We have studied diffraction from a single slit, where light is sent through a th

Question

We have studied diffraction from a single slit, where light is sent through a thin opening.

A similar phenomena occurs when light bends around a thin object, like a human hair. Here

the width of the hair plays the role of the width of the single slit. Measurements found that

when a beam of light of wavelength 632.8 nm was shone on a single strand of hair, the first

dark fringes on either side of the central bright spot were 5.22 cm apart. If the screen is 1.25

meters away, how thick was this strand of hair?

Explanation / Answer

For a single slit, y/L=m?/a

y = half of of the 5.22 cm which is .0261 m

(.0261)/(1.25) = (632.8 X 10^-9)/a

a = 3.03 X 10^-5 m which is 30.3 um

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.