In dealing with the diffraction pattern of a single slit,we are usually interested in the location of the first minimum in light intensity because
A)it is the only one that can be determined accurately.
B)it is the only one for which the small-angle approximation holds.
C)nearly all the light energy is contained in the central maximum.
D)it is the only one for which the location is directly proportional to the wavelength of the light.
E)it is the only one that can be described by Fraunhofer diffraction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The central maximum contains most of the energy, so it is of primary interest. The location of the first minimum can be used to determine the width of the slit, but it is not the only minimum that can be determined accurately. The small-angle approximation may be used for small angles, but it is not limited to the first minimum. The location of the minimum is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light, not directly proportional. Fraunhofer diffraction describes the entire pattern, not just the first minimum.

In Dealing with the Diffraction Pattern of a Single Slit,we