How Does Monochromatic Light Create a Bright Fringe in a Double Slit Experiment?

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SUMMARY

Monochromatic light passing through a double slit creates a bright fringe due to a path difference of one wavelength (1 λ). The relevant equation for this phenomenon is λ/d = x/L, where λ represents the wavelength, d is the distance between the slits, x is the distance of the bright fringe, and L is the distance from the slits to the screen. For maxima, the path difference must equal nλ, confirming that the answer to the problem is E) 1 λ. Understanding this principle is essential for solving related physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Familiarity with the double slit experiment
  • Knowledge of the wavelength symbol (λ) and its significance
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave interference in detail
  • Learn about the double slit experiment and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of the interference pattern equations
  • Investigate the role of wavelength in diffraction and interference phenomena
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Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching wave optics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of light interference and the double slit experiment.

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Homework Statement


When monochromatic light passes through a double slit, a bright fringe is formed due to a path difference of
A) 1/4 "wavelength symbol"
B) 1/2 "wavelength symbol"
C) 3/4 "wavelength symbol"
D) 7/8 "wavelength symbol"
E) 1 "wavelength symbol"

please help by starting me off.
gracias :)
 
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You need to make at least some effort. What have you studied in class on this topic?
 
Start with the definitions(what do monochromatic and slit imply?) and equations to solve this problem. Also, the wavelength symbol is the greek symbol lambda.
 
for maxima (bright fringe)
lambda / d = x/L
where lambda is wavelength, d is distance between slits, x is distance of bright fringe, L is distance of screen from slits.

lamda = xd/L
answer is E) 1 lambda
 
for bright fringe, path diff is n*lambda
for dark band, it is (2n - 1)*lambda/2
 
cristo said:
You need to make at least some effort. What have you studied in class on this topic?

this is a question that was in my REA SAT II physics book. we never studied this in my physics class a year ago. and there's no mention of it in my REA book. or other study books i have.
 
spideyunlimit said:
for maxima (bright fringe)
lambda / d = x/L
where lambda is wavelength, d is distance between slits, x is distance of bright fringe, L is distance of screen from slits.

lamda = xd/L
answer is E) 1 lambda

that's what the book says the answer is.
but, I'm still really confused.
so the fact it's a double slit doesn't matter??
and that we don't know x and L?
 

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