Final answer:
Using the formula for the double-slit interference pattern, the slits' separation is calculated to be approximately 3.56 µm for a third-order bright fringe of 610-nm light observed at an angle of 31°.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the separation between the two slits in a double-slit experiment, we can use the formula for the position of the bright fringes in a double-slit interference pattern, which is given by λ = d · sin(θ) / m, where λ is the wavelength of the light, δ is the separation between the slits, θ is the angle of the bright fringe and m is the order of the bright fringe.
For the third-order bright fringe (m=3) and a wavelength of 610 nm (6.10 × 10⁻¹ m), observed at an angle of 31°, the separation between the slits, d, can be calculated as follows:
δ = m · λ / sin(θ)
δ = 3 · (610 × 10⁻¹ m) / sin(31°)
δ = 3 · (610 × 10⁻¹ m) / 0.515
δ ≈ 3.56 × 10⁻¶ m or 3.56 µm
Therefore, the slits are separated by approximately 3.56 µm.