PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics
Problem
As the number of identical, equally spaced slits in an optical grating is increased from 2 to 6 while all other parameters remain fixed, what happens to the intensity of the secondary (non-principal) maxima relative to the central maximum?
(a) They disappear completely and no longer appear on the screen.
(b) Their intensity decreases compared with the central maximum.
(c) Their intensity increases, approaching that of the central maximum.
(d) Their intensity remains unchanged relative to the central maximum.