What is the 'first order' diffraction peak?

AI Thread Summary
The 'first order' diffraction peak refers to the initial diffraction peak observed in a diffraction pattern. Its meaning can vary based on context; it may indicate the first peak in a general sense or refer to a value derived from a 'first order' approximation. Understanding the distinction is crucial for accurate interpretation in diffraction studies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of context when defining the term. Overall, clarity in terminology is essential for effective communication in diffraction analysis.
HotMintea
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
Could someone explain what the 'first order' diffraction peak is?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It depends on the context. Generally it simply means the first diffraction peak, from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction_formalism" .

If its the 'diffraction peak, to first order' that can mean something different. That could be the value of the first diffraction peak, according to a 'first order' approximation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
zhermes said:
It depends on the context. Generally it simply means the first diffraction peak, from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction_formalism" .

If its the 'diffraction peak, to first order' that can mean something different. That could be the value of the first diffraction peak, according to a 'first order' approximation.

Thanks for your help!:smile: I also liked the article you referred to.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Diffraction pattern from a grating
Replies
3
Views
844
Fraunhofer Diffraction Pattern Ratio of Power Densities
Replies
34
Views
3K
Balmer series experiment
Replies
2
Views
954
Problem on Diffraction Grating and Laser Crystallography
Replies
10
Views
2K
Why is the first peak in the Franck-Hertz experiment longer than the others?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Number of bright fringes given by diffraction grating on a screen
Replies
6
Views
3K
Why Does Light Diminish with a Phase Difference of 5λ?
Replies
6
Views
874
What is the effect on a diffraction pattern when reducing the width of the slit?
Replies
11
Views
3K
Calculating the Number of Lines for a Diffraction Grating
Replies
3
Views
2K
Peak of the amplitude resonance curve
Replies
16
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top