If the wavelength of light used in a diffraction experiment is halved, what happens to the position of the first diffraction minimum?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
If the wavelength of light used in a diffraction experiment is halved, what happens to the position of the first diffraction minimum?
It moves closer to the center
It moves further from the center
It remains unchanged
It disappears
Halving the wavelength results in the first minimum moving closer to the center, as the position of minima is directly related to the wavelength.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: If the wavelength of light used in a diffraction experiment is halved, what happens to the position of the first diffraction minimum?
Solution: Halving the wavelength results in the first minimum moving closer to the center, as the position of minima is directly related to the wavelength.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand what a diffraction experiment is. It involves light passing through a small opening or around an obstacle, creating a pattern of light and dark areas.
Step 2: Know that the position of the diffraction minima (dark spots) depends on the wavelength of the light used.
Step 3: Recognize that if the wavelength is halved, it means the light is now shorter in wavelength.
Step 4: Realize that shorter wavelengths lead to the first minimum moving closer to the center of the diffraction pattern.
Step 5: Conclude that halving the wavelength causes the first diffraction minimum to shift inward, towards the center.
