What is the Wavelength of Light Used in a Double-Slit Interference Experiment?

In summary, using Thomas Young's double-slit experiment and the given data, the wavelength of light used to create the interference pattern can be determined in three ways. These include using the formula Sinθ = 8λ/d, Δx =λL/d, and λ = Δxd/4L. All three methods yield a wavelength of 6.1 x 10^-7 m.
  • #1
student07
36
1
Upon using Thomas Young's double-slit experiment to obtain measurements, the following data were obtained. Use the data to determine the wavelength of light being used to create the interference pattern. Do this in three different ways.
- The angle to the eighth maximum is 1.12 deg.
- The distance from the slits to the screen is 302 cm.
- The distance from the first minimum to the fifth minimum is 2.95 cm.
- The distance between the slits is 0.00025 m.

L = 302 cm = 3.02 m, 4 Δx=2.95 cm, then = 0.74 cm = 0.74 x 10^-2 m, d = 0.00025 m

Attempt at the solution:
1. Sinθ = 8λ/d, then Sinθ d /8=λ = (sin 1.12)(0.00025m) / 8 = 6.1 x 10^-7 m

2. Δx =λL/d, then λ= Δxd/L = (0.74 x 10^-2 m)(0.00025 m) / 3.02 m = 6.1 x 10^-7 m

3. λ = Δxd / 4L =(2.95 x 10^-2 m)(0.00025 m) / 4(3.02 m) = 6.1 x 10^-7 m

Im not sure about the last one, please revise thank you!

[Mentor's Note: Moved from General Physics]
 
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  • #2
2 and 3 look very similar, but there is no fundamentally different thing you can do.
 
  • #3
thank you
 

Related to What is the Wavelength of Light Used in a Double-Slit Interference Experiment?

1. What is interference of light waves?

Interference of light waves is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more light waves overlap and interact with each other. This can result in either constructive interference, where the waves reinforce each other and produce a brighter light, or destructive interference, where the waves cancel each other out and produce a darker light.

2. How does interference of light waves work?

Interference of light waves is based on the principle of superposition, which states that when two or more waves meet at a point, the resulting displacement is the sum of the individual displacements. This means that the waves will either add or subtract from each other, depending on their relative phase.

3. What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference?

Constructive interference occurs when two waves have the same wavelength and are in phase, meaning their peaks and troughs align. This results in a brighter light as the waves reinforce each other. Destructive interference occurs when two waves have the same wavelength but are out of phase, resulting in a darker light as the waves cancel each other out.

4. What are some real-life examples of interference of light waves?

Interference of light waves can be observed in many everyday situations, such as when you see colors on a soap bubble or oil slick, when light passes through a diffraction grating or a CD, or when you see patterns of light and dark bands in thin films like soap bubbles or oil slicks.

5. How is interference of light waves used in technology?

Interference of light waves is used in various technologies, such as optical filters, which use constructive interference to only allow certain wavelengths of light to pass through. It is also used in interferometers, which measure minute changes in distance by detecting interference patterns, and in holography, which uses interference patterns to create three-dimensional images.

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