How Does Light Wave Interference Reveal the Width of a Spider Web?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on measuring the width of a spider web strand using light wave interference. A 650nm laser illuminates a 65 μm wide spider web strand positioned 2 meters from a projection screen. The resulting interference pattern consists of bright maxima at m=-2, -1, 0, 1, and 2, which are influenced by the path length differences due to diffraction. The analysis highlights the relationship between the strand's width and the observed interference pattern.

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nophun6
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Hello, I need help with a light wave interference question.

Q: Imagine you are trying to measure the width of a single strand of spider web. You have fastened the web to the slide horizontally. You illuminate the strand with a 650nm laser and project the resulting interference pattern onto the wall where you have fastened a piece of paper. Given that the strand is
65 μm wide and is located 2 meters from the wall, draw the resulting interference pattern you would see in. Draw the pattern to scale in the correct orientation. Include only the m=-2, -1, 0, 1, 2 maxima (bright spots). Indicate the distance between each adjacent maximum.

Usually I would say what I know and how I would approach this problem, but for this one I really am at a lost. Any help is greatly appreciated
 
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The spider web thread is opaque; it will cast a shadow.
Outside the edges of the thread are paths that diffract into the shadow.
They each have a path length from thread to screen (like single-slit)
the path Length difference (L_top - L_bottom) causes interference.
 

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