Question:easy

In Young's experiment with a monochromatic source and two slits, one of the slits is covered with black opaque paper, the fringes will

Show Hint

Interference is fundamentally a two-body phenomenon for waves. Single slit = diffraction only; Double slit = interference modulated by diffraction. Blocking one slit always destroys the interference fringes completely.
Updated On: Jun 12, 2026
  • be darker
  • be narrower
  • be broader
  • not be observed
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall what makes fringes.
Interference fringes in Young's experiment need two coherent beams overlapping on the screen.
Step 2: Write the intensity rule.
The combined intensity is $I = I_1 + I_2 + 2\sqrt{I_1 I_2}\cos\phi$, where the cross term creates the bright-dark pattern.
Step 3: Cover one slit.
Blocking one slit removes its light, so $I_2 = 0$.
Step 4: See what survives.
With $I_2 = 0$, the cross term $2\sqrt{I_1 I_2}\cos\phi$ vanishes and only $I = I_1$ remains.
Step 5: Interpret the result.
Without two overlapping beams there is no alternating constructive and destructive pattern; just the broad spread from a single slit reaches the screen.
Step 6: Conclude.
The interference fringes are not observed, so the answer is option (4).
\[ \boxed{\text{Fringes will not be observed}} \]
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