Four separate single–slit diffraction experiments are performed

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

Four separate single–slit diffraction experiments are performed. In each experiment monochromatic light of wavelength λ\lambda passes through a slit of width aa and forms a pattern on an identically positioned distant screen. The table below lists the wavelength and slit width used in each experiment. (All experiments use the same viewing distance.) • Experiment I: λ=500 nm\lambda=500\,\text{nm}, a=0.075 mma=0.075\,\text{mm} • Experiment II: λ=650 nm\lambda=650\,\text{nm}, a=0.075 mma=0.075\,\text{mm} • Experiment III: λ=500 nm\lambda=500\,\text{nm}, a=0.050 mma=0.050\,\text{mm} • Experiment IV: λ=650 nm\lambda=650\,\text{nm}, a=0.050 mma=0.050\,\text{mm} For each experiment, the width of the central bright maximum is measured along the screen. (a) Rank the four experiments from the one that produces the *narrowest* central bright maximum to the one that produces the *widest* central bright maximum. If any experiments yield the same width, indicate that clearly in your ranking. (b) Provide a thorough justification for your ranking, explicitly discussing how each listed parameter influences the observed width.

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