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Cambridge International AS & A Level · 8 · structured

Describe and process the grating method

Measure wavelength with a diffraction grating · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.

Demand
demanding
Marks
9
Topics
1
Answer
Complete
Question9 marks

Explain how a grating of known line density can measure laser wavelength without a spectrometer. Specify normal incidence, the zero-order reference, order identification, measured distances, processing, uncertainty and safety. A 500 lines mm⁻¹ grating produces first-order spots with y=0.400 m and D=1.20 m. Calculate λ without a small-angle approximation.

Task interpretation

What a complete response should do

Build a visible chain from the information given to the quantity or statement requested.

Split the problem into linked stages and state why each relationship applies.

Response type
structured
Allocation
9 marks
Demand
demanding
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