Which of the patterns shown below would appear on a screen when monochromatic light first passes through a narrow slit for which a = λ and then strikes the screen? Note that the darkest area in each illustration represents the brightest area on the screen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When monochromatic light first passes through a narrow slit for which a = λ, the pattern of diffraction created on the screen is a single central bright spot surrounded by a series of alternating bright and dark fringes. This is known as the single-slit diffraction pattern. The pattern shown in choice D corresponds to this description, with a central bright spot and alternating bright and dark fringes on either side. The other patterns shown do not match this description and therefore are not the correct choice.

Which of the Patterns Shown Below Would Appear on a Screen