A single slit forms a diffraction pattern with monochromatic light.The fourth minimum of the pattern occurs at an angle of 32° from the central maximum.The angle at which the fifth minimum of the pattern occurs is closest to:
A)41.5°
B)41.0°
C)40.5°
D)42.0°
E)42.5°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angle for the nth minimum in a single-slit diffraction pattern is given by the formula a*sin(θ) = n*λ, where a is the slit width, θ is the angle, n is the order of the minimum, and λ is the wavelength. The angle for the fifth minimum can be approximated using the linear relationship between the order of the minimum and the angle, so if the fourth minimum is at 32°, the fifth minimum will be slightly larger, closest to 41.5°.

A Single Slit Forms a Diffraction Pattern with Monochromatic Light