Why Does Young's Double Slit Experiment Use n + 1/2 Instead of m - 1/2?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the confusion between using n + 1/2 and m - 1/2 in Young's Double Slit Experiment. The original poster is preparing for a test and seeks clarification on the definitions of n and m, with n representing the number of spots from the center according to their teacher. They reference an external source that defines m as an integer (0, 1, 2...) and relate it to the positions of dark and light spots in the experiment. The poster ultimately resolves their confusion, indicating a better understanding of the concepts involved. This highlights the importance of consistent terminology in physics education.
nesan
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Homework Statement


Is this wrong or right? PLZ.

The Attempt at a Solution



http://www.kentshillphysics.net/optics36.gif

I have a test tomorrow buy my teacher said it's m - 1/2

Why does it say n + 1/2 everywhere. >_<
 
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What is m in this equation? (both according to your teacher and to the other sources you found)
 
Villyer said:
What is m in this equation? (both according to your teacher and to the other sources you found)

According to my teacher n is the number of spots from the center (dark or light).

Here's one of my other source.

http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/316/lectures/node151.html
 
From your source, m is an integer 0,1,2...
This means that the equation simplyfies into (\frac{1}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), (\frac{3}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), (\frac{5}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta)...

From your teacher, the number of spots away from the center is n.

So the first spot would yield (\frac{1}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), the second would be (\frac{3}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), and the third would be (\frac{5}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta).

Do you see where I'm going with this?
 
Villyer said:
From your source, m is an integer 0,1,2...
This means that the equation simplyfies into (\frac{1}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), (\frac{3}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), (\frac{5}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta)...

From your teacher, the number of spots away from the center is n.

So the first spot would yield (\frac{1}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), the second would be (\frac{3}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta), and the third would be (\frac{5}{2})\gamma =dsin(\theta).

Do you see where I'm going with this?

Oh I got it. :)

Tnx. :)

<3
 
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