What is the main reason for the appearance of a diffraction pattern when light p
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the main reason for the appearance of a diffraction pattern when light passes through a narrow slit?
Interference of light waves
Refraction of light
Absorption of light
Reflection of light
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the main reason for the appearance of a diffraction pattern when light passes through a narrow slit?
Correct Answer: Interference of light waves
Step 1: Understand that light behaves like a wave.
Step 2: When light hits a narrow slit, it cannot pass straight through without spreading out.
Step 3: This spreading out of light waves is called diffraction.
Step 4: As the light waves spread, they overlap with each other.
Step 5: When these overlapping waves meet, they can either add together (constructive interference) or cancel each other out (destructive interference).
Step 6: The result of this adding and canceling creates a pattern of light and dark areas, known as a diffraction pattern.