How Do Slit Separation and Width Affect Diffraction Patterns?

Click For Summary
Increasing the slit separation results in the maxima moving closer together, while decreasing the separation causes them to spread apart. The width of the slits also influences the diffraction pattern, as wider slits lead to narrower maxima and broader minima. The relationship between slit dimensions and diffraction patterns can be described using specific formulas that incorporate wavelength, slit separation, and distance to the screen. Understanding these principles is essential for analyzing how slit separation and width affect both maxima and minima in diffraction patterns. Clarifying these concepts can enhance comprehension of wave behavior in optics.
Cenois
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Does the distance between the maxima increase/decrease or stay the same when the slit separation is increased? when the slit width is increased? what about if it was minima?

thanks for any help to understand how this works.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Cenois said:
Does the distance between the maxima increase/decrease or stay the same when the slit separation is increased? when the slit width is increased? what about if it was minima?

thanks for any help to understand how this works.

You have to show some work or some of your thoughts in order to get helped.
What is the formula for the position of the maxima and minima in terms of the wavelength, separation between the slits and distance to the screen?
 
i no that by decreasing the slit separation the maxima's move farther apart. My textbook only covered the maxima and its slit separation. also my text didnt cover why it moved farther apart it just said it does. so if you could please help me understand why the slit separation and width affect the maxima and the minima, i will be thankfull.

I don't no how to show more work for a word problem.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
959
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K