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Diffraction Grating Calculator

Physics
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Calculates the angles of constructive interference (maxima) for light passing through a diffraction grating. This calculator uses the grating equation: d * sin(θ) = m * λ, where d is the slit separation, θ is the angle of diffraction, m is the order of the maximum, and λ is the wavelength of light.

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How To Use

How to use this calculator

Start with your values, or try a preset.

Step 1

Enter Slit Separation (d), Wavelength of Light (λ), and Order of Maximum (m) in the units shown.

Step 2

Read Angle of Diffraction (θ) in the results panel. Results update as you change the inputs.

Step 3

Choose a preset to load an example, then adjust the values for your situation.

Worked Examples

Example calculations

See the inputs and their calculated results.

Example 1: Red light

Slit Separation (d): 1 micrometers; Wavelength of Light (λ): 650 nanometers; Order of Maximum (m): 1 (First Order)

Angle of Diffraction (θ): 40.54160187 degrees

Example 2: Green light

Slit Separation (d): 2 micrometers; Wavelength of Light (λ): 500 nanometers; Order of Maximum (m): 1 (First Order)

Angle of Diffraction (θ): 14.47751219 degrees

Example 3: Blue light

Slit Separation (d): 1 micrometers; Wavelength of Light (λ): 450 nanometers; Order of Maximum (m): 1 (First Order)

Angle of Diffraction (θ): 26.74368395 degrees

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