What is the condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?

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Question: What is the condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?

Options:

Correct Answer: a = λ

Solution:

The first minimum occurs at a = λ, where \'a\' is the slit width and \'λ\' is the wavelength.

What is the condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?

What is the condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?

Step 1: Understand that we are talking about light passing through a single slit.
Step 2: Know that when light goes through a slit, it creates a pattern of light and dark areas on a screen.
Step 3: The dark areas are called 'minima' and the first dark area is the first minimum.
Step 4: The condition for the first minimum is based on the relationship between the slit width and the wavelength of the light.
Step 5: The formula for the first minimum is when the slit width 'a' is equal to the wavelength 'λ' of the light.
Step 6: So, when 'a' equals 'λ', we find the position of the first minimum in the diffraction pattern.

Single-Slit Diffraction – The phenomenon where light spreads out after passing through a narrow slit, creating a pattern of light and dark fringes.
Condition for Minima – The mathematical condition that defines the positions of dark fringes in a diffraction pattern, specifically for the first minimum.