta= 0.057
that's all what i got
 

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