Light passes through a diffraction grating ruled at 1000 lines per cm and the same wavelength of light also passes through two narrow slits 0.5 mm apart. Both situations produce intensity maxima and minima on a screen. Which statement about the separation of the maxima on the screen and the sharpness of the maxima is correct?
✓ Correct Answer
The correct answer is D: The diffraction grating maxima are more widely spaced and are sharper than the two-slit maxima.
📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis
Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...
🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown
Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.
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