Lesson: Resolution of Wave Sources High School Physics

Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to define resolution of objects and relate their separations to gap widths that waves from the objects pass through.

Worksheet

Q1:

Two light sources emit light that passes through a narrow slit 1.89 μm wide. The angle between lines from each of the light sources that intersect at the center of the slit is 0.265 rad. What wavelength of light must the sources emit to be just resolvable according to the Rayleigh criterion from the diffraction patterns that they produce?

Q2:

Two light sources emit light with a wavelength of 545 nm that passes through a narrow slit that is 4.33 μm wide. The light sources are just resolvable according to the Rayleigh criterion from the diffraction patterns produced. What is the angle between lines from each of the light sources that intersect at the center of the slit?

Q3:

Two light sources emit 482 nm wavelength light that passes through a narrow slit. The light sources are just resolvable according to the Rayleigh criterion from the diffraction patterns they produce. The angle between the lines from each of the light sources that intersect at the center of the slit is 0.177 rad. What is the width of the slit?

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