Finding slit seperation in two-slit experiment

In summary, the problem involves finding the slit separation distance d for a double-slit interference pattern formed by a He-Ne laser with a wavelength of 632.8nm. The formula d*sin(θ) = m*λ is used, where θ is the angle between the central maximum and the next bright spot, and m is the order of the bright spot. Using a diagram and the Pythagorean theorem, the slit separation distance d can be solved for.
  • #1
clearsky
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0

Homework Statement



Light from a He-Ne laser ([itex]\lambda[/itex] = 632.8nm) strikes a pair of slits at normal incidence, forming a double-slit interference pattern on a screen located 1.50 from the slits. The figure shows the interference pattern observed on the screen
Walker.28.17.jpg


What is the slit separation?

Homework Equations



d*sin([itex]\theta[/itex]) = m*sin([itex]\lambda[/itex])
y = L*sin([itex]\theta[/itex])

The Attempt at a Solution



I know i can solve this problem if i just find sin([itex]\theta[/itex]) but this is where I'm getting stuck.

Also, does the diagram tell me anything important? i thought maybe by dividing the 23mm by 4, i could get y (the distance between each bright fringe) but that proved to be fruitless when i tried solving for sinθ using 0.023/4 = 1.5sinθ but that didn't give me the correct answer for d.

nevermind. i figured this out.
 
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  • #2
The formula should be d*sin(θ) = m*λ.
Draw your diagram with one line horizontal from the slits to a bright central maximum and another line at angle θ to the next bright spot, separated from the first by x. You can figure out x from the given diagram and then you can get the hypotenuse in the new diagram using the Pythagorean theorem. Use the formula to solve for the slit separation distance d.
 

FAQ: Finding slit seperation in two-slit experiment

How does the two-slit experiment work?

The two-slit experiment involves passing a beam of light or particles through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen behind the slits. This phenomenon demonstrates the wave-like behavior of particles and can be used to determine the separation of the slits.

What is slit separation in the two-slit experiment?

Slit separation refers to the distance between the two parallel slits in the two-slit experiment. This distance plays a crucial role in determining the interference pattern that is observed on the screen.

How is the slit separation calculated in the two-slit experiment?

The slit separation can be calculated by using the formula d = λD/L, where d is the slit separation, λ is the wavelength of the light or particles, D is the distance between the slits and the screen, and L is the distance between the slits and the source of the light or particles.

Why is it important to know the slit separation in the two-slit experiment?

The slit separation is important because it affects the interference pattern observed on the screen. A smaller slit separation will result in a wider interference pattern, while a larger slit separation will result in a narrower interference pattern. Knowing the slit separation allows us to accurately predict and understand the behavior of waves or particles in the two-slit experiment.

How does changing the slit separation affect the interference pattern in the two-slit experiment?

Changing the slit separation affects the interference pattern by altering the distance between the peaks and troughs of the pattern. A smaller slit separation will result in a wider interference pattern with more peaks and troughs, while a larger slit separation will result in a narrower interference pattern with fewer peaks and troughs. This illustrates the wave-like behavior of particles and the importance of the slit separation in the two-slit experiment.

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