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Question

Physics Question on Wave optics

Angular width (θ)(\theta ) of central maximum of a diffraction pattern of a single slit does not depend upon:

A

distance between slit and source

B

wavelength of light used

C

width of the slit

D

frequency of light used

Answer

distance between slit and source

Explanation

Solution

The following ray diagram shows the single slit diffraction pattern.
This is guided by Huygens principle.
The properties of the system are wholly dependent on the ratio
λW\frac{\lambda }{W} where λ\lambda
is wavelength and W the width of slit.
Angular width =λW=\frac{\lambda }{W}
Hence, angular width does not depend upon the distance between slit and source.