Chapter 36: Problem 11
Red light of wavelength 633 nm from a helium-neon laser passes through a slit 0.350 mm wide. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 3.00 m away. Define the width of a bright fringe as the distance between the minima on either side. (a) What is the width of the central bright fringe? (b) What is the width of the first bright fringe on either side of the central one?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding Diffraction
Calculating the Angles for Minima
Finding Minima Positions for the Central Bright Fringe
Solving for \( \theta_1 \)
Calculating the Width of the Central Bright Fringe
Finding Minima Positions for First Side Bright Fringe
Calculating Width of the First Side Bright Fringe
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Diffraction Pattern
- A diffraction pattern consists of alternating light and dark regions or fringes.
- The bright fringes occur where waves interfere constructively.
- Dark fringes form where there is destructive interference.
Constructive Interference
- Constructive interference is when wavefronts align in such a way that their peaks add up, leading to an increase in light intensity.
- In terms of the path, lengths from the slit to a particular spot on the screen, the difference in these paths must be multiples of the wavelength.
Central Bright Fringe
- It is located at the center of the pattern, directly opposite the slit.
- The central bright fringe is the widest and most luminous band in the pattern.
First Bright Fringe
- This fringe occurs between the first and second minima.
- Its width can be calculated by measuring from the center of the slit to these minima positions on the screen.