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Question #43145
The Question
A point source of white light is placed on the principal axis of a thin converging lens at a distance of from its optical centre. The focal lengths of the lens for blue and red light are and , respectively. An opaque screen containing two narrow slits separated by is placed just behind the lens (assume the distance between the lens and the slits is negligible), with its plane perpendicular to the principal axis. The midpoint between the two slits is located at a distance from the principal axis. An observation screen is placed at a distance from the slit plane. Find the distance on the observation screen between the central maximum of the interference pattern for blue light and the central maximum for red light.
Options
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Intuition_Breaker
Train your brain to resist "obvious" answers that are designed to deceive your intuition.
Concepts Behind This Question
Chromatic Aberration|Single Slit Diffraction Minima|Young's Double Slit Geometry
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Students often incorrectly assume that if a primary source is placed on the principal axis, the central maximum of the resulting interference pattern will always form on the principal axis () or directly ahead of the shifted slits (), regardless of the wavefront's curvature.
This question tests the misapplication of standard YDSE formulas by introducing a diverging spherical wavefront via longitudinal chromatic aberration.
The trap is neglecting the initial phase difference at the off-axis slits caused by the spherical wavefront.
A rigorous application of Fermat's principle or Huygens' construction is required to realize that the central maximum shifts along the line connecting the virtual source and the geometric center of the slits.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Physics |
| Chapter | Ray Optics and Optical Instruments - Class 12 |
| Concept | Chromatic Aberration |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 7 |
| Target Solve Time | 160 sec |
| Access | Free |