What is the width? Please take a look at my work

In summary, the problem involves finding the width of the central maximum on a screen 3.45 m behind a 0.484 mm diameter hole illuminated by light of wavelength 556.0 nm. Using the equation W= (2λL)/(a), the width is calculated to be 7.926 mm. However, after considering the diameter of the aperture and using the correct formula Sin∅ = 1.22λ/a, the correct answer is 8.41 mm.
  • #1
ixerr
24
0

Homework Statement


So I have tried to solve this problem but my answer keeps turning out to be wrong.. Someone please tell me what I am doing wrong?
A 0.484 mm diameter hole is illuminated by light of wavelength 556.0 nm. What is the width (in mm) of the central maximum on a screen 3.45 m behind the slit?

Homework Equations


The width of the central maximum is given by W= (2λL)/(a)
So I have wavelength λ=556x10^-9 m
Screen distance L=3.45 m
And slit width= .484x10^-3 m

The Attempt at a Solution


So the width of the central maximum = ((2)(556x10^-9)(3.45))/(0.484x10^-3) = 7.926 mm
 
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  • #2
I get the same answer as you and I can't see anything that you have done wrong.
What is the answer you have been given? is it half your calculated answer or does it include the diameter of the original aperture (7.9 + 0.484mm)
 
  • #3
There is no answer.. It's an online homework thing, and it keeps saying I have the incorrect answer. I am at a loss here:(
 
  • #4
Well that is annoying ! I got angular width Sinθ = λ/a = 556x10^-9/0.484x10^-3 = 1.149x10^-3
I then did calculation assuming small angles (which is excellent for this angle) BUT I ignored the 0.484mm slit width...to get width from w/3.45 = 1.149x10^-3 which gives 3.96 x 10^-3m (3.96mm) this means the total width of the central max = 2 x 3.96 = 7.92mm
I think this could be 7.92 + 0.484 = 8.41mm if you had to include the width of the slit.
Wish I knew what answer you were expected to produce...! hope this is some help.
You have certainly used the correct method.
 
  • #5
I have just realized one more thing ...Sin∅ = 1.22λ/a for a circular aperture
Bad mental block on my part to miss that...see what difference that makes to your calculation
 
  • #6
Yes, I got the answer now :) Thank you so much for all the help!
 

FAQ: What is the width? Please take a look at my work

What is the definition of width?

Width is the measurement of the distance from one side to the other of an object, surface, or space.

How is width different from length?

Width and length are both measurements of distance, but they are applied in different directions. Width is the measurement from side to side, while length is the measurement from end to end.

How is width measured?

Width can be measured using various units such as inches, centimeters, or feet. It is usually measured by using a ruler, measuring tape, or other measuring tools.

What is the importance of knowing the width?

Knowing the width of an object or space is important for various reasons. It helps in determining the size, dimensions, and proportions of an object. It also plays a crucial role in engineering, architecture, design, and many other fields.

How can I accurately measure the width of an irregularly shaped object?

To measure the width of an irregularly shaped object, you can use a flexible measuring tape or string to wrap around the widest part of the object. You can then measure the length of the tape or string to determine the width. Alternatively, you can use calipers or a ruler with a curved edge to measure the width directly.

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