The maximum number of intensity minima that can be observed in the Fra...
The maximum number of intensity minima in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a single slit can be calculated using the formula:
n = (2 * a * sin(θ))/λ
Where:
- n is the number of intensity minima
- a is the width of the slit
- θ is the angle of diffraction
- λ is the wavelength of light
Step 1: Calculating the angle of diffraction (θ)
The angle of diffraction can be calculated using the formula:
sin(θ) = λ / (n * a)
where λ is the wavelength of light, n is the order of the minima (for the first minimum, n = 1), and a is the width of the slit.
Step 2: Calculating the maximum number of intensity minima (n)
To find the maximum number of intensity minima, we need to find the maximum value of sin(θ) that satisfies the condition for a valid diffraction pattern. The maximum value of sin(θ) is 1, so we can rearrange the formula as follows:
n = (2 * a * sin(θ))/λ = (2 * a) / λ
Substituting the given values:
a = 10 µm (width of the slit)
λ = 0.630 µm (wavelength of light)
n = (2 * 10 µm) / 0.630 µm = 31.75 ≈ 31
Therefore, the maximum number of intensity minima that can be observed in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a single slit with a width of 10 µm and illuminated by a laser beam with a wavelength of 0.630 µm is approximately 31.