Monochromatic light is incident on two slits and the interference pattern is produced on-screen at the distance L. Now one slit is covered, with no light coming from it. What is the change in pattern on the screen?
Correct answer: B. The width of the outer maximum is decreased
- A. The width of central maximum is decreased
- B. The width of the outer maximum is decreased
- C. The intensity of the central maximum will increase
- D. Less number of fringes will be observed
Explanation
The outer maximum refers to the secondary peaks on both sides of the central maximum in the interference pattern. These secondary maxima are a result of constructive interference between the waves coming from the two slits. If one slit is covered, the outer maximum will still be present, but its intensity will decrease compared to when both slits are open. However, the width of the outer maximum is not affected by covering one of the slits.
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Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.
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