Diffraction: Practice Problem & Solution
For a parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength '$\lambda$', diffraction is produced by a single slit whose width 'a' is of the order of the wavelength of the light. If 'D' is the distance of the screen from the slit, the width of the central maxima will be: (2015)
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Diffraction. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
In a single slit diffraction pattern, the angular width of the central maximum is $2\theta = \frac{2\lambda}{a}$. The linear width is given by $W = D(2\theta) = \frac{2D\lambda}{a}$.
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