question_answer

In a single slit diffraction experiment, the slit width is made double that of the original width. What would happen to the size and intensity of central diffraction band? Give reason for your answer.

Answer:

                Width of central maximum \[=\frac{2D\lambda }{d}\] When slit width (d) is doubled, width of central maximum is halved. Its area becomes \[\text{1}/\text{4}\] times and hence intensity becomes 4 times the initial intensity.