Young's Double-Slit Experiment: Exploring the Wonders of Light Waves

How can we calculate the distance between the fringes on the screen in Young's double-slit experiment?

To calculate the distance between the fringes on the screen, we can use the formula for the fringe spacing in Young's double-slit experiment:

y = (λ * D) / d

Where:

y is the fringe spacing,

λ is the wavelength of light,

D is the distance between the slits and the screen, and

d is the distance between the two slits.

Given:

λ = 490 nm = 490 × 10^(-9) m,

d = 5.00 × 10^(-2) mm = 5.00 × 10^(-5) m,

D = 50.0 cm = 50.0 × 10^(-2) m.

Substituting the values into the formula, we have:

y = (490 * 10^(-9) m * 50.0 * 10^(-2) m) / (5.00 * 10^(-5) m)

Simplifying the expression, we get:

The distance between the fringes on the screen is approximately 4.90 * 10^(-6) meters

Explanation:

The Young's double-slit experiment is a classic demonstration of the wave nature of light. When a light of a specific wavelength passes through two closely spaced slits and reaches a screen, interference patterns known as fringes are formed. These fringes are a result of the superposition of two coherent light waves originating from the two slits.

In this experiment, the distance between the slits (d) and the screen (D) plays a crucial role in determining the spacing of the fringes on the screen. By applying the formula y = (λ * D) / d, we can calculate the distance between the fringes.

In the given scenario, with a wavelength of 490 nm (or 490 × 10^(-9) m) and the distance between the slits and the screen (D) as 50.0 cm (or 50.0 × 10^(-2) m), the calculated distance between the fringes on the screen is approximately 4.90 * 10^(-6) meters.

This calculation showcases the intricate relationship between the properties of light waves and the experimental setup in generating interference patterns. Understanding and analyzing such phenomena enhance our comprehension of the fundamental principles of wave optics.