In a single-slit diffraction experiment, the screen is moved to twice its original distance while wavelength and slit width remain unchanged. Which statement is correct?
Options

Question

In a single-slit diffraction experiment, the screen is moved to twice its original distance while wavelength and slit width remain unchanged. Which statement is correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Angular width of the central maximum is Δθ = 2λ ÷ a. It does not depend on the screen distance D. Therefore the angular width remains unchanged. Linear width is W = DΔθ ≈ 2Dλ ÷ a. If D doubles, W also doubles. Correct option: B.