Chapter 36: Problem 60
The \(D\) line in the spectrum of sodium is a doublet with wavelengths 589.0 and \(589.6 \mathrm{nm}\). Calculate the minimum number of lines needed in a grating that will resolve this doublet in the second-order spectrum.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The grating needs at least 492 lines to resolve the doublet.
Step by step solution
01
Formula for Resolving Power
The resolving power \( R \) of a diffraction grating is defined by the formula \( R = \dfrac{\lambda}{\Delta \lambda} = mN \), where \( \lambda \) is the average wavelength, \( \Delta \lambda \) is the difference in wavelength, \( m \) is the order of the spectrum, and \( N \) is the number of lines.
02
Calculate Average Wavelength
To find the average wavelength \( \lambda \), take the average of the two given wavelengths: \[ \lambda = \dfrac{589.0 + 589.6}{2} = 589.3 \ \text{nm}. \]
03
Calculate Wavelength Difference
The difference between the two wavelengths \( \Delta \lambda \) is calculated as: \[ \Delta \lambda = 589.6 - 589.0 = 0.6 \ \text{nm}. \]
04
Solving for Number of Lines
Substitute the values and the order \( m = 2 \) into the resolving power equation: \[ R = mN = \dfrac{\lambda}{\Delta \lambda} = \dfrac{589.3}{0.6} \approx 982.17. \] So, the number of lines needed, \( N \), is \[ N = \dfrac{982.17}{2} \approx 491.085. \]
05
Round to Nearest Whole Number
Since the number of lines \( N \) must be a whole number, we round 491.085 up to the nearest whole number, which gives: \[ N = 492. \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Resolving Power in Diffraction Gratings
The resolving power of a diffraction grating is a crucial concept in optics. It helps determine how well a grating can distinguish between two nearby wavelengths.
- Formula: The resolving power \( R \) is given by the equation \( R = \dfrac{\lambda}{\Delta \lambda} = mN \). This equation relates the average wavelength \( \lambda \), the wavelength difference \( \Delta \lambda \), the order of the spectrum \( m \), and the number of lines \( N \) on the grating.
- Average Wavelength: To calculate \( R \), you first find the average of the two wavelengths, which is crucial for understanding the specific line you are resolving.
- Importance: A higher resolving power means the grating can separate two wavelengths that are very close together, making it easier to identify different spectral lines.
Understanding Wavelength Doublet
A wavelength doublet consists of two closely spaced wavelengths, typically originating from the same element or molecule. Doublets occur due to slight differences in energy transitions of electrons.
- Example: For sodium, the \( D \) line appearing as a doublet involves wavelengths of 589.0 nm and 589.6 nm. These lines result from the fine structure splitting of energy levels in sodium atoms.
- Resolution: To distinguish doublets, optical instruments need to have sufficient resolving power to separate the two peaks into individual components.
- Applications: Understanding and resolving doublets is vital in spectroscopic investigations, where accurate identification of substances depends on recognizing these closely lying spectral lines.
Second-Order Spectrum
A second-order spectrum refers to the set of diffraction patterns generated when light waves constructively interfere at angles corresponding to the second multiple of the wavelength. This is denoted by \( m = 2 \).
- Characteristic: The second-order spectrum typically appears at higher diffraction angles compared to the first-order. This can help improve the resolution of the spectrum.
- Resolution Enhancement: Higher orders like the second-order can offer better resolution. This means it allows clearer separation of closely spaced wavelengths.
- Practical Implication: Using the second-order spectrum can be beneficial in scenarios requiring enhanced resolution, such as in the sodium doublet example, where distinguishing between 589.0 nm and 589.6 nm is necessary.