Young's double slit and interference maximums

AI Thread Summary
In the Young's double slit experiment, the problem involves determining the ratio of slit separation distance to width, the number of interference maximums across the central diffraction maximum, and the intensity ratio of the 5th interference maximum to the central maximum. The user is unsure how to calculate the values of phi and beta, which are critical for solving part (a) of the problem. For part (b), the user expresses uncertainty about how to approach the calculation of the number of maximums. In part (c), the user notes the complexity of the intensity equation and seeks guidance on how to relate the intensity of the 5th maximum to the central maximum. The discussion emphasizes the need for relevant equations from textbooks regarding intensity and interference maximums.
DWill
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Homework Statement


In a Young's double slit experiment the width of each slit is a, the distance between the centers
of the slits is d, and the 10th interference maximum to the right of the central maximum is the first
missing maximum. a) Find the ratio of the slit separation distance to the width, d
a
b) Find the number of interference maximums across the central diffraction maximum.
c) Find the ratio of the intensity of the 5th interference maximum relative to intensity of the
central maximum.


Homework Equations


phi = (2pi / lambda) * d * sin(theta)
beta = (2pi / lambda) * a * sin(theta)


The Attempt at a Solution


(a) I see that the ratio d/a is phi/beta, but how do I determine the value of phi and beta? All I can think of is that the 1st minimum occurs at beta = 2pi, but I'm not sure how that would relate here.
(b) No idea on this one
(c) There's a long equation for I that relates it to I_o. It also includes cos^2 (phi/2) and also sin(beta/2), and is too long and I'm not sure how to write it here. I can figure this out I think if I know the value of either phi or beta, and then use the d/a ratio from part (a) to find the other value. Once I have those 2 I can use the equation to relate the 5th interference maximum intensity to I_o (central max intensity).

Some explanations will also be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your textbook should have an equation for the intensity of a single-slit diffraction pattern. You will need that.

There should also be an equation for the interference maximums.
 
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