Question:

In a biprism experiment, a steady interference pattern is observed on the screen kept at a distance of 100 cm using a light of wavelength \(5000\) Å. Without changing the distance between the virtual images of the slit, the source of light is replaced by a source of wavelength \(6400\) Å. Now, to reduce the fringe width by \(20\%\) of its initial value, the screen should be moved

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Fringe width is proportional to lambda times D, so set the new product to 80 percent of the old one.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • towards the source by \(37.5\) cm
  • towards the source by \(62.5\) cm
  • away from the source by \(62.5\) cm
  • away from the source by \(37.5\) cm
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the concept
In a biprism experiment, the fringe width is \(\beta = \dfrac{\lambda D}{d}\). Here \(d\), the separation between the virtual images, is unchanged.

Step 2: Set up the condition
Initially \(\beta_1 = \dfrac{5000\times100}{d}\) (taking \(D\) in cm and \(\lambda\) in Angstrom, the units cancel in the ratio). After changing the source and the screen, we want \(\beta_2 = 0.8\,\beta_1\):
\[ 6400\,D' = 0.8\times5000\times100 \]

Step 3: Solve for the new distance
\[ D' = \frac{400000}{6400} = 62.5\ \text{cm} \]

Step 4: Result
The screen goes from 100 cm to 62.5 cm, so it is moved by \(37.5\) cm towards the source (the biprism), option (A). The other options: 62.5 cm is the new distance, not the movement, and moving away would increase the fringe width.

Final Answer:
The screen moves 37.5 cm towards the source. This is option (A). \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{towards the source by 37.5 cm}} \]
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