Question

In wave optics, diffraction becomes more prominent when:

• A. Aperture size is much larger than wavelength
• B. Aperture size is equal to or smaller than wavelength
• C. Frequency is very high
• D. Light intensity is increased

Hint:

Diffraction is prominent when: \[ \text{Aperture size} \approx \lambda \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles or through small apertures.
The effect of diffraction depends on the relation between: \[ \text{aperture size} \] and: \[ \text{wavelength of light} \]
Step 1: Condition for prominent diffraction
Diffraction becomes significant when: \[ \text{Aperture size} \approx \lambda \] or: \[ \text{Aperture size} < \lambda \] where: \[ \lambda=\text{wavelength of light} \]
Step 2: Analyze the options
• If aperture is much larger than wavelength, diffraction is negligible.
• High frequency alone does not make diffraction more prominent.
• Intensity affects brightness, not diffraction pattern formation. Thus diffraction is most noticeable when aperture size is comparable to or smaller than wavelength.
Option analysis:
• Option (A): Incorrect
• Option (B): Correct
• Option (C): Incorrect
• Option (D): Incorrect Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]