Diffraction - opening smaller than wavelength

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining which combination of wavelength and opening size produces the least diffraction. The consensus is that option D, with a wavelength of 5.0 nm and an opening of 45 m, results in minimal diffraction due to the significant size difference. Option C is also noted to have low diffraction. The user seeks clarification on options A and B, questioning whether a larger wavelength compared to the opening leads to inability to pass through or increased diffraction. It is confirmed that a larger wavelength relative to the opening results in substantial diffraction.
dragon-kazooie
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Hi! I have this problem:

Homework Statement


Which combination will produce the least degree of diffraction?
A. λ of 2.0m through an opening of 1.0 cm
B. λ of 30m through an opening of 2.0 m
C. λ of 2.0m through an opening of 25 m
D. λ of 5.0nm through an opening of 45 m

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the answer would be D because the wavelength is so much smaller than the opening that it would barely diffract, and that C would also be pretty low.

What I'm not sure of is what happens with A and B. If the wavelength is much greater than the opening, does that mean it will not be able to go through it, or does that mean it will go through and diffract a lot?


thanks for your time!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It goes through and diffracts a lot.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Diffraction pattern from a grating
Replies
3
Views
782
How Does the Fraunhofer Condition Affect Diffraction Patterns?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Interference vs. diffraction patterns
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculating the Planck Length
Replies
3
Views
208
Fraunhofer Diffraction Pattern Ratio of Power Densities
Replies
34
Views
3K
Finding order of diffraction given angle and wavelength
Replies
10
Views
2K
Diffraction Barrier-Class of Maximum?
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Does a Diffraction Grating Resolve Different Wavelengths of Sodium Light?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Relationship of slit, wavelength, and intensity
Replies
5
Views
4K
What Is the Longer Wavelength in a Diffraction Grating Experiment?
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top