What are the variables in the equation λ=xd/L in Physical Optics?

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SUMMARY

The equation λ=xd/L is fundamental in physical optics, where λ represents the wavelength, x is the distance from the center maximum to the first minimum, d is the slit separation, and L is the distance from the slits to the observation screen. In the context of the discussion, the user seeks clarification on the variables' meanings, particularly in relation to a lab experiment conducted in class. The calculated answer of 5.9*10^-5 cm indicates the wavelength when the appropriate values for x, d, and L are applied correctly.

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  • Knowledge of laboratory experiments involving slit separation and diffraction
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NP04
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Homework Statement
Monochromatic light falls on a single slit 0.01 cm wide and develops a first-order minimum (dark band) 0.59 cm from the center of the central bright band on a screen that is one meter away. Determine the wavelength of the light.
Relevant Equations
λ=xd/L
I know I have to use λ=xd/L. But I don't know what any of those variables (except lambda) mean. If you assume that 0.59 is x times d, you can get an answer that is close. 0.59/100 = 5.9*10^-3. Can someone explain the solution and meanings of variables using a diagram?
(The answer to the problem is 5.9*10^-5 cm).
 
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How can you have a homework problem using variables that mean nothing to you?
 
phinds said:
How can you have a homework problem using variables that mean nothing to you?

There is slit separation, slit width, distance between center maximum. I just don't know which variable corresponds to each.
 
NP04 said:
There is slit separation, slit width, distance between center maximum. I just don't know which variable corresponds to each.
That doesn't answer my question, since if you don't know which is which, that's equivalent to not knowing what the variables are
 
phinds said:
That doesn't answer my question, since if you don't know which is which, that's equivalent to not knowing what the variables are

Ok, so I'm asking what they are.

We did a lab on this in class.
 

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