In a diffraction pattern, what is the ratio of the intensity of the central maxi
Practice Questions
Q1
In a diffraction pattern, what is the ratio of the intensity of the central maximum to that of the first minimum?
1:0
1:1
1:2
1:4
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a diffraction pattern, what is the ratio of the intensity of the central maximum to that of the first minimum?
Step 1: Understand what a diffraction pattern is. It is a pattern created when waves, like light, spread out after passing through a small opening or around an obstacle.
Step 2: Identify the central maximum. This is the brightest spot in the diffraction pattern, located in the center.
Step 3: Identify the first minimum. This is the first dark spot on either side of the central maximum.
Step 4: Know that the intensity of light is a measure of how bright it is. The central maximum is much brighter than the first minimum.
Step 5: Learn that the intensity of the central maximum is often approximated as 1, while the intensity of the first minimum is approximated as 0.25.
Step 6: Calculate the ratio of the intensity of the central maximum to the first minimum. This is 1 (central maximum) to 0.25 (first minimum).
Step 7: Simplify the ratio. 1:0.25 can be simplified to 1:4.
