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 slit width 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 is proportional to the width of the slit. If the width of the slit is doubled, the width of the central bright spot will also double. Therefore, the central bright spot will be cut in half if the slit width is doubled. So, option B is the correct choice.

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