Single-slit diffraction: A single slit, which is 0.050 mm wide, is illuminated by light of 550 nm wavelength. What is the angular separation between the first two minima on either side of the central maximum?
A) 0.36°
B) 0.47°
C) 0.54°
D) 0.63°
E) 0.73°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular position of the minima in single-slit diffraction is given by the formula θ = mλ/a, where m is the order of the minimum, λ is the wavelength, and a is the slit width. For the first minima (m=1), θ = (1)(550 x 10^-9 m) / (0.050 x 10^-3 m) = 0.011 radians. Converting to degrees, θ ≈ 0.63°. The angular separation between the first minima on either side is 2θ, which is approximately 0.63°.

Single-Slit Diffraction: a Single Slit, Which Is 0