Solve Unknown Wavelength from Diffraction Grating Homework

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a diffraction grating with 3000 lines per cm used to analyze green light at 500 nm and another light of unknown wavelength. The setup measures the linear separation of the two wavelengths on a screen located 2 m from the grating, specifically in the second order of diffraction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the known wavelength of 500 nm to find the position of the green light on the screen and relate it to the unknown wavelength. There are questions about how to incorporate the separation distance of 10 cm and whether to add or subtract this distance when calculating the position of the unknown wavelength.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested methods to calculate the position for the green light first, while others are exploring the implications of the separation distance. There is recognition of ambiguity in the problem statement regarding the direction of the separation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential issue with the calculated wavelength of the unknown light being outside the visible spectrum, raising questions about the validity of the approach taken. The problem's wording is also highlighted as being somewhat vague, leading to different interpretations.

jesuslovesu
Messages
185
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A grating with 3000 lines per cm is used to disperse green light (500nm) and another light of unknown wavelength on a screen 2 m from the grating. The linear separation between the green and unknown light on the screen in the second order is found to be 10 cm. Find the wavelength of the unknown light.


Homework Equations


dsin(\Theta) = m\lambda
y = m*\lambda*L/d


The Attempt at a Solution


L = 2 m
d = 1/300,000 m
y = .1 m
I don't know what the answer is but all I can get is 83 nm by doing this:
.1 m * 300,000 m / 2m / 2 = \lambda

I am guessing it's wrong because it's not visible light. Does anyone know if I did anything wrong? I'm not sure if I need to do something with the given 500 nm.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you need to make use of the 500 nm. Try finding y for the 500 nm wavelength. You know that y for the unknown wavelength is 10 cm away from y for the 500 nm.
 
two step problem
Get y for the green first,using the 500
then add the y + 0.1 meter to get the spread for the other color
Although from the question, I could not tell if you use y +.1 or y-.1
Then solve for wavelength of other color

Maybe one of them gives a bad answer.
 
I was taking it to mean y for the unknown wavelength was further away from the centre, but the question is a little vague.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
902
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K