Single-slit Diffraction Question Pls help

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the width of the first-order bright fringe in a single-slit diffraction experiment using monochromatic light of 585 nm. The slit width is given as 8.0 x 10^-2 mm, and the distance to the screen is 1.8 m. The key equation used is PD/w = x/L, where PD is the path difference, w is the slit width, and L is the distance to the screen. The confusion arises regarding the value of n, where participants clarify that n refers to the nth maximum, and the separation between dark and bright fringes is equivalent.

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Homework Statement



Monochromatic light of 585 nm is shone on a slit of width 8.0 x 10^-2 mm and the interference pattern is produced on a screen 1.8 m from the source. What is the width of the first-order bright fringe?




Homework Equations



PD/w=x/L

The Attempt at a Solution


PD=? I am not sure what n would be.. that's my main problem
wavelength= 5.85 x 10^-7 m
L= 1.8 m
w= 8 x 10^-5 m


When I used n=1 wavelength, i got the right answer, but n=1 is the first order dark fringe.. can someone please explain to me this.. i would just like to know what n would be.. thankyou any help is muchly appreciated.

thankyou xie xie ni mm goi!
 
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9giddjl said:
but n=1 is the first order dark fringe
Why do you think that?

Doesn't n refer to the nth maximum?
 
single slit diffraction equations lead to dark fringes, however as the separation between two dark fringes and two bright fringes are the same, it does not make any difference
 

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