Question Detail

PHY 104 Diffraction and Interference of light waves Objective Question
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Question

The small angle approximation (sinθ ≈ tanθ ≈ y/x) is utilized in Young's double-slit experiment calculations primarily because:
Options
A It simplifies calculations for all possible angles, regardless of size.
B The screen is always positioned very close to the slits, making 'x' small.
C The angles subtended by the fringes at the slits are typically very small.
Correct Answer
D Light waves inherently travel in perfectly straight lines without deviation.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 3 notes: 'For small angles, sin θ = tan θ = y/x'. This approximation is valid because in typical Young's experiment setups, the distance to the screen (x) is much larger than the fringe displacement (y), resulting in small angles.

Hint

Consider the conditions under which the approximation sinθ ≈ θ ≈ tanθ is mathematically valid.

Question Info

Course: PHY 104
Topic: Diffraction and Interference of light waves
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 519 of 947
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