Why Is My Calculation of Slit Width Using Light Diffraction Incorrect?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mustang1988
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Slit Width
AI Thread Summary
The calculation of slit width using light diffraction is incorrect due to misunderstanding the angle measurement. The angle given, 51.5°, represents the separation of dark bands, requiring the angle to be halved for individual band calculations. The correct formula to use is sin(θ) = λ/w, where θ should be 25.75° (51.5°/2). Using this corrected angle, the width of the slit can be accurately determined. Properly applying the angle in the formula is essential for obtaining the correct result.
mustang1988
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
1. When blue light of wavelength 450 nm falls on a single slit, the first dark bands on either side of center are separated by 51.5°. Determine the width of the slit.




2. sin\theta=\lambda/w



3. w=450e-9/sin(51.5)=5.75x10-7
I tried this but it said it was wrong, if anyone could help that would be great.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the problem the given angle is the separation dark bands on either side.
So θ = 51.5/2 degrees.
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top