Question:medium

In Young's double-slit experiment, the fringe width is proportional to

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Remember, in Young's double-slit experiment, the fringe width is directly proportional to the wavelength of light used and inversely proportional to the separation between the slits.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • $\lambda$
  • $1/\lambda$
  • $d$
  • $1/D$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the fringe width.
In Young's double-slit experiment the fringe width is the gap between two bright or two dark bands. \[ \beta = \frac{\lambda D}{d} \] Here $\lambda$ is the wavelength, $D$ is the slit-to-screen distance, and $d$ is the slit separation.

Step 2: Spot the wavelength term.
The wavelength $\lambda$ is on top, so the fringe width grows with the wavelength. \[ \beta \propto \lambda \]

Step 3: Check the screen distance.
The distance $D$ is also on top, so larger $D$ gives wider fringes. But this is a separate factor and not the one asked here.

Step 4: Check the slit separation.
The separation $d$ is on the bottom, so a larger $d$ makes the fringes narrower. So fringe width is inversely related to $d$, not directly.

Step 5: Compare with the choices.
Among the given options, only the plain wavelength $\lambda$ correctly shows a direct proportion. The options $1/\lambda$, $d$, and $1/D$ do not match.

Step 6: State the answer.
The fringe width is proportional to the wavelength. \[ \boxed{\beta \propto \lambda} \]
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