Q128 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (21 Apr Shift 1) · Physics

In Young's double slit experiment, in an interference pattern, a minimum is observed exactly in front of one slit. The distance between the two coherent sources is d and D is the distance between source and screen. The possible wavelengths used are proportional to

  • A
    $\frac{1}{D}, \frac{1}{5 D}, \frac{1}{7 D}$,...........
  • Correct answer
    B
    $\frac{1}{D}, \frac{1}{3 D}, \frac{1}{5 D}$,...........
  • C
    $\frac{1}{D}, \frac{1}{2 D}, \frac{1}{3 D}$,...........
  • D
    $\frac{1}{\mathrm{D}^2}, \frac{1}{2 \mathrm{D}^2}, \frac{1}{3 \mathrm{D}^2}$,...........

Solution

The distance between the coherent sources is $d$ and the distance to the screen is $D$. For a point at position $y = d/2$ directly in front of one slit, the path difference becomes $\Delta x = \frac{(d/2)d}{D} = \frac{d^2}{2D}$.

Destructive interference requires $\Delta x = (2n - 1)\frac{\lambda}{2}$ for $n = 1, 2, 3, \dots$. Equating the expressions gives $\frac{d^2}{2D} = (2n - 1)\frac{\lambda}{2}$.

Simplifying yields $\lambda = \frac{d^2}{(2n - 1)D}$. The possible wavelengths are therefore proportional to $\frac{1}{D}$, $\frac{1}{3D}$, $\frac{1}{5D}$, … matching the sequence in option B.

Final answer: $\boxed{B}$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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