Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · The diffraction grating

The diffraction grating — practice question

(a)[3]

Light of a single wavelength is incident on a diffraction grating. Explain the roles of diffraction and interference in producing the first order maximum formed by the diffraction grating.

(b)[3]

The diffraction grating shown in Fig. 5.1 is used with light of wavelength $486\,\text{nm}$. The orders of the maxima formed are displayed on the screen in Fig. 5.1. The angle between the two second order maxima is $59.4^\circ$. Calculate the number of lines per millimetre of the grating.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Diffraction is defined as the spreading or diverging of waves at a slit or aperture.

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