In a standard Young's double-slit experiment, how many maxima can be obtained on a screen (including central maxima), if the distance between the silts is d = 5 λ 2 (where λ is the wavelength of light)?

Step-by-step solution

In YDSE, path difference, Δ x = d sin θ For maxima, Δ x = n λ , where n = 0 , ± 1 , ± 2 .... 5 λ 2 sin θ = n λ (given that d = 5 λ 2 ) ⇒ sin θ = 2 n 5 . . . ( i ) Since, − 1 ≤ sin θ ≤ 1 F r o m ( i ) ⇒ − 1 ≤ 2 n/ 5 ≤ 1 So, - 5 2 ≤ n ≤ 5 2 So, possible values of n are -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 Thus a total of 5 maximas will be obtained.