Diffraction by a Single Slit

The diffraction patterns of red and green light passing through single slits with different widths are shown below. As the slit width increases, the center-to-center separation of diffraction minima (dark or nodal regions) decreases.

The diffraction patterns of red and green light passing through a 0.04 mm single slit (pattern A on the diffraction plate) are shown.

The diffraction patterns of red and green light passing through a 0.08 mm single slit (pattern B on the diffraction plate) are shown.

The diffraction patterns of red and green light passing through a 0.16 mm single slit (pattern C on the diffraction plate) are shown.