A diffraction grating marked "3000 lines per centimeter" is illuminated normally by…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics
Problem
A diffraction grating marked "3000 lines per centimeter" is illuminated normally by two monochromatic components of white light, one at 450nm (blue) and the other at 650nm (red). The diffracted beams are examined far from the grating so that angular positions can be measured accurately.
Using the information provided, answer the questions below. Show your work and include units with all numerical answers.
(a) Calculate the spacing between adjacent slits on the grating.
(b) Determine the angular separation between the blue and red beams in the first order.
(c) Determine the angular separation between the same two wavelengths in the second order.
(d) Based on your results, discuss which order provides better spectral separation of the two colors. Explain any trade-offs that might arise when choosing a higher order for spectroscopic measurements.