Stuck in wave interference question

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a two-slit apparatus and the intensity pattern produced on a screen by light of 576 nm wavelength. The given information includes the width of each slit, the center-to-center separation of the slits, and the intensity at the center of the pattern. The question asks for the intensity at a specific point on the screen, given its distance from the center. The intensity pattern equation is referenced and a picture is provided as part of the solution attempt.
  • #1
toesockshoe
265
2

Homework Statement



Light of 576 nm wavelength is directed at a two-slit apparatus and produces a famous intensity pattern on a screen 75.0 cm away. Each slit is 0.434 mm wide, and the center-to-center separation of the slits is 0.640 mm.

Given that the intensity at the very center of the pattern is 5.00×10−4W/m2 , determine the intensity at a point a distance 0.900 mm , measured along the screen, from the very center.

The question had lots of numbers, so I just posted a pic instead of typing everything in latex. (sorry!)


2. Homework Equations

Look at picture!

The Attempt at a Solution


Look at picture in attachment!
 

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  • #2
The ##d## in the intensity pattern equation is the center-to-center distance between the slits, it's not the distance between the inner edges of the slit as you seem to have assumed.
 

Related to Stuck in wave interference question

1. What is wave interference?

Wave interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves meet in the same medium and combine to form a new wave. This can result in constructive interference, where the waves combine to form a larger amplitude, or destructive interference, where the waves cancel each other out.

2. How does wave interference affect objects?

Wave interference can affect objects in different ways depending on the type of wave and the object's properties. For example, sound waves can cause objects to vibrate or resonate, while light waves can produce diffraction patterns when passing through narrow openings or slits.

3. Can you give an example of wave interference?

One common example of wave interference is the interference pattern seen when two or more water waves meet. This can create areas of calm water where the waves cancel each other out, and areas of higher waves where they combine constructively.

4. How can we observe wave interference in everyday life?

Wave interference can be observed in many aspects of everyday life. For example, it can be seen in the patterns of light on a soap bubble, the colors on an oil slick, or the sound quality in a concert hall. It can also be observed in the interference patterns created by radio waves, which are used in technologies such as cell phones and wifi.

5. What are some real-world applications of wave interference?

Wave interference has many practical applications in fields such as optics, acoustics, and telecommunications. It is used in technologies such as holograms, fiber optics, and noise-canceling headphones. It is also essential in studying and understanding the behavior of various types of waves in different mediums.

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