Light of wavelength of 5000 Å produces diffraction pattern of the single slit of width 5 $\mu$m. What is the maximum order of diffraction possible ?

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Accepted Answer

> [!TLDR]
> Setting $\sin	heta=1$ in the single-slit minimum condition gives $a/\lambda=10$; since this exact-integer value corresponds to the unobservable grazing angle, the maximum attainable diffraction order is $n=9$.
>
> **Working**
>
> Single-slit diffraction minima occur at
> $$a\sin	heta_n = n\lambda \ \Rightarrow\ \sin	heta_n = \dfrac{n\lambda}{a}$$
>
> Since $\sin	heta_n$ cannot exceed 1, the maximum possible order satisfies
> $$n \le \dfrac{a}{\lambda}$$
>
> **Given:** $a=5\ \mu	ext{m}=5	imes10^{-6}$ m, $\lambda=5000\ 	ext{\AA}=5	imes10^{-7}$ m.
>
> $$\dfrac{a}{\lambda} = \dfrac{5	imes10^{-6}}{5	imes10^{-7}} = 10$$
> …

Q.Light of wavelength of 5000 Å produces diffraction pattern of the single slit of width 5 $\mu$ m. What is the maximum order of diffraction possible ?

Concept understanding — Single Slit Diffraction

Single Slit Diffraction: From Intuition to Precision

Why does this happen? The core idea

The precise condition for minima

What about the maxima?

The intensity pattern (qualitative) …

1. What happens when both slits are open?

2. Assertion (A): If one slit is closed, the diffraction pattern due to the other slit will appear.

3. Reason (R): For interference, at least two waves are required.

Q.Light of wavelength of 5000 Å produces diffraction pattern of the single slit of width 5 μ\muμm. What is the maximum order of diffraction possible ?

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Q.Light of wavelength of 5000 Å produces diffraction pattern of the single slit of width 5 $\mu$ m. What is the maximum order of diffraction possible ?

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