Young's Double Slit with 2 Wavelengths variant

In summary, the question asks for the angles, represented by theta, where bright fringes are formed on a screen for both the wavelengths of 500nm and 600nm in a Double Slit experiment using a point light source. The separation of the two slits is 1mm and the equation used to find the angles is d sin θ= ΔL = +- mλ (bright fringes). There are an infinite amount of fringes, but it ends at 90 degrees. A possible answer for the angles is given by the formula θ = arcsin (mλ/d) with m = 0, ±1, ±2, ... and for m << (d/λ) the values are θ =
  • #1
JohnGaltis
18
0

Homework Statement


A point light source is used in a Double Slit experiment. The light source contains two wavelengths(500nm and 600nm).

Separation of the two slits d=1mm. Two sets of interference fringes are formed on a screen. Find the angles θ where bright fringes are formed for both the wavelengths on the screen.

Homework Equations


d sin θ= ΔL = +- mλ (bright fringes)

The Attempt at a Solution


The question asked for angles. From the fringes created from the 500nm and 600nm waves. How many though, I don't know. So the first thing I tried to do was find out how many fringes there will be since it would give me the values of "m" and hence, the angles involved in each value of "m".

And here, I have no idea how.
 
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  • #2
Assume m = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... etcetera !
Ignore single slit difffraction pattern (no info given -- assume narrow enought).
 
  • #3
BvU said:
Assume m = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... etcetera !
Ignore single slit difffraction pattern (no info given -- assume narrow enought).

Hello, BvU, thanks for replying. But I wouldn't know "m" goes how high?

If I use m=0, m=1, m=2, I will get 6 angles, 3 from each wavelength. If I use m=3 too, I get more angles as the answer. So how many values of m should I use? The question didn't specify.

I mean, technically there are an infinite amount of fringes right? And hence, angles.
 
  • #4
JohnGaltis said:
technically there are an infinite amount of fringes right
Nope. It stops by the time ##\theta = {\pi\over 2}## :smile:.

But I think an answer in the form of ##\theta = \arcsin \left (m\lambda\over d\right )## with ##m = 0, \pm 1, \pm 2, ... ## should be acceptable. If you then complete with: for ## m << {d\over \lambda} ## the values are ##\theta = 0, ... ## and fill in##m = 0, \pm 1, \pm 2, ... ## for both ##\lambda## you are covered on all sides (:rolleyes: unless this is a computerized exercise ?).
 
  • #5
BvU said:
Nope. It stops by the time ##\theta = {\pi\over 2}## :smile:.

But I think an answer in the form of ##\theta = \arcsin \left (m\lambda\over d\right )## with ##m = 0, \pm 1, \pm 2, ... ## should be acceptable. If you then complete with: for ## m << {d\over \lambda} ## the values are ##\theta = 0, ... ## and fill in##m = 0, \pm 1, \pm 2, ... ## for both ##\lambda## you are covered on all sides (:rolleyes: unless this is a computerized exercise ?).

Oh yeah sheesh, it ends at 90 degrees. And yes, that would work. Thanks for the clarification, BvU.
 

1. What is the Young's Double Slit Experiment?

The Young's Double Slit Experiment is a classic physics experiment that demonstrates the wave-like nature of light. It involves shining a beam of light through two narrow slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

2. What is the difference between the traditional Young's Double Slit Experiment and the variant with two wavelengths?

In the traditional experiment, a single wavelength of light is used. In the variant, two different wavelengths of light are used simultaneously. This creates a more complex interference pattern with additional fringes and bands.

3. How does the interference pattern change in the variant with two wavelengths?

In the variant, the interference pattern becomes more complex with the addition of fringes and bands due to the interference of the two different wavelengths of light. This can be observed by using a diffraction grating or by using a spectrometer to measure the intensity of light at different points on the screen.

4. What is the significance of the Young's Double Slit Experiment with two wavelengths?

The variant with two wavelengths helps to further support the wave theory of light and demonstrates the principles of constructive and destructive interference. It also has applications in fields such as optics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy.

5. Can the variant with two wavelengths be applied to other types of waves?

Yes, the principles of the Young's Double Slit Experiment can be applied to other types of waves such as sound waves, water waves, and even electron waves. This experiment provides a fundamental understanding of wave behavior and can be used in various scientific fields.

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