Calculate 3rd Max Position of Slit Illuminated by He-Ne Laser

[Mitchtwitchita]

Homework Statement

A single slit is illuminated with a helium-neon laser whose wavelength is 633 nm. If the slit width is 2.2 x 10 e-5 m, calculate the position of the third maximum in degrees

Homework Equations

Sin Theta(m) = (m + 0.5) Lambda/w

The Attempt at a Solution

Sin Theta(3) = (3 + 0.5)(633 x 10 e-9)/2.2 x 10 e-5
=(3.5)(633 x 10 e-9)/2.2 x 10 e-5
=0.1

Theta(3) = sin-1(0.1)
=5.7 degrees

Therefore, the position of the third maximum is at 5.7 degrees


Does this seem right to anybody?

 

[anathema]

As a fellow scientist, I can confirm that your calculation is correct. The formula you used is the correct one for calculating the position of the mth maximum in a single slit diffraction pattern. Your calculation also takes into account the wavelength of the laser and the width of the slit, which are both important factors in determining the position of the maximum. Great job!

 

[m2003]

I would say that your calculation is correct. The equation you used, Sin Theta(m) = (m + 0.5) Lambda/w, is the correct formula for calculating the position of the mth maximum in a single slit diffraction pattern. In this case, m = 3, so the third maximum would occur at an angle of 5.7 degrees. Your calculation also takes into account the wavelength of the laser, the slit width, and the order of the maximum. Therefore, your answer seems reasonable and accurate.