In a diffraction pattern produced by a single slit, what happens to the central

Practice Questions

Q1
In a diffraction pattern produced by a single slit, what happens to the central maximum when the slit width is decreased? (2022)
  1. It becomes narrower
  2. It becomes wider
  3. It disappears
  4. It remains the same

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

In a diffraction pattern produced by a single slit, what happens to the central maximum when the slit width is decreased? (2022)
  • Step 1: Understand what a diffraction pattern is. It is the pattern created when light passes through a narrow opening (slit) and spreads out.
  • Step 2: Identify the central maximum. This is the brightest and widest part of the diffraction pattern, located in the center.
  • Step 3: Know what happens when the slit width decreases. A smaller slit means that light waves can spread out more.
  • Step 4: Realize that as the slit width decreases, the angle at which the light spreads out (diffraction angle) increases.
  • Step 5: Conclude that a larger diffraction angle means the central maximum will be wider, as the light spreads out more.
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