Double-Slit Interference: Calculate the Wavelength of Incident Light
What is the wavelength of the incident light?
The wavelength of the incident light is approximately [insert calculated value] meters.
Calculation of Wavelength:
To calculate the wavelength of the incident light, we can use the formula for the fringe spacing in a double-slit interference pattern:
λ = (d * D) / L
Where:
λ is the wavelength of the light
d is the separation between the slits
D is the distance between the screen and the double slit
L is the distance between adjacent dark fringes
Given Values:
Slit separation (d): 0.180 mm
Distance to screen (D): 5.00 m
Separation between dark fringes (L): 1.70 cm
Calculation:
Substitute the values into the formula:
λ = (0.180 mm * 5.00 m) / 1.70 cm
Convert units to meters and simplify:
λ ≈ 5.294 x 10⁻⁷ meters
Conclusion:
Therefore, the wavelength of the incident light is approximately 5.294 x 10⁻⁷ meters.
Have you ever wondered how the wavelength of incident light in a double-slit interference experiment is calculated? In this scenario, the light from a monochromatic source passes through a double slit and creates an interference pattern on a screen located 5.00 meters away. By measuring the separation between dark bands on the screen, we can determine the wavelength of the incident light.
The formula λ = (d * D) / L is used to calculate the wavelength, where d is the slit separation, D is the distance to the screen, and L is the separation between dark fringes. Substituting the given values of 0.180 mm for slit separation, 5.00 m for distance to screen, and 1.70 cm for fringe separation, we can plug these into the formula and solve for the wavelength.
After conversion of units and simplification, we find that the wavelength of the incident light is approximately 5.294 x 10⁻⁷ meters. This calculation allows us to understand the properties of light and the behavior of interference patterns in a double-slit setup. Explore more about wavelengths and interference phenomena to deepen your understanding of light physics!