Two light sources against a wall

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance between the center point on a wall and the 10th bright spot created by two light sources positioned 0.5 mm apart, emitting light with a wavelength of 550 nm. The formula used is x = nLv/d, where n is the order of the bright spot, L is the distance to the wall, and d is the separation of the light sources. The calculated distance to the 10th bright spot is confirmed to be approximately 5.5 mm, with a more precise value of 5.5003 mm derived from the exact equation nλ = d*sin(θ).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Familiarity with the double-slit experiment
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry and small angle approximations
  • Proficiency in using the formula x = nLv/d for interference patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave interference in detail
  • Learn about the double-slit experiment and its applications
  • Explore the derivation and implications of the formula nλ = d*sin(θ)
  • Investigate the effects of varying wavelength and source separation on interference patterns
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Students in physics, educators teaching wave optics, and anyone interested in understanding light interference patterns and their calculations.

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Homework Statement



Two light sources half a millimetre apart with a wavelength of 550nm shine on a wall exactly 50cm away. What is the distance between the centre point on the wall and the 10th bright spot out?

Homework Equations



x=nLv/d


The Attempt at a Solution



x=10x0.5x(5.5x10^-7)/0.0005
= 0.0055m = 5.5mm
 
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I agree with that answer. The assumption that the angle is sufficiently small so that nλ = d*sin(θ) equals dx/L appears to be reasonable. Working it out with the exact nλ = d*sin(θ) yields x = 5.5003 mm.
 

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