Question

In Young's double-slit experiment, two slits are separated by a 3 mm distance and illuminated by light of wavelength 480 nm. The distance between the central maximum and the first-order maximum is:

a) 0.48 mm

b) 0.96 mm

c) 1.44 mm

d) 2.88 mm

Answer 1

In Young's double-slit experiment, the distance between the central maximum and the first-order maximum can be calculated using the formula: x = nλL / d. Plugging in the given values, the correct answer is 2.88 mm.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Young's double-slit experiment, the distance between the central maximum and the first-order maximum can be calculated using the formula:

x = nλL / d

Where:

• x is the distance between the central maximum and the first-order maximum
• n is the order of the maximum (in this case, it is 1 as it is the first-order maximum)
• λ is the wavelength of the light (480 nm)
• L is the distance from the slits to the screen
• d is the distance between the two slits (3 mm)

Plugging in the given values, we have:

x = (1)(480 nm)(L) / (3 mm)

Since we are only interested in the ratio, we can simplify the equation:

x = 160 nmL / mm

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.88 mm (option (d)).