Each pattern shown below would appear on a screen when monochromatic light of wavelength λ first passes through a narrow slit of width a and then strikes a screen. The darkest areas on the page represent the brightest areas on the screen. In which case does the slit have the greatest width?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The width of the slit can be determined by the width of the central bright band on the screen. As the slit width increases, the central bright band becomes narrower. In pattern E, the central bright band is the widest, indicating that the slit is the widest. Therefore, the best choice is E.

Each Pattern Shown Below Would Appear on a Screen When