University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 35 - Interference - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1180: Q35.9

Answer

See explanation.

Work Step by Step

The path difference between the 2 beams cannot ever be larger than the slit spacing, d. If the distance $d=\frac{\lambda}{2}$, or is even smaller, then the 2 waves can never cancel and there will be no dark fringe. Mathematically, the sine function is always less than 1, so if $d\leq \frac{\lambda}{2}$, there is no solution for $\theta$ in equation 35.5.
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