If the wavelength of light used in a single-slit diffraction experiment is incre
Practice Questions
Q1
If the wavelength of light used in a single-slit diffraction experiment is increased, what happens to the width of the central maximum? (2023)
It decreases
It increases
It remains the same
It becomes zero
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
If the wavelength of light used in a single-slit diffraction experiment is increased, what happens to the width of the central maximum? (2023)
Step 1: Understand what a single-slit diffraction experiment is. It involves shining light through a narrow slit and observing the pattern created on a screen.
Step 2: Identify what the central maximum is. It is the brightest part of the diffraction pattern, located in the center.
Step 3: Learn about wavelength. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks of a light wave.
Step 4: Recognize the relationship between wavelength and the width of the central maximum. The width of the central maximum increases as the wavelength increases.
Step 5: Conclude that if the wavelength of light is increased, the width of the central maximum will also increase.
Single-Slit Diffraction – The phenomenon where light spreads out after passing through a narrow slit, creating a pattern of light and dark bands.
Wavelength and Diffraction – The relationship between the wavelength of light and the width of the diffraction pattern, where a longer wavelength results in a wider central maximum.