If the wavelength of light used in a diffraction experiment is halved, what happens to the position of the minima?

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Q: If the wavelength of light used in a diffraction experiment is halved, what happens to the position of the minima?

Solution: Halving the wavelength causes the minima to move closer together, as the angle for minima is directly proportional to the wavelength.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what a diffraction experiment is. It involves light passing through a narrow opening and creating a pattern of light and dark areas called minima and maxima.
Step 2: Know that the wavelength of light is the distance between two consecutive peaks of the light wave.
Step 3: Recognize that the position of the minima in a diffraction pattern is related to the wavelength of the light used.
Step 4: Remember that if the wavelength is halved, it means the distance between the peaks of the light wave is shorter.
Step 5: Understand that when the wavelength decreases, the angle at which the minima occur also decreases, causing the minima to move closer together.
Step 6: Conclude that halving the wavelength results in the minima being closer together in the diffraction pattern.