Which formulas are appropriate for calculating intensity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the intensity ratio of an interference pattern created by monochromatic plane waves with a wavelength of 537nm, incident on two narrow slits spaced 26 micrometers apart. The relevant equation for intensity is given as I=I0(cos(∏(d/(λL)z)) where z is the distance from the central fringe, specifically 35.5mm in this case. Participants confirmed the formula's correctness and emphasized the need to compute the ratio I/I0 while clarifying the variables d, L, and λ.

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Homework Statement


Monochromatic plane waves of wavelength 537nm are incident on two narrow slits and produce an interference pattern on a wall 3.1m away. The slits are spaced 26 micrometers apart and are 5.7 micrometers wide each. What is the ratio of intensity to that of the central fringe a distance of 35.5mm from the central fringe?
2. Relevant equation

I=I0(cos(∏(d/(λL)z))

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using this formula to find the intensity of the central fringe and also the intensity of the fringe 35.5mm from the central fringe, however, I could not determine what I(sub)naught was.
 

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Your formula is correct, as you have it in the link. You left out the exponent of 2 when you typed it out. They simply want you to compute the ratio ## \frac{I}{I_o} ##. You should be able to do that using your formula. (Usually the letter ## x ## is used instead of ## z ## in this formula. In any case, ## z=35.5 ## mm). You should be able to figure out what ## d ##, ## L ## and ## \lambda ## are.
 
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Charles Link said:
Your formula is correct, as you have it in the link. You left out the exponent of 2 when you typed it out. They simply want you to compute the ratio ## \frac{I}{I_o} ##. You should be able to do that using your formula. (Usually the letter ## x ## is used instead of ## z ## in this formula. In any case, ## z=35.5 ## mm). You should be able to figure out what ## d ##, ## L ## and ## \lambda ## are.
That makes so much sense! Thanks a lot for your time!
 
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