Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QJEEM23Ph350d: JEE Main 2023 Physics - Class 12 JEEM23Ph350d Solution: A single slit of width is illuminated by a monochromatic light…

A single slit of width aa is illuminated by a monochromatic light of wavelength 600 nm600 \mathrm{~nm} . The value of ' aa ' for which first minimum appears at θ=30∘\theta=30^{\circ} on the screen will be :

Multiple Choice Options

  • A 3μm{3} \mu \mathrm{m}
  • B 0.6μm0.6 \mu \mathrm{m}
  • C 1.8μm1.8 \mu \mathrm{m}
  • D 1.2μm1.2 \mu \mathrm{m}

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

When light passes through a narrow slit, it diffracts and produces a diffraction pattern on a screen. The pattern consists of a central bright maximum flanked by a series of alternating bright and dark fringes.

The condition for the first minimum in the diffraction pattern is given by :

asin⁡θ=λ

where aa is the width of the slit, θ\theta is the angle of diffraction, and λ\lambda is the wavelength of the incident light.

In this problem, we are given that the wavelength of the incident light is λ=600 nm\lambda = 600\,\mathrm{nm} , and the angle of diffraction for the first minimum is θ=30∘\theta = 30^\circ . We want to find the width of the slit, aa , for which this occurs.

Substituting the given values into the condition for the first minimum, we get :

asin⁡30∘=600nm

Simplifying, we get :

a⋅12=600nm

Multiplying both sides by 2, we get :

a=1200nm=1.2μm

Therefore, the width of the slit for which the first minimum appears at θ=30∘\theta = 30^\circ is 1.2 μm\boxed{1.2\,\mu\mathrm{m}} .

Related Learning Resources & Exam Preparation