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What happens when a light from a helium-neon laser with a wavelength of 633 nm is incident upon a 0.200−mm wide slit?

The Effects of Light Passing Through a Narrow Slit

When a light from a helium-neon laser with a specific wavelength of 633 nm is directed towards a narrow slit with a width of 0.200 mm, it undergoes an interesting phenomenon known as single slit diffraction. This occurs when light waves encounter an obstacle or slit that is comparable in size to the wavelength of the light.

During single slit diffraction, the light waves spread out after passing through the narrow slit. This causes interference patterns to form, resulting in a series of bright and dark bands on a screen placed behind the slit. The central bright band is known as the central maximum, surrounded by alternating bright and dark bands called diffraction minima.

The total width of the central maximum can be calculated using the single slit diffraction formula, which takes into account the wavelength of light, the distance from the slit, and the width of the slit. In this case, the total width of the central maximum 2.00 m from the slit is 6.33 mm.

Single slit diffraction is a fascinating phenomenon that showcases the wave-like nature of light and the intricate patterns that arise when light interacts with obstacles. It allows us to better understand the behavior of light and the principles of wave optics. Explore more about single slit diffraction and its applications in the field of physics to uncover the wonders of light manipulation!