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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A Fraunhofer diffraction pattern due to a narrow slit is obtained on a screen placed at a distance \(D\) from the slit whose slit width is \(a\). The distance of first secondary maximum from the central maximum is
PhysicsWave OpticsAP EAMCETAP EAMCET 2020 (18 Sep Shift 2)
Options:
  • A \(\frac{3 D \lambda}{a}\)
  • B \(\frac{3 D \lambda}{2 a}\)
  • C \(\frac{2 D \lambda}{3 a}\)
  • D \(\frac{2 D \lambda}{a}\)
Solution:
1240 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: \(\frac{3 D \lambda}{2 a}\)
In Fraunhofer diffraction pattern, the direction of secondary maximum is given as
\(\begin{aligned}
\theta & =(2 n+1) \frac{\lambda}{2 a}=(2 \times 1+1) \frac{\lambda}{2 a} \\
\Rightarrow \theta & =\frac{3 \lambda}{2 a}
\end{aligned}\)
\(\therefore\) Distance of first secondary maximum from the central maximum is given by
\(x=\theta D=\frac{3 \lambda}{2 a} \cdot D=\frac{3 D \lambda}{2 a}\)

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