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Question 20245
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Electromagnetic Waves and Wave Optics: Diffraction — Single Slit Intensity Pattern MCQ

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Diffraction — Single Slit Intensity PatternHardQuestion 20245

Question

The intensity ratio of the 1st secondary maximum to the central maximum in a single-slit diffraction pattern is approximately:
  1. A
    1/22
  2. B
    1/4
  3. C
    4/9π²
    Correct
  4. D
    1/9

Correct answer

4/9π²

Explanation

First secondary maximum occurs at approximately a sinθ ≈ 3λ/2. The intensity ratio is I₁/I₀ ≈ 4/(9π²) ≈ 0.045 ≈ 1/22. Secondary maxima are much weaker than the central maximum.

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