What is the width of the single slit used in the experiment?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a single slit to diffract laser light onto a screen. The wavelength of the light is 610 nm and the distance between the two first-order maxima on either side of the central peak is 4.00 mm. The question asks for the width of the slit, and the formula for locating the minima is used to find an answer of approximately .001029m. However, it is noted that the question may be referring to the first order maxima instead of the center maxima, and the distance between the maxima may not necessarily be in the middle between the minima.
  • #1
2Pac
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A single slit diffracts laser light of wavelength 610 nm onto a screen 2.25 m away. The distance between the two first-order maxima on either side of the central peak is 4.00 mm. How wide is the slit?

Anyone give me some help? i got an answer of .001029m and apparently this isn't correct. i used the formula for locating the minima [tex]a\cdot \sin(\theta) = (\lambda)[/tex] . Since the second minima is located where [tex](\lambda)[/tex] is multiplied by 2. i multiplied the equation on the right side by 3/2 assuming the maxima would be found between both minima.
 
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  • #2
2Pac said:
Since the second minima is located where [tex](\lambda)[/tex] is multiplied by 2.

The question doesn't ask you about the second minima. It asks about the first minima.
 
  • #3
No, the question asks about the first order maxima and it would not make sense for it to be asking about the center maxima because it is in the center. The intensity graph would look something like this (where the large hump is in the centerline of the slit):
 

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  • #4

FAQ: What is the width of the single slit used in the experiment?

1. What is single slit diffraction?

Single slit diffraction is a phenomenon in which a single narrow slit causes light waves to spread out and interfere with each other, creating a pattern of bright and dark fringes on a screen or surface.

2. How does single slit diffraction occur?

When light passes through a narrow slit, it diffracts or spreads out due to the wave nature of light. This diffraction causes the light waves to overlap and interfere with each other, resulting in a diffraction pattern.

3. What is the difference between single slit diffraction and double slit diffraction?

The main difference between single slit diffraction and double slit diffraction is the number of slits. Single slit diffraction occurs when light passes through a narrow single slit, while double slit diffraction occurs when light passes through two parallel slits.

4. What factors affect the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction?

The diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction is affected by the width of the slit, the wavelength of light, and the distance between the slit and the screen. A wider slit, longer wavelength, and larger distance will result in a wider diffraction pattern.

5. What are the practical applications of single slit diffraction?

Single slit diffraction is used in various scientific and technological fields, such as optics, spectroscopy, and microscopy. It is also used in the study of wave properties of light and other electromagnetic waves.

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