Intensity at a point on the screen

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the intensity of monochromatic light at a specific angle in a diffraction pattern. The initial attempt yielded an incorrect intensity value of 1.13×10^-9 W/m² due to potential confusion between degrees and radians in calculations. Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring the calculator is set to the correct mode for angle measurement. After revisiting the calculations, a revised intensity of 3.47×10^-10 W/m² was obtained, prompting further verification of the working steps. The conversation highlights the critical nature of accurate angle conversion in physics calculations.
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Homework Statement


Monochromatic light of wavelength 592 nm from a distant source passes through a slit that is 0.0290 mm wide. In the resulting diffraction pattern, the intensity at the center of the central maximum (θ = 0∘) is 3.00×10−5 W/m2 .
What is the intensity at a point on the screen that corresponds to θ = 1.20∘?
Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Homework Equations


$$I = I_0[\sin(\pi*a*\sin(\theta)/\lambda)/(\pi*a*\sin(\theta)/\lambda)]^2$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the formula and values and got an answer of 1.13*10^-9 W/m^2 but it says it's incorrect and I'm not sure why.
 
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In these forums you need to double the dollar (or hash) signs:
##I = I_0[\sin(\pi*a*\sin(\theta)/\lambda)/(\pi*a*\sin(\theta)/\lambda)]^2##
 
haruspex said:
In these forums you need to double the dollar (or hash) signs:
##I = I_0[\sin(\pi*a*\sin(\theta)/\lambda)/(\pi*a*\sin(\theta)/\lambda)]^2##

Thanks. Changed it
 
HelpPlease27 said:
I used the formula and values and got an answer of 1.13*10^-9 W/m^2
I get a number an order of magnitude greater. Any possible confusion between degrees and radians?
 
haruspex said:
I get a number an order of magnitude greater. Any possible confusion between degrees and radians?

Maybe but then do I need to change the 1.2 into radians or i don't know
 
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HelpPlease27 said:
Maybe but then do I need to change the 1.2 into radians or i don't know
I assume you are using a calculator. Most or all calculators allow you to enter the angle in either degrees or radians, but you have to select the right option. Whichever way you do the inner sine (sin(θ) in the quoted equation), the result of (πa sin(θ)/λ) is in radians.
 
haruspex said:
I assume you are using a calculator. Most or all calculators allow you to enter the angle in either degrees or radians, but you have to select the right option. Whichever way you do the inner sine (sin(θ) in the quoted equation), the result of (πa sin(θ)/λ) is in radians.

Ok, I tried it again and I'm now getting 3.47*10^-10
 
HelpPlease27 said:
Ok, I tried it again and I'm now getting 3.47*10^-10
Then you need to post your full working.
I get sin(1.2o)=0.021, πa/λ=154, multiplying gives 3.22, sine of that is -0.08, dividing by 3.22 gives -0.026, squaring to 0.00067, then multipying by I0 ends with 2 10-8W/m2.
 
haruspex said:
Then you need to post your full working.
I get sin(1.2o)=0.021, πa/λ=154, multiplying gives 3.22, sine of that is -0.08, dividing by 3.22 gives -0.026, squaring to 0.00067, then multipying by I0 ends with 2 10-8W/m2.

Thanks, that makes sense now. Who knows what I was doing in my calculations.
 
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