What is the wavelength of light used in Young's double-slit experiment?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hannahj1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Phyics Slit Wave
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The wavelength of light used in Young's double-slit experiment can be calculated using the formula x/L = wavelength/d. In this scenario, the distance between the first and seventh nodal lines is 6.0 cm, the screen is 3.0 m from the slits, and the slit separation is 2.2 x 10^2 nanometres. A conversion error was identified, where the slit separation should be 2.2 x 10^-7 metres to align with the characteristics of visible light. Adjusting the slit separation by three orders of magnitude ensures the wavelength falls within the visible spectrum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Young's double-slit experiment
  • Familiarity with wave optics principles
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly nanometres to metres
  • Proficiency in using the formula x/L = wavelength/d
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave interference in optics
  • Learn about the visible spectrum and its wavelength range
  • Explore advanced topics in nanofabrication techniques
  • Investigate the implications of slit separation on diffraction patterns
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching wave optics, and researchers interested in experimental setups involving light and interference patterns.

Hannahj1
Messages
18
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


A student performing Young's experiment with a single-colour source finds the
distance between the first and the seventh nodal lines to be 6.0 cm. The screen
is located 3.0 m from the two slits. The slit separation is 2.2 x 10^2 nanometres. Calculate
the wavelength of the light.

Homework Equations


x/L = wavelength/ d

The Attempt at a Solution


I found a solution online and they made the distance 2.2 x 10^-4 metres instead of 2.2 x 10^-7 if you do the conversion. I think they multiplied by something but i don't know why they would need to.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The slit separation of 2.2 x 10^2 nanometres does not make any sense.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
The slit separation of 2.2 x 10^2 nanometres does not make any sense.
Why not? If you are referring to the practical limitation, we already have technology to fabricate sub-micro structure with a very good precision.
Hannahj1 said:
I found a solution online and they made the distance 2.2 x 10^-4 metres instead of 2.2 x 10^-7 if you do the conversion. I think they multiplied by something but i don't know why they would need to.
What number did you get using the original value of slit separation? I believe the number you got won't qualify to being called "light". Changing the slit separation by three orders of magnitude will make the wavelength lies in the visible region, which is in conform with the calling of the illuminating EM wave as light.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K