College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 25 - Conceptual Questions - Page 974: 13

Answer

As the width of the single slit is decreased, the diffraction pattern becomes more pronounced and the central maximum becomes narrower. This is because as the width of the slit becomes smaller, the distance between the edges of the slit becomes smaller as well, which results in a smaller angle of diffraction for the light passing through the slit. A smaller angle of diffraction results in a narrower central maximum and more distinct fringes on either side. As the width of the slit becomes even smaller, the diffraction pattern becomes more complex and additional maxima and minima appear. These additional maxima and minima are a result of the light passing through the slit interfering with itself, creating a series of constructive and destructive interference patterns. The number of maxima and minima increases as the width of the slit decreases, resulting in a more complex diffraction pattern.

Work Step by Step

As the width of the single slit is decreased, the diffraction pattern becomes more pronounced and the central maximum becomes narrower. This is because as the width of the slit becomes smaller, the distance between the edges of the slit becomes smaller as well, which results in a smaller angle of diffraction for the light passing through the slit. A smaller angle of diffraction results in a narrower central maximum and more distinct fringes on either side. As the width of the slit becomes even smaller, the diffraction pattern becomes more complex and additional maxima and minima appear. These additional maxima and minima are a result of the light passing through the slit interfering with itself, creating a series of constructive and destructive interference patterns. The number of maxima and minima increases as the width of the slit decreases, resulting in a more complex diffraction pattern.
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