For a single slit of width a,the angles theta_1 and theta_2 determine the locati

Question

For a single slit of width a,the angles theta_1 and theta_2 determine the locations of the first and the Second minima respectively. A similar process can be used to determine locations of the higher-order minima. In particular, to determine the location of the third minimum, divide the slit into thirds and use the reasoning above. c. For a slit of width a and light of wavelength lambda, write an equation that can be used to determine the angle to: the second minimum the third minimum the m^th minimum What values can m take? In particular, can m = 0? Explain why or why not.

Explanation / Answer

General equation for minima in single slit diffractin pattern is given by,
a sin()  = m*
For second minimum, m = 2

a*sin()  = 2*
= sin^-1((2*)/a)

For third minimum, m = 3

a*sin()  = 3*
= sin^-1((3*)/a)

For mth minimum,

a*sin()  = m*
= sin^-1((m*)/a)

No we cannot take m = 0,
If we take m = 0, = 0 from the above eq, and for single slit, at = 0 there is a central maxima.
So we cannot take m = 0 !!

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