SAT II physics light question

In summary, when monochromatic light passes through a double slit, a bright fringe is formed due to a path difference of 1 "wavelength symbol". This is determined by the equation lambda/d = x/L, where lambda is the wavelength of the light, d is the distance between the slits, x is the distance of the bright fringe, and L is the distance of the screen from the slits. This means that the answer is E) 1 "wavelength symbol". The double slit does play a role in this phenomenon and the values of x and L are not necessary to determine the answer.
  • #1

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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  • #2
You need to make at least some effort. What have you studied in class on this topic?
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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
 
  • #5
for bright fringe, path diff is n*lambda
for dark band, it is (2n - 1)*lambda/2
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
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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