For a diffraction pattern produced by a single slit, how does the width of the central maximum change if the slit width is halved?

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Q: For a diffraction pattern produced by a single slit, how does the width of the central maximum change if the slit width is halved?

Solution: If the slit width is halved, the width of the central maximum increases because the angle for the first minimum increases.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that a diffraction pattern is created when light passes through a slit.
Step 2: Know that the central maximum is the brightest part of the pattern, located in the middle.
Step 3: The width of the central maximum is related to the width of the slit.
Step 4: When the slit width is halved, the angle at which the first minimum occurs increases.
Step 5: This means that the area of the central maximum becomes wider.
Step 6: Therefore, if the slit width is halved, the width of the central maximum increases.