Width of slit and distance between adjacent maxima

In summary, the conversation discusses using an equation to determine the width of a slit and the distance between adjacent maxima when a laser with a wavelength of 560 nm is directed at a single slit and produces an interference pattern on a screen 3.0 m away. The central maximum is 5.0 cm wide. The equation used is lambda = wL/deltay, and the calculated width of the slit is 6.7 x 10^-5 m. The conversation also mentions using an equation that links intensity and angle for a single slit and the importance of understanding the properties of the sinc function to maximize results.
  • #1
fa08ti
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A laser emitting light with a wavelength of 560 nm is directed at a single slit, producing an interference pattern on a screen that is 3.0 m away. The central maximum is 5.0 cm wide.

determine the width of the slit and the distance between adjacent maxima.

attempt

i used this equation:

[itex]\lambda[/itex] = w L / delta y

i got 6.7 X 10 ^-5 m for the width of the slit

what I'm unsure of is the distance of the adjacent maxima, I'm not even sure where to begin
 
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  • #2
You should use the equation that links the intensity and the angle for a single slit.
It is easy to maximize if you know some of the basic properties of the sinc function.

Hope it helps!
 

Related to Width of slit and distance between adjacent maxima

1. What is the relationship between the width of a slit and the distance between adjacent maxima in a diffraction pattern?

The width of a slit and the distance between adjacent maxima in a diffraction pattern are inversely proportional. This means that as the width of the slit increases, the distance between adjacent maxima decreases, and vice versa. This relationship can be mathematically described by the equation d = λL/a, where d is the distance between adjacent maxima, λ is the wavelength of the incident light, L is the distance from the slit to the screen, and a is the width of the slit.

2. How does changing the width of a slit affect the number of maxima in a diffraction pattern?

Changing the width of a slit does not affect the number of maxima in a diffraction pattern. The number of maxima is determined by the wavelength of the incident light and the distance between the slit and the screen. However, changing the width of a slit can affect the intensity or brightness of the maxima, as well as the overall shape of the diffraction pattern.

3. Can the distance between adjacent maxima ever be greater than the width of the slit?

No, the distance between adjacent maxima can never be greater than the width of the slit. This is because the width of the slit determines the minimum distance between adjacent maxima, which occurs when the diffraction pattern is at its maximum intensity. Any further increase in the distance between maxima would result in a decrease in intensity and a distortion of the diffraction pattern.

4. How does the distance between adjacent maxima change with different wavelengths of light?

The distance between adjacent maxima is directly proportional to the wavelength of light. This means that as the wavelength increases, the distance between adjacent maxima also increases. This can be observed in the equation d = λL/a, where λ is the wavelength. This relationship is important in understanding the phenomenon of diffraction and can be used to determine the wavelength of light based on the distance between adjacent maxima in a diffraction pattern.

5. Why is the distance between adjacent maxima in a diffraction pattern important to study?

The distance between adjacent maxima is an important parameter to study in diffraction because it provides information about the properties of light, such as its wavelength. It also helps to understand the behavior of light as it passes through small openings, which has practical applications in fields such as optics and telecommunications. Additionally, studying the distance between adjacent maxima can lead to a better understanding of the wave nature of light and the concept of interference.

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