Optics
Single-Slit Diffraction
Condition for destructive interference (dark fringes) in single-slit diffraction. m = ±1, ±2, ...
Variables
am
Slit width
Allowed values: greater than 0
θ°
Angle to minimum
munitless
Order number (m ≠ 0)
Allowed values: not 0, whole number
λm
Wavelength
Allowed values: greater than 0
Your notes
0/5000
Other optics formulas with the same quantities
- Fringe Spacing (Wave Optics) shares Wavelength
- Resolving Power of Grating (Wave Optics) shares Wavelength
- Constructive Interference Condition (Wave Optics) shares Wavelength
- Rayleigh Criterion (Resolution) shares Wavelength
Where this formula is listed
- Optics formulas, under Wave Optics, alongside Thin Film Interference and Optical Path Length.
- In the optics list it comes after Fringe Spacing and before Diffraction Grating.
- Optics formula sheet, one of 34 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Single-Slit Diffraction formula?
Single-Slit Diffraction is written a sin θ = mλ. Condition for destructive interference (dark fringes) in single-slit diffraction. m = ±1, ±2, ... It belongs to Optics, under Wave Optics.
What are the units in a sin θ = mλ?
In SI units, a is slit width, measured in m; θ is angle to minimum, measured in °; m is order number (m ≠ 0) (dimensionless); λ is wavelength, measured in m.