Two wavelengths $\lambda_1$ and $\lambda_2$ are used in Young's double slit experiment. $\lambda_1=450 \mathrm{~nm}$ and $\lambda_2=650 \mathrm{~nm}$. The minimum order of fringe produced by $\lambda_2$ which overlaps with the fringe produced by $\lambda_1$ is $n$. The value of $n$ is _______.
Answer (integer)
9
Solution
<p>In Young's double slit experiment, the condition for constructive interference (bright fringes) is given by:</p>
<p>
<p>$d \sin \theta = n \lambda$</p>
</p>
<p>where:</p>
<ul>
<li>$d$ is the distance between the slits</li>
<li>$\theta$ is the angle of the fringe relative to the central maximum</li>
<li>$n$ is the order of the fringe (an integer)</li>
<li>$\lambda$ is the wavelength of the light</li>
</ul>
<p>We are given two different wavelengths:</p>
<p>
<p>$\lambda_1 = 450 \, \text{nm}$</p>
</p>
<p>
<p>$\lambda_2 = 650 \, \text{nm}$</p>
</p>
<p>For the fringes produced by these two wavelengths to overlap, the path difference must be an integer multiple of both wavelengths. This means:</p>
<p>
<p>$d \sin \theta = m \lambda_1 = n \lambda_2$</p>
</p>
<p>where $m$ and $n$ are the orders of the fringes for $\lambda_1$ and $\lambda_2$, respectively.</p>
<p>To find the minimum order of fringe $n$ for $\lambda_2$ that coincides with a fringe for $\lambda_1$, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of these wavelengths in terms of their smallest integers. This can be formulated as:</p>
<p>
<p>$m \lambda_1 = n \lambda_2$</p>
</p>
<p>Dividing both sides by $\lambda_1$ and $\lambda_2$, we get:</p>
<p>
<p>$\frac{m}{\lambda_2} = \frac{n}{\lambda_1}$</p>
</p>
<p>Cross-multiplying, we get:</p>
<p>
<p>$m \lambda_1 = n \lambda_2$</p>
</p>
<p>Using the given wavelengths:</p>
<p>
<p>$m \times 450 = n \times 650$</p>
</p>
<p>Simplifying this equation, we get:</p>
<p>
<p>$\frac{m}{n} = \frac{650}{450}$</p>
</p>
<p>$\frac{m}{n} = \frac{13}{9}$
</p>
<p>For the fringes to overlap, $m$ and $n$ must be integers. The smallest integers that satisfy this ratio are:</p>
<p>$m = 13$</p>
<p>$n = 9$</p>
<p>Therefore, the minimum order of fringe produced by $\lambda_2$ which overlaps with the fringe produced by $\lambda_1$ is:</p>
<p>
<p>$n = 9$</p>
</p>
About this question
Subject: Physics · Chapter: Optics · Topic: Reflection and Mirrors
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