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

The pattern that appears on the screen when monochromatic light passes through a narrow slit for which a = λ is the single slit diffraction pattern. This pattern consists of a central bright spot flanked by alternating bright and dark fringes. The spacing between the fringes is given by the equation d sinθ = λ, where d is the distance between the slit and the screen, θ is the angle between the central maximum and the nth fringe, and λ is the wavelength of the light. In the given options, only option D shows this characteristic pattern with the central bright spot and alternating bright and dark fringes.

Which of the Patterns Shown Below Would Appear on a Screen