Physics

Problem

Red light (

\lambda_{\text{red}} = 650\,\text{nm}

) and violet light (

\lambda_{\text{violet}} = 400\,\text{nm}

) pass through the same narrow slit of width

0.50\,\text{mm}

and form diffraction patterns on a distant screen. Which statement correctly compares the width of the central maximum produced by the two colors? a) The violet light produces a wider central maximum because its speed is greater in vacuum. b) The red light produces a narrower central maximum because its wavelength is longer. c) The red light produces a wider central maximum because its wavelength is longer. d) Both colors produce identical central maxima because the width depends only on the slit width.

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