Final answer:
The ratio of λ / W in a single-slit diffraction pattern is 1 / 14,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the width of the slit in a single-slit diffraction pattern, we can use the formula:
λ / W = 360
Given that the central fringe is 360 times as wide as the slit, we can substitute this value into the equation:
λ / W = 360
Since the screen is 14,000 times farther from the slit than the slit is wide, we can also use the formula:
D / W = 14,000
Substituting the given values into the equation:
D / W = 14,000
We can rearrange this equation to solve for the ratio:
λ / D = 1 / 14,000
Therefore, the ratio λ / W is equal to 1 / 14,000.