Monochromatic plane waves of light are incident normally on a single slit.Which one of the five figures below most correctly shows the diffraction pattern observed on a distant screen?
A)I
B)II
C)III
D)IV

Question

Monochromatic plane waves of light are incident normally on a single slit.Which one of the five figures below most correctly shows the diffraction pattern observed on a distant screen? 
A)I 
B)II 
C)III 
D)IV

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diffraction pattern for a single slit is a central bright maximum with alternating dark and bright fringes on either side. This is shown correctly in option II. Options I, III, and IV all show either multiple bright spots or a series of symmetric bright and dark spots, which is not characteristic of a single slit diffraction pattern. Option V shows multiple symmetric bright spots, which is more indicative of interference rather than diffraction.

Monochromatic Plane Waves of Light Are Incident Normally on a Single