Angular Width of the Central Bright Fringe (Principal Maximum) in Single - Slit Fraunhofer Diffraction
Formula: Δ θ₀ ≈ (2λ)/(a) Applicable Conditions: Parallel light incident normally on a single slit, with small diffraction angles θ (approximation sin θ ≈ θ ).…
Syllabus path: Optics › Physical Optics › Diffraction
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CSCA Physics Formula Reference
Formula and explanation
Formula: Δ θ₀ ≈ (2λ)/(a) Applicable Conditions: Parallel light incident normally on a single slit, with small diffraction angles θ (approximation sin θ ≈ θ ). Explanation: The angular width of the central bright fringe (the angular distance between the first dark fringes on either side) is approximately this value. It is the brightest and widest bright fringe in the diffraction pattern.
Related tutorial and examples
Diffraction
Topic: Optics > Physical Optics > Diffraction Diffraction 1. Conceptual Definition Diffraction is the phenomenon where light bends around the edges of an obstacle or passes through a small aperture, entering the geometric shadow. It is direct evidence of the Wave Nature of light.…
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