If the two second-order maxima (m = ±2) are separated by 2.0 cm on the screen in a double-slit experiment, what is the separation of the m = ±3 maxima? Assume the angles are very small.
A) 1.5 cm
B) 2.0 cm
C) 2.5 cm
D) 3.0 cm
E) 3.5 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The separation between maxima in a double-slit experiment is directly proportional to the order of the maxima (m). If the separation for m = ±2 is 2.0 cm, then for m = ±3, which is 1.5 times greater, the separation would be 1.5 times 2.0 cm, resulting in 3.0 cm.

If the Two Second-Order Maxima (M = ±2) Are Separated