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 would appear on a screen when monochromatic light first passes through a narrow slit for which a = λ and then strikes the screen is a single central bright band surrounded by a series of alternating bright and dark bands. This is known as the single-slit diffraction pattern. In option D, we can see a single central bright band surrounded by a series of alternating bright and dark bands, which matches the expected pattern. The other options either have multiple central bright bands or a different pattern altogether.

Which of the Patterns Shown Below Would Appear on a Screen