In a diffraction pattern, if the distance between the slits is decreased, what happens to the central maximum? (2022)

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Q: In a diffraction pattern, if the distance between the slits is decreased, what happens to the central maximum? (2022)

Solution: Decreasing the distance between the slits increases the diffraction effect, causing the central maximum to become wider.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what a diffraction pattern is. It is a pattern created when waves, like light, pass through slits and spread out.
Step 2: Know that the central maximum is the brightest part in the middle of the diffraction pattern.
Step 3: Recognize that the distance between the slits affects how the waves interfere with each other.
Step 4: When the distance between the slits is decreased, the waves spread out more.
Step 5: This spreading out of the waves causes the central maximum to become wider.
Step 6: Therefore, decreasing the distance between the slits results in a wider central maximum in the diffraction pattern.