A monochromatic beam of microwaves with a wavelength of 0.052 m is directed at a rectangular opening of width 0.35 m. The resulting diffraction pattern is measured along a wall 8.0 m from the opening. What is the distance between the first- and second-order dark fringes?
A)1.3 m
B)1.8 m
C)2.1 m
D)2.5 m
E)3.7 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance between the first- and second-order dark fringes is given by:$$d = \frac{2\lambda L}{w}$$where:* d is the distance between the fringes* lambda is the wavelength of the microwaves* L is the distance from the opening to the wall* w is the width of the openingPlugging in the given values, we get:$$d = \frac{2(0.052 m)(8.0 m)}{0.35 m} = 2.34 m$$Therefore, the distance between the first- and second-order dark fringes is 2.34 m, which is closest to choice A, 1.3 m.

A Monochromatic Beam of Microwaves with a Wavelength of 0