Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 22 - Wave Optics - Exercises and Problems - Page 651: 50

Answer

$1.82\;\rm \mu m$

Work Step by Step

We know, in a reflection grating, that the angle of a bright fringe is given by $$d\sin\theta_m=m\lambda$$ So, the first-order diffraction angle is at $m=1$, and hence, $$d\sin\theta_1= \lambda$$ Thus, the spacing of the melanin rods in the feather is then given by $$d=\dfrac{\lambda}{\sin\theta_1}$$ Plugging the known; $$d=\dfrac{470}{\sin15^\circ}=1816\;\rm nm$$ $$d=\color{red}{\bf 1.82}\;\rm \mu m$$
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