Which of the following equations represents the condition for the first minimum
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following equations represents the condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?
a sin(θ) = mλ
a sin(θ) = (m + 0.5)λ
a sin(θ) = (m + 1)λ
a sin(θ) = 0
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following equations represents the condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?
Correct Answer: a sin(θ) = mλ, where m = 1
Step 1: Understand that single-slit diffraction occurs when light passes through a narrow opening and creates a pattern of light and dark areas on a screen.
Step 2: Know that the dark areas (minima) in the diffraction pattern occur at specific angles (θ).
Step 3: The equation for the position of these minima is a sin(θ) = mλ, where 'a' is the width of the slit, 'λ' is the wavelength of the light, and 'm' is the order of the minimum.
Step 4: For the first minimum, we set m = 1 in the equation.
Step 5: Therefore, the condition for the first minimum is a sin(θ) = 1λ, or simply a sin(θ) = λ.
