Question

In a diffraction pattern due to a single slit, how will the angular width of the central maximum change, if the slit width is decreased?

Justify your answer.

Answer 1

The angular width of the central maxima of a single slit diffraction pattern is 2θ = `(2λ)/"a"`

Angular width of central maxima `∝ 1/ "slit width"`

So, if the angular width is decreased, the angular width of the central maxima will increase.