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In the single-slit Fraunhofer diffraction pattern, the central maximum is:

1. wider and brighter, flanked on both sides by alternating dark and bright bands of progressively decreasing intensity
2. narrower and bright, with alternating dark and bright bands of equal intensity
3. wider and bright, with alternating dark and bright bands of equal intensity
4. dark, with alternating bright bands of equal intensity

Correct answer: wider and brighter, flanked on both sides by alternating dark and bright bands of progressively decreasing intensity

Solution

In single-slit diffraction the central bright band is the widest and brightest. It is bordered on each side by alternating dark and bright fringes (secondary maxima) whose intensities fall off rapidly with increasing order. So the central band is wider, brighter, with flanking bands of decreasing intensity.

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