Final answer:
Reducing the width of a slit in a single-slit diffraction experiment causes the central maximum to broaden and the side maxima to become less intense due to the increased spreading of the light waves.
The Correct option is; c. The central maximum narrows, and the side maxima become more intense.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the width of the slit producing a single-slit diffraction pattern is reduced, the diffraction pattern will undergo certain changes.
Specifically, the correct answer to how the diffraction pattern will change is: d. The central maximum widens, and the side maxima become less intense.
Diffraction occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or slit that is comparable in size to the wavelength of the waves. In the case of light passing through a slit, if the slit width is reduced, the light waves spread out more after passing through the slit.
This causes the central maximum to become wider because the degree of spreading is inversely proportional to the slit width.
Additionally, the side maxima or fringes become less intense and more spread out as there is less coherent interference at these points due to the increased spreading of the wave.