Question

Compare single slit diffraction pattern due to monochromatic light and white light.

Answer 1

When source of light is monochromatic, the diffraction pattern consists of alternate bright and dark bands of unequal width. The central bright fringe has maximum intensity. The intensity of secondary maxima falls off rapidly.

When source is emitting white light, the diffraction pattern is coloured. The central maxima is white, but other bands are coloured. As band width ∝ λ, therefore, red band with higher wavelength is wider than the violet band with smaller wavelength.

Answer 2

the light diffract ,When a monochromatic source is replaced by a white light, the diffracted image of the slit will get dispersed into constituent colors of white light. The central maxima will be white, and all other fringes will be of the constituent colors.