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Learning Introductory Physics with Activities

Section 19.8 Interference Applications

Activity 19.8.1. Diffraction Practice.

A red laser with \(\lambda = 633 \mathrm{~nm}\) shines through a single diffraction slit. The angular width of the bright spot in the middle of the screen is 10 degrees.

(a)

Determine the width of the slit.

(b)

Predict what will happen (qualitatively) when a green laser shines through the same slit: will the pattern get wider, narrower, or stay the same?

Activity 19.8.2. Diffraction Grating Practice.

A green laser (wavelength \(550 \mathrm{~nm}\)) of intensity \(1.5 \mathrm{~\mu W/m^2}\) passes through a diffraction grating that is \(3 \mathrm{~cm}\) wide and has \(600 \mathrm{~lines/mm}\text{,}\) forming an image on a screen \(5 \mathrm{~cm}\) away.
Where on the screen does the first bright spot show up?