The central maximum is the brightest and widest part of the diffraction pattern created when light passes through a narrow slit or aperture. It is located at the center of the pattern.
The angular width of the central maximum is the measure of the angle between the first dark fringe and the last bright fringe of the diffraction pattern. It is also known as the diffraction angle.
The angular width of the central maximum can be calculated using the formula θ = λ / a, where θ is the diffraction angle, λ is the wavelength of the light, and a is the width of the aperture or slit. This formula is known as the diffraction grating equation.
The angular width of the central maximum is affected by the wavelength of the light used, the width of the aperture or slit, and the distance between the source of light and the aperture. It also depends on the type of diffraction pattern, whether it is single-slit or double-slit.
The angular width of the central maximum is important because it affects the resolution and sharpness of the diffraction pattern. It also provides valuable information about the properties of the light source and the aperture used in the experiment.