5 marksProperties of Waves

CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2005 · Paper 2 · Question 6(a)

Explain the physical principles of the production of spectra by diffraction gratings. Include in your account an explanation of how the zero order, first order and second order spectra are produced.

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Other parts of this question

6(b)(i)Draw a ray diagram to show the production of the zero, first and second order spectra of this light from this source by a diffraction grating.[1 mark]
6(b)(ii)The diffraction grating produces a second order spectrum for the red light of wavelength 630 nm at an angle of 43.9° from the normal to the grating. What is…[1 mark]
6(b)(iii)Find the angle of deviation from the normal for the first order red light and first order yellow light of wavelength 570 nm.[1 mark]
6(b)(iv)Show that the yellow light produces a 3rd order spectrum but the red light can only produce two orders with this grating.[15 marks]

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