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

  • Thread starter Thread starter mustang1988
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Slit Width
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The calculation of slit width using light diffraction for blue light with a wavelength of 450 nm and an angular separation of 51.5° between dark bands is incorrect due to a misunderstanding of the angle used in the formula. The correct approach requires halving the angle to θ = 25.75° for accurate calculations. Using the formula sin(θ) = λ/w, the correct width of the slit is calculated as w = 450e-9/sin(25.75°), resulting in a slit width of approximately 5.75 x 10-7 meters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light diffraction principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Knowledge of wavelength measurements in nanometers
  • Ability to manipulate and solve equations involving angles and physical constants
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of single-slit diffraction in detail
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Explore the impact of wavelength on diffraction patterns
  • Practice calculating slit widths using various wavelengths and angles
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in optics and wave phenomena, particularly those studying light diffraction and its applications.

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[tex]\theta[/tex]=[tex]\lambda[/tex]/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.
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K