Final answer:
Spacing of the grooves on a CD is critical for data encoding and can be calculated using the first fringe in a diffraction pattern.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of leaving a space between the grooved edge of a CD and the wall is tied to the physics of light and diffraction patterns. The spacing of the grooves on a CD can be determined by understanding the diffraction of light as it reflects off the CD surface.
The brightest spot, or central maximum, is the result of light reflecting at an angle equal to the angle of incidence, while the fringes represent the points where the light waves have interfered with one another to a lesser degree.
The appearance of the first fringe can be used to calculate the spacing of the grooves using the formula derived from the diffraction grating equation. Given that the first fringe is 0.600 m from the central maximum and the wall is 1.50 m from the CD.