Phase Difference Homework | Solutions in PDF

[v_pino]

Homework Statement

Please see pdf file. Thank you.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[ideasrule]

The work you've done so far is correct. Now substitute r1 and r2 into your phase difference equation, then use the suggested simplification.

 

[v_pino]

How do I get rid of 'a' since the aperture size is not give?

 

[v_pino]

I tried letting 'a' = 'y' but I'm a factor of two larger.

 

[ideasrule]

How do I get rid of 'a' since the aperture size is not give?

Oh, I hadn't realized that. The given equation for phase shift actually has to be wrong, since phase shift must depend on aperture size. Imagine making the aperture extremely small, for example. The phase shift should logically go to zero, but in that equation, it doesn't.