Final answer:
The number of fringes in the central diffraction peak for a double-slit pattern depends on the specific configuration of the slits. It can be determined using a formula that takes into account the slit separation, slit width, distance between the slits and the screen, and the wavelength of light.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of fringes contained in the central diffraction peak for a double-slit pattern depends on the specific configuration of the slits. In general, the number can be determined by using the formula:
Number of fringes = (Slit separation/Slit width) * (Distance between slits and screen/Wavelength of light)
For example:
Case 1: Slit separation is 4 times the slit width, the number of fringes in the central peak will be:
(4/1) * (1/2) = 2 fringes
Case 2: Slits are 5.0 × 10^-3 mm apart, the number of fringes in the central peak will be:
(Slit separation/Slit width) * (Distance between slits and screen/Wavelength of light) = (5.0 × 10^-3/1) * (Distance between slits and screen/Wavelength of light)