GRE question: Young's Double Slit Experiment

In summary, the conversation discusses a double slit experiment with a distance of 0.1mm between the slits and a screen placed 1m away. The displacement of the first bright maximum is given and the goal is to find the wavelength of the light. The small angle approximation is used and the calculated wavelength is 2000nm, which differs from the solution manual's answer of 5000Angstroms. This discrepancy may be due to the author using incorrect numbers in the answer key.
  • #1
AriAstronomer
48
1

Homework Statement


Consider a young double slit experiments where the two slits are spaced d = 0.1mm apart. If when the screen is at a distance of l=1m the first bright maximum is displaced y = 2cm from the central maximum, then find the wavelength of the light.


Homework Equations


dsin(theta) = m(lambda)


The Attempt at a Solution


I use the small angle approximation, tanx = sinx = x = y/D.
dy/D = m(lambda), where d = 0.1mm, D = 1m, y = .02m, m=1, and I get lambda = 2000nm, but the solution manual says that the answer is 5000Angstroms. They say lambda =[ d/l ]*(dy) = [(10^-4)/2 ]*(10^-2), but I don't really see where they're getting these numbers from. Any idea?
 
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  • #2
Nope, but your solution is perfectly correct. The author probably screwed up and used the wrong numbers in writing the answer key.
 

FAQ: GRE question: Young's Double Slit Experiment

1) What is Young's Double Slit Experiment?

The Young's Double Slit Experiment is a classic physics experiment that demonstrates the wave-like nature of light. It involves passing a beam of light through two narrow slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen behind the slits.

2) How does the experiment demonstrate the wave-like nature of light?

The interference pattern observed in the Young's Double Slit Experiment is only possible if light behaves like a wave. The pattern is created when the light waves from the two slits interact with each other, creating areas of constructive and destructive interference.

3) What are the factors that affect the interference pattern in this experiment?

The factors that affect the interference pattern in the Young's Double Slit Experiment include the distance between the slits, the wavelength of the light, and the distance between the slits and the screen. These factors can be manipulated to observe changes in the interference pattern.

4) Can this experiment be done with other types of waves besides light?

Yes, the Young's Double Slit Experiment can be done with other types of waves, such as sound waves or water waves. In fact, this experiment was originally performed with water waves by Thomas Young in the early 1800s.

5) What is the significance of Young's Double Slit Experiment?

The Young's Double Slit Experiment is significant because it provided strong evidence for the wave theory of light, which was a major discovery in the field of physics. It also paved the way for further experiments and theories about the nature of light and its behavior.

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