Width of single slit diffraction

In summary, Diffraction is the bending of light around an aperture, and in order to resolve two distinct images, the angle must satisfy the rayleigh criterion. This can be proven through integration. For observable diffraction, the aperture size must be in the same order of magnitude as the wavelength, and in order to get a specific angle for the first maxima, the aperture size must be a multiple of the wavelength. As a result of the diffraction, different wavelengths of light will be spread out at different angles, but the central maxima will be a combination of all colors.
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Part(a)
Diffraction is the bending of light about an aperture. To be able to resolve two distinct images, the minimum angle must satisfy the rayleigh criterion. Any angle smaller will hence affect the quality of images.

(b) Proven by integration.

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(c) For observable diffraction, firstly w must be in the same order of magnitude as λ. Secondly, using w*sinθ = nλ, in order to get the first maxima to be 30o, w must be 2λ etc...

(d) since w*sinθ = nλ, the higher wavelengths of light get spread out more than the lower wavelengths. But the central maxima will be a combination of all colors. At certain angles some wavelengths of light overlap where niλi = njλj, i≠j.
 
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1. What is the definition of "width of single slit diffraction"?

The width of single slit diffraction refers to the size of a single slit through which light passes and diffracts, creating a pattern of bright and dark bands on a screen.

2. How does the width of a single slit affect the diffraction pattern?

The narrower the width of the single slit, the wider the diffraction pattern will be. This is because a narrower slit allows more diffraction to occur, resulting in a wider spread of the diffracted light.

3. What is the relationship between the width of a single slit and the distance between the bright fringes in the diffraction pattern?

The distance between the bright fringes in the diffraction pattern is inversely proportional to the width of the single slit. This means that as the width of the slit decreases, the distance between the bright fringes increases.

4. How does the wavelength of light affect the width of single slit diffraction?

The wavelength of light has an inverse relationship with the width of single slit diffraction. This means that as the wavelength of light increases, the width of the diffraction pattern decreases. Alternatively, as the wavelength decreases, the width of the diffraction pattern increases.

5. How does the intensity of light affect the width of single slit diffraction?

The intensity of light does not have a direct effect on the width of single slit diffraction. However, a higher intensity of light will result in a brighter diffraction pattern, making it easier to observe and measure the width of the diffraction pattern.

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