Calculate Distance Between Maxima of 500 nm Wavelength Light

[Mitchtwitchita]

a) A light with a wavelength of 500 nm illuminates two narrow slits that are 0.10 mm apart. If the viewing screen is 1.20 m from the slits calculate the distance between each maximum.

b)how far would the fourth maximum be from the central maximum?



a) Given: lambda = 500 x 10e-9 m
d= 0.1 x 10e-3 m
L= 1.2 m

delta x = lambda x L/d
=(500 x 10e-9 m) (1.2 m)/(0.1 x 10 e-3 m)
=0.0006 m
=6.0 x 10 e-3

Therefore, the distance between each maximum is 6.0 x 10 e-3 m

b) Since the distance between each maximum is 6.0 x 10 e-3 m the fourth maximum would be 4 x (6.0 x 10 e-3 m)

Therefore, 4 x (6.0 x 10 e-3 m) = 2.4 x 10 e-2

Therefore, the fourth maximum would be 2.4 x 10 e-2 m away from the central maximum.


Does this look like I'm doing this question right to anybody?

 

[hage567]

Yes, you've got it right.

 

[m2003]

I can confirm that your calculations and approach to this question are correct. Your use of the equation delta x = lambda x L/d is appropriate for calculating the distance between maxima in a double-slit experiment. Additionally, your answer for the distance between each maximum and the distance of the fourth maximum from the central maximum are both correct. Well done!