Understanding Diffraction and Diffraction Gratings

What is diffraction?

• The spreading of a wave when it passes through a gap or around an obstacle

• The absorption of light by a material

• The reflection of light off a surface

• The bending of light when it hits a mirror

What does a diffraction grating consist of?

• A solid piece of glass

• A reflective surface

• Multiple different slits or openings

• A single large opening

How many lines per millimeter does the example diffraction grating have?

• 400 lines per millimeter

• 200 lines per millimeter

• 100 lines per millimeter

• 300 lines per millimeter

What is the line separation 'd' in a diffraction grating?

• The wavelength of the light

• One over the number of lines per meter

• The distance between two slits

• The distance between two light sources

In the diffraction equation d sin(θ) = nλ, what does 'n' represent?

• The intensity of light

• The angle of incidence

• The order of diffraction

• The speed of light

What is the central maximum in diffraction?

• The point where light is reflected

• The point directly opposite the light source

• The point where light is refracted

• The point where light is absorbed

What is the wavelength used in the example problem?

• 700 nanometers

• 600 nanometers

• 500 nanometers

• 800 nanometers

What is the calculated angle θ in the example problem?

• 15 degrees

• 20 degrees

• 25 degrees

• 30 degrees

What is the purpose of using a diffraction grating in experiments?

• To reflect light back to its source

• To absorb all light

• To spread light into its component colors

• To focus light into a single beam

What should you do if you have questions about diffraction gratings?

• Ignore them

• Drop a comment for clarification

• Search for unrelated topics

• Assume the answers