If you double the width of a single slit, the intensity of the central maximum of the diffraction pattern increases by a factor of 4, even though the energy passing through the slit only doubles. Explain this quantitatively.

If you double the width of a single slit, the intensity of the central maximum of the diffraction pattern increases by a factor of 4, even though the energy passing through the slit only doubles. Explain this quantitatively.

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text

5th Edition

ISBN:9781133104261

Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Chapter27: Wave Optics

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1OQ: Consider a wave passing through a single slit. What happens to the width of the central maximum of...

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Concept explainers

Diffraction of light

In physics, the term diffraction is defined as the bending of light around the corners of the obstacle. As a light ray passes by an aperture, it bends around the edges or through slits, it spreads out through a narrow opening. The diffracted light will produce fringes of bright and dark or colored bands which are labeled as a diffraction pattern.

Question

If you double the width of a single slit, the intensity of
the central maximum of the diffraction pattern increases by a
factor of 4, even though the energy passing through the slit only
doubles. Explain this quantitatively.

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