Question

Monochromatic light from a laser passes through two slits separated by a distance of 0.0420 mm. If the angle to the third maximum above the central fringe is 3.67 degrees, what is the wavelength of the light?

a) 580 nm
b) 620 nm
c) 450 nm
d) 520 nm

Answer 1

To determine the wavelength of the light passing through the double slits, we can use the formula for the angle of the nth-order maximum. Plugging in the given values, we find the wavelength of the light to be approximately 620 nm.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the wavelength of the light passing through the double slits, we can use the formula for the angle of the nth-order maximum:

sin(theta) = n(lambda)/(d)

Where theta is the angle to the maximum, n is the order of the maximum, lambda is the wavelength of the light, and d is the distance between the slits. Rearranging the formula, we get:

lambda = (d)(sin(theta))/(n)

Plugging in the given values, we have:

lambda = (0.0420 mm)(sin(3.67 degrees))/(3)

Simplifying the equation, we find the wavelength of the light to be approximately 620 nm.