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Ch 36: Diffraction
Young & Freedman Calc - University Physics 14th Edition
Young & Freedman Calc14th EditionUniversity PhysicsISBN: 9780321973610Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksYoung & Freedman Calc 14th EditionCh 36: DiffractionProblem 16
Chapter 36, Problem 16

Monochromatic light of wavelength 592 nm from a distant source passes through a slit that is 0.0290 mm wide. In the resulting diffraction pattern, the intensity at the center of the central maximum (θ = 0°) is 4.00x10-5 W/m2. What is the intensity at a point on the screen that corresponds to θ = 1.20°?

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Step 1: Understand the problem. This is a single-slit diffraction problem where the intensity of light at a given angle (u) is calculated using the diffraction formula. The central maximum intensity is given, and we need to find the intensity at u = 1.20°. The wavelength of light (λ), slit width (a), and central intensity (I₀) are provided.
Step 2: Recall the formula for intensity in single-slit diffraction. The intensity at an angle u is given by: I(u) = I₀ * (sin(β)/β)^2, where β = (π * a * sin(u)) / λ. Here, I₀ is the intensity at the center (u = 0°), a is the slit width, λ is the wavelength, and u is the angle.
Step 3: Calculate β using the given values. Substitute the slit width (a = 0.0290 mm = 2.90 × 10⁻⁵ m), wavelength (λ = 592 nm = 5.92 × 10⁻⁷ m), and angle (u = 1.20°). First, convert the angle to radians: u = 1.20° × (π/180). Then, calculate β using the formula β = (π * a * sin(u)) / λ.
Step 4: Compute the term (sin(β)/β)^2. Once β is determined, calculate sin(β) and divide it by β. Square the result to find (sin(β)/β)^2.
Step 5: Multiply the central intensity (I₀ = 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ W/m²) by (sin(β)/β)^2 to find the intensity at u = 1.20°. This gives the final expression for I(u).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Diffraction

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves when they pass through narrow openings. In the context of light, diffraction patterns are created when light waves encounter a slit, leading to regions of constructive and destructive interference. The width of the slit and the wavelength of the light are critical factors that determine the extent of diffraction.
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Intensity of Light

The intensity of light refers to the power per unit area carried by a wave, typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²). In diffraction patterns, intensity varies with angle due to the interference of light waves. The central maximum has the highest intensity, while other points exhibit lower intensities based on their position relative to the central peak.
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Interference Patterns

Interference patterns arise when two or more coherent light waves overlap, resulting in regions of varying intensity. Constructive interference occurs when waves are in phase, amplifying intensity, while destructive interference occurs when waves are out of phase, reducing intensity. The angle of observation, such as u = 1.20°, plays a crucial role in determining the specific intensity at that point in the diffraction pattern.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Monochromatic light of wavelength 580 nm passes through a single slit and the diffraction pattern is observed on a screen. Both the source and screen are far enough from the slit for Fraunhofer diffraction to apply. (a) If the first diffraction minima are at ±90.0°, so the central maximum completely fills the screen, what is the width of the slit? (b) For the width of the slit as calculated in part (a), what is the ratio of the intensity at θ = 45.0° to the intensity at θ = 0?

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Textbook Question

A slit 0.240 mm wide is illuminated by parallel light rays of wavelength 540 nm. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen that is 3.00 m from the slit. The intensity at the center of the central maximum (θ = 0°) is 6.00 x 10-6 W/m2. What is the distance on the screen from the center of the central maximum to the first minimum?

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Textbook Question

A slit 0.240 mm wide is illuminated by parallel light rays of wavelength 540 nm. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen that is 3.00 m from the slit. The intensity at the center of the central maximum (θ = 0°) is 6.00 x 10-6 W/m2. What is the intensity at a point on the screen midway between the center of the central maximum and the first minimum?

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Textbook Question

A single-slit diffraction pattern is formed by monochromatic electromagnetic radiation from a distant source passing through a slit 0.105 mm wide. At the point in the pattern 3.25° from the center of the central maximum, the total phase difference between wavelets from the top and bottom of the slit is 56.0 rad. What is the wavelength of the radiation?

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Textbook Question

A single-slit diffraction pattern is formed by monochromatic electromagnetic radiation from a distant source passing through a slit 0.105 mm wide. At the point in the pattern 3.25° from the center of the central maximum, the total phase difference between wavelets from the top and bottom of the slit is 56.0 rad. What is the intensity at this point, if the intensity at the center of the central maximum is I0?

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Textbook Question

Parallel rays of monochromatic light with wavelength 568 nm illuminate two identical slits and produce an interference pattern on a screen that is 75.0 cm from the slits. The centers of the slits are 0.640 mm apart and the width of each slit is 0.434 mm. If the intensity at the center of the central maximum is 5.00 x 10-4 W/m2, what is the intensity at a point on the screen that is 0.900 mm from the center of the central maximum?

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