What is the formula for determining interference patterns?

The formula for determining interference patterns is indeed expressed as d sin theta = m lambda. This equation arises in the context of wave interference, particularly in scenarios involving light or sound waves passing through slits or reflecting off surfaces, creating patterns of constructive and destructive interference.

In this formula, 'd' represents the distance between the slits in a double-slit experiment or the path difference between two waves. 'theta' is the angle at which the interference pattern is observed relative to the original direction of the waves. 'm' is an integer representing the order of the interference pattern, where m = 0 for the central maximum, m = 1 for the first-order maximum, and so on. 'lambda' denotes the wavelength of the waves involved.

This equation effectively links the geometry of the setup (the distance between slits and the angles) to the wave properties (the wavelength), making it crucial for understanding how and where interference patterns will form in experiments.