Problem 14-83 Diffraction - B

A point source emits light of wavelength 520nm toward a single slit of width 0.085mm. The light creates a diffraction pattern on a screen located 2.2m from the screen.

(a) What is the width of the central maximum?
(b) What angle do the first order fringes subtend with the slit?

[Ans. (a) 2.7cm   (b) 0.70∘]

Accumulated Solution

Diagram B of the width of the central maximum.

Correct!

Which equation applies to this problem?

(A)   \sin\theta = x/L = (N-½)\lambda/d \; \text{where N = 1, 2, 3...}

(B)   \sin\theta = x/L = N \lambda/w\; \text{ where N = 1, 2, 3...}