A Haunting question on diffraction grating

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effects of changing slit width and separation in diffraction grating experiments, specifically referencing question 5 part c from the CIE International A and AS Level Physics exam. Increasing the width of each slit while keeping the separation constant results in brighter fringes and fewer visible fringes due to enhanced intensity from reduced diffraction effects. Conversely, increasing the separation of the slits does not lead to an increase in the number of maxima, as the relationship defined by the equation dsin∅=nλ indicates that a larger separation decreases the angular spacing between fringes, resulting in fewer observable maxima.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of diffraction principles in physics
  • Familiarity with the equation dsin∅=nλ
  • Knowledge of interference patterns and fringe visibility
  • Basic concepts of wave superposition
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of slit width on diffraction patterns in detail
  • Explore the relationship between slit separation and fringe spacing
  • Investigate the impact of wavelength on diffraction and interference
  • Review experimental setups for measuring diffraction patterns
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Students studying physics, particularly those preparing for A Level examinations, educators teaching wave optics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of diffraction grating in experimental physics.

mutineer123
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Homework Statement


This question is pretty interesting, but a bit long, so bear with me

http://www.xtremepapers.com/CIE/International%20A%20And%20AS%20Level/9702%20-%20Physics/9702_w07_qp_2.pdf
question 5 part c

For (i) The width of each slit is increased but the separation remains constant.
Firstly what exactly does it mean to increase the width? Is d increasing? but it says separation remains constant
the answer says the bright fringes will become brighter and there will be fewer fringes on the screen. HOW?
I thought the fringes would become less bright, because increasing the slit mean diffraction decreases (considering the small wavelength of the light) so there should be less superposition, and hence the intensity of the resultant wave should be lower! ANd how in the world is "will be fewer fringes on the screen" derived??


And for the second one (ii) The separation of the slits is increased.
Why is increase in the nos. of maximas(more fringes seen) wrong?? following the equation dsin∅=nλ, if d increases then n will increase won't it??



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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mutineer123 said:

Homework Statement


This question is pretty interesting, but a bit long, so bear with me

http://www.xtremepapers.com/CIE/International%20A%20And%20AS%20Level/9702%20-%20Physics/9702_w07_qp_2.pdf
question 5 part c

For (i) The width of each slit is increased but the separation remains constant.
Firstly what exactly does it mean to increase the width? Is d increasing? but it says separation remains constant
the answer says the bright fringes will become brighter and there will be fewer fringes on the screen. HOW?
I thought the fringes would become less bright, because increasing the slit mean diffraction decreases (considering the small wavelength of the light) so there should be less superposition, and hence the intensity of the resultant wave should be lower! ANd how in the world is "will be fewer fringes on the screen" derived??


And for the second one (ii) The separation of the slits is increased.
Why is increase in the nos. of maximas(more fringes seen) wrong?? following the equation dsin∅=nλ, if d increases then n will increase won't it??



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



http://www.xtremepapers.com/CIE/International%20A%20And%20AS%20Level/9702%20-%20Physics/9702_w07_ms_2.pdf → answer sheet if anyone wants to view
 

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