In Young's double slit experiment, if the slit separation is doubled and screen distance halved, the fringe width becomes: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

In Young's double slit experiment, if the slit separation is doubled and screen distance halved, the fringe width becomes:
A. One-fourth
B. Double
C. Same
D. Half
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Fringe width β = λD/d, where λ wavelength, D screen distance, d slit separation. New d' = 2d, new D' = D/2. Thus β' = λ(D/2)/(2d) = λD/(4d) = β/4. Fringe width reduces to one-fourth. Memory tip: 'β ∝ D/d; changes multiply'. This proportional reasoning problem tests wave optics understanding, frequently appearing in competitive exams. Always track how each parameter change affects the result; combine multiplicative factors for net effect. Verify with dimensional analysis: β has length dimension, consistent with λD/d.

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