A single-slit diffraction pattern is formed on a distant screen. Assuming the angles involved are small, by what factor will the width of the central bright spot on the screen change if the distance from the slit to the screen is doubled?
A) It will be cut to one-quarter its original size.
B) It will be cut in half.
C) It will double.
D) It will become four times as large.
E) It will become eight times as large.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The width of the central bright spot in a single-slit diffraction pattern is directly proportional to the distance from the slit to the screen. Therefore, if the distance is doubled, the width of the central bright spot will also double.

A Single-Slit Diffraction Pattern Is Formed on a Distant Screen