14 Monochromatic visible light of frequency 4.26x10 Hz falls on a single slit with aperture width 6.66 µm and creates a diffraction pattern on a screen 3.16 m away. Find the angular width of the central maximum, in degrees.

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**Problem Statement: Diffraction of Light Through a Single Slit**

Monochromatic visible light of frequency \(4.26 \times 10^{14}\) Hz falls on a single slit with an aperture width of 6.66 µm and creates a diffraction pattern on a screen 3.16 m away. Find the angular width of the central maximum, in degrees.

**Concept Explanation:**

When light passes through a single slit, it diffracts and creates a pattern of bright and dark regions on a screen. The central maximum is the brightest part of the diffraction pattern. The angular width of the central maximum is an important parameter that can be calculated using the formula:

\[
\theta = \frac{\lambda}{a}
\]

Where:
- \(\theta\) is the angle of the first minimum on either side (thus, twice this angle gives the total angular width of the central maximum).
- \(\lambda\) is the wavelength of the light.
- \(a\) is the width of the slit.

The wavelength (\(\lambda\)) can be found from the frequency (\(f\)) using the speed of light (\(c\)):

\[
\lambda = \frac{c}{f}
\]

Where \(c = 3.00 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s}\).

**Explanation for the Diagram (if applicable):**

If there were diagrams, they would typically show:
- A side view of the experimental setup, including the light source, slit, and screen.
- The resulting diffraction pattern on the screen.
- Labeled angles to illustrate the angular width of the central maximum.

Understanding these principles aids in understanding how light behaves in various conditions, revealing fundamental properties of wave behavior.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement: Diffraction of Light Through a Single Slit** Monochromatic visible light of frequency \(4.26 \times 10^{14}\) Hz falls on a single slit with an aperture width of 6.66 µm and creates a diffraction pattern on a screen 3.16 m away. Find the angular width of the central maximum, in degrees. **Concept Explanation:** When light passes through a single slit, it diffracts and creates a pattern of bright and dark regions on a screen. The central maximum is the brightest part of the diffraction pattern. The angular width of the central maximum is an important parameter that can be calculated using the formula: \[ \theta = \frac{\lambda}{a} \] Where: - \(\theta\) is the angle of the first minimum on either side (thus, twice this angle gives the total angular width of the central maximum). - \(\lambda\) is the wavelength of the light. - \(a\) is the width of the slit. The wavelength (\(\lambda\)) can be found from the frequency (\(f\)) using the speed of light (\(c\)): \[ \lambda = \frac{c}{f} \] Where \(c = 3.00 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s}\). **Explanation for the Diagram (if applicable):** If there were diagrams, they would typically show: - A side view of the experimental setup, including the light source, slit, and screen. - The resulting diffraction pattern on the screen. - Labeled angles to illustrate the angular width of the central maximum. Understanding these principles aids in understanding how light behaves in various conditions, revealing fundamental properties of wave behavior.
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