Question

A rectangular slit is twice as wide as it is high. Is the central diffraction peak wider in the vertical direction or in the horizontal direction?

a) Wider in the vertical direction.
b) Wider in the horizontal direction.
c) The width remains the same in both directions.
d) The width depends on the wavelength of the incident light.

Answer 1

The central diffraction peak will be wider in the vertical direction because the horizontal slit width is greater, leading to a narrower horizontal diffraction peak.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central diffraction peak of a rectangular slit that is twice as wide as it is high will be wider in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. This is because the diffraction pattern's width is inversely proportional to the slit width. Therefore, the wider the slit, the narrower the diffraction peak will be in that direction.

Since the slit is twice as wide horizontally, the central diffraction peak will be narrower in the horizontal direction and hence will appear wider in the vertical direction.