Helium-neon laser light (λ = 6.33 × 10−⁷ m) is sent through a 0.30 mm-wide single slit. What is the width of the central maximum on a screen 1.0 m from the slit? A) 2.0 cm B) 4.2 mm C) 1.1 cm D) 2.0 mm E) 0.70 mm

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The width of the central maximum ($W$) in a single-slit diffraction pattern is given by the formula $W = 2L\lambda / a$, where $L$ is the distance to the screen, $\lambda$ is the wavelength of the light, and $a$ is the width of the slit. Substituting the given values: $W = 2 \times 1.0 \, \text{m} \times (6.33 \times 10^{-7} \, \text{m}) / (0.30 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{m}) = 4.22 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{m} = 4.2 \, \text{mm}$.

Helium-Neon Laser Light (λ = 6