Final answer:
The intensity of the wave is large near the middle of the screen, then decreases to nearly zero, and then increases again as the distance from the middle of the screen increases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes how the intensity of the wave depends on position along the screen is option a) The intensity is large near the middle of the screen, then decreases to nearly zero, and then increases again as the distance from the middle of the screen increases.
When light passes through a single slit, it diffracts and creates an interference pattern on the screen. The intensity of the wave is highest at the centre, where the brightest fringe is observed. As the distance from the center increases, the intensity decreases, leading to dark fringes. However, beyond the dark fringes, the intensity starts increasing again due to secondary maxima.