The figure displays three equidistant slits illuminated by a monochromatic parallel beam of light. Given that BP₀ - AP₀ = /3 and D , determine the distance d between adjacent slits.

Step-by-step solution

From the given figure, the line AP₀ is perpendicular to the plane of the slits. Thus, the distance AP₀ = D . In the right-angled triangle ABP₀ , the distance BP₀ is given by: BP₀ = AP₀^2 + AB^2 = D^2 + d^2 The path difference between the light rays reaching P₀ from slits B and A is: x = BP₀ - AP₀ = D^2 + d^2 - D Since D , we can assume D d and use the binomial expansion for the square root: x = D (1 + d^2 D^2 )^ 1/2 - D x D (1 + d^2 2D^2 ) - D = d^2 2D We are given that the path difference is BP₀ - AP₀ = 3 . Equati