How Far Is the Farther Slit from the Nearer Slit in a Double Slit Experiment?

In summary, the problem involves finding the distance between two slits in a double-slit experiment where light of wavelength 500 nm is used and an interference pattern is observed on a screen. At the position of the m = 2 bright fringe, the distance between the farther and nearer slit can be found using the equations \delta= r_{2}-r_{1}=dsin(\theta) and dsin(\theta_{bright})=m\lambda. However, without knowing the distance between the slits, d, or the theta angle, a specific solution cannot be obtained.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Light of wavelength 500 nm illuminates a double slit, and the interference pattern is observed on the screen. At the position of the m = 2 bright fringe, how much farther is it to the farther slit than to the nearer slit?


Homework Equations



[tex]\delta= r_{2}-r_{1}=dsin(\theta)[/tex]
[tex]dsin(\theta_{bright})=m\lambda[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Am I wrong in thinking that it is impossible to get a specific solution to this problem? Without being given the distance the slits are apart, d, or the theta angle the problem can only be solved generally, correct?
 
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  • #2
Wouldn't it just be two wavelengths?
 

Related to How Far Is the Farther Slit from the Nearer Slit in a Double Slit Experiment?

1. What are light waves in interference?

Light waves in interference refer to the phenomenon where two or more light waves interact with each other, either constructively or destructively, resulting in a change in the overall intensity or direction of the light.

2. How does interference occur in light waves?

Interference occurs in light waves when they pass through a medium with varying refractive indices, causing the waves to overlap and interfere with each other. This can also happen when light waves encounter obstacles or pass through narrow slits.

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

Constructive interference occurs when the peaks of two or more light waves align, resulting in an increase in overall intensity. Destructive interference, on the other hand, occurs when the peaks of two or more light waves cancel each other out, resulting in a decrease in overall intensity.

4. What are some applications of light waves in interference?

Interference of light waves has numerous applications, such as in the production of thin-film coatings, holography, and optical filters. It is also used in some medical imaging techniques, such as interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy.

5. How does the wavelength of light affect interference?

The wavelength of light plays a crucial role in interference, as it determines the distance between peaks and troughs in the wave. The closer the wavelengths of the interfering light waves, the more pronounced the interference effects will be.

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