High School

A slit of width 0.50 mm is illuminated with light of wavelength 500 nm. A screen is placed 120 cm in front of the slit.

Find the widths of the first and second maxima on each side of the central maximum.

Answer :

Final answer:

The question is about single-slit diffraction in physics. The widths of the first and second maxima in this scenario are 12 cm and 24 cm, respectively.

Explanation:

This question requires understanding of the physics of diffraction and interference, specifically single slit diffraction. The formula for the angular width of the mth order maxima in a single slit experiment is given by θ=mλ/a, where λ is wavelength of light, a is slit width, and m is order of maximum.

The distance from the central maximum (D) to the mth order maxima on the screen is given by D=θL, where L is distance between the slit and screen. Substituting θ from the first equation, D = mλL/a.

  1. For first maxima (m=1), D₁ = (1*500x10⁻⁹*120)/0.50x10⁻³ = 0.12 m = 12 cm
  2. For second maxima (m=2), D₂ = (2*500x10⁻⁹*120)/0.50x10⁻³ = 0.24 m = 24 cm

Learn more about Single Slit Diffraction here:

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