What Are the Possible Wavelengths of the Second Light in a Two-Slit Experiment?

In summary, in a two-slit interference experiment with two different visible lights of different wavelengths, a mixture of the two colors appears on the screen except for one bright fringe (m=2) which is purely one of the colors (with a wavelength of 300 micrometers). To find the possible wavelengths of the second visible light, one must apply the condition for destructive interference of the second wavelength at the point of the bright fringe. This can be done by finding the distance of the point from the central maximum using the given values for the first wavelength.
  • #1
mneox
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Homework Statement



Suppose I have two different visible lights of different wavelengths passing through in a two-slit interference experiment. What appears on the screen is mostly a mixture of the two colours. However, one of the bright fringes, say m=2 is purely 1 of the colours (this light has say, 300 micrometers in wavelength), and none of the other.

What are the possible wavelengths of the second visible light?

Homework Equations



y = (R)(m)(lambda)/(d)
dsin(theta) = m(lambda)

The Attempt at a Solution



How do I figure this out? If none of the second colour appeared, it would mean that somehow there was interference and therefore only the first colour showed? How would I find the wavelengths of the second colour though.

Sorry I can't really give a better attempt or answer, I'm just so lost on this that it's discouraging. Thanks for your help/explanations in advance.
 
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  • #2
See, for a mixture of colours to appear, both the colours can never undergo destructive interference as in that case there would be zero intensity(ideally) at the point where it happens.Now a bright fringe will have one color only if the light ray having the other color undergoes destructive interference at that point. So now you can apply the condition for destructive interference of the light of second wavelength and find it out.But of course before that you will have to find the distance of the point from the central maximum by using the values given for the light of 300 micro meter wavelength
 

FAQ: What Are the Possible Wavelengths of the Second Light in a Two-Slit Experiment?

What is the two-slit interference phenomenon?

The two-slit interference phenomenon, also known as double-slit interference, is a phenomenon observed in wave-like systems such as light, sound, or water waves. It occurs when a wave passes through two narrow slits and the resulting wave patterns interfere with each other, creating a distinct interference pattern.

What is the importance of the two-slit interference phenomenon?

The two-slit interference phenomenon is important because it provides evidence for the wave nature of light and other wave-like systems. It also has practical applications in fields such as optics, acoustics, and quantum mechanics.

What factors affect the interference pattern in the two-slit experiment?

The interference pattern in the two-slit experiment is affected by several factors, including the wavelength of the wave, the distance between the two slits, the distance between the slits and the screen, and the angle at which the wave passes through the slits.

How does the two-slit interference phenomenon support the wave-particle duality of light?

The two-slit interference phenomenon supports the wave-particle duality of light because it demonstrates that light can behave as both a wave and a particle. The interference pattern created by light passing through two slits is only possible if light is a wave, while the detection of individual particles at the screen supports the particle nature of light.

What are some real-world applications of the two-slit interference phenomenon?

The two-slit interference phenomenon has several real-world applications, including in the design of optical equipment such as cameras and telescopes, the production of holograms, and in the study of quantum mechanics and the behavior of subatomic particles.

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