CBSE Class 12 Physics 2014 Delhi Set 1 Paper

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Question : 11
Total: 30
For a single slit of width a, the first minimum of the interference pattern of a monochromatic light of wavelength l occurs at an angle of
λ
a
. At the same angle of
λ
a
, we get a maximum for two narrow slits separated by a distance a. Explain.
Solution:  
When a single slit is used, the interference pattern is due to the diffraction phenomenon. Since, corresponding wavelets from two halves of a single slit have a path difference of
λ
2
., the overlapping of their contributions in the first scenario results in a minimum. Because these wavefronts have a path difference of λ in the second example, the overlapping of the wavefronts from the two slits results in the first maximum.
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