Young's double slit experiment decreasing distance

[xswtxoj]

what the advantage of decreasing the distance between slits in a Young double slit experiment? i think to have the laser move closer to the screen

 

[buffordboy23]

Well, let's take a look. The maxima are given by the equation

d sin(theta) = m*lambda

where d is the slit separation, theta is the angle from the central axis to the maxima associated with the integers m, and lambda is the wavelength of the coherent light source.

We can rearrange this equation as

theta = arcsin[ (m*lambda) / d ]

Choose any m and keep lambda constant. Now vary the slit separation d. How does theta change with smaller and smaller values of d? It looks like a homework problem so I will let you tell me the answer. Also, note that the argument of arcsin requires

-1 <= (m*lambda) / d <= 1

 

[sir-pinski]

Decreasing the distance between slits in a Young's double slit experiment has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for a larger angle of diffraction, resulting in a more pronounced interference pattern. This is because as the distance between the slits decreases, the angle between the diffracted waves also decreases, leading to a larger overlap and stronger interference.

Secondly, decreasing the distance between the slits allows for a smaller wavelength of light to be used. This is because the distance between the slits and the screen determines the distance between the bright fringes in the interference pattern. With a smaller distance between the slits, a shorter wavelength of light can be used to produce a similar interference pattern, allowing for more precise measurements and observations.

Additionally, decreasing the distance between the slits can also help to reduce the effects of unwanted diffraction from other sources, such as ambient light or imperfections in the slits themselves. This can improve the overall quality of the interference pattern and make it easier to analyze and interpret.

In terms of moving the laser closer to the screen, this can also have advantages. It allows for a larger range of measurements to be taken, as the distance between the slits and the screen can be adjusted to produce different interference patterns. This can be especially useful when trying to determine the wavelength of light being used.

Overall, decreasing the distance between slits in a Young's double slit experiment can improve the accuracy and precision of the results, making it a valuable technique in studying the properties of light and waves.