When a monochromatic light source is incident on two slits of the same width an interference pattern is produced - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 16 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 16
When a monochromatic light source is incident on two slits of the same width an interference pattern is produced.
One slit is then covered with opaque black paper.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:When a monochromatic light source is incident on two slits of the same width an interference pattern is produced - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 16 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
A The intensity of the central maximum will increase
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Answer
Covering one of the slits will not increase the intensity of the central maximum; instead, it will reduce the overall intensity of the observed pattern due to the contribution from one slit being blocked.
Step 2
B The width of the central maximum decreases
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Answer
The width of the central maximum will actually not decrease; it remains largely unchanged when one slit is covered, although the overall intensity is affected.
Step 3
C Fewer maxima are observed
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Answer
When one slit is covered, the interference pattern is altered, leading to fewer observable maxima because the interference effect depends on both slits. With one slit blocked, the interference pattern will show reduced maxima.
Step 4
D The outer maxima become wider
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Answer
The outer maxima will appear wider due to the reduced contributions to the diffraction pattern from the blocked slit, leading to a spread in the observed outer maxima.
