The discussion clarifies the use of n + 1/2 in Young's Double Slit Experiment, contrasting it with the m - 1/2 notation suggested by a teacher. In this context, n represents the number of spots from the center (dark or light), while m is defined as an integer (0, 1, 2, ...). The equations derived from these definitions yield positions for the interference pattern: (1/2)γ = d sin(θ), (3/2)γ = d sin(θ), and (5/2)γ = d sin(θ). This distinction is crucial for accurately interpreting the results of the experiment.
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Villyer said:What is m in this equation? (both according to your teacher and to the other sources you found)
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?