Visible light of wavelength 589 nm is incident on a diffraction grating that has 3500 lines/cm. At what angle with respect to the central maximum is the fifth order maximum observed?
A)17.9°
B)23.8°
C)35.7°
D)71.3°
E)A fifth order maximum cannot be observed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angle for the fifth order maximum can be calculated using the diffraction grating formula: d*sin(θ) = m*λ, where d is the distance between grating lines (1/3500 cm), m is the order number (5), and λ is the wavelength (589 nm). Solving for sin(θ) gives a value greater than 1, which is not possible, indicating that a fifth order maximum cannot be observed.

Visible Light of Wavelength 589 Nm Is Incident on a Diffraction