1.

(a)

each point on the slit acts as a source of secondary waves;

it is the interference between these waves that produces the maxima
and minima;
OWTTE;

2 max

(b)
in te n s ity

X
d is ta n c e a lo n g s c re e n
central maximum around X;
correct overall shape (only two secondary maxima need be shown);
secondary maxima much less intense than the central maximum;

Accept anything less than half the principle maximum.

(c)

(d)

d 1 1
f

show d 2 2 from d = b ;
6.5 500
5
substitute to get =
= 650 nm;
(i)

(ii)

the first minimum of one image should coincide with the first
maximum of the other image;
OWTTE;

use b D ;
to give b = 0.15 mm;

1 max

2
[10]

2.

(a)

(i)

diffraction at the lens;

(ii)

circular patch bright;

circular bright ring / darkness between patch and ring;

(b)

(i)

(ii)

4.0 10 6
3
a = 17 10 ;
4
= 2.4 10 rad;

1.22 550 10 9

4
2.4 10 4
1.22 d = 2.4 10 therefore d =
;
d = 2.8 mm;

Award [2] even if factor 1.22 is missing.

[7]

3.

(a)

Award [2] for a clear statement or [2] for a clear diagram.

the maximum of one diffraction pattern is coincident with the first
minimum of the other;
or:

(b)

min 1.22

(with small angle approximation),

s
;
150 m

590 10 9

1.22 1.22
;
D
5.0 10 3
equate
to get s = 2.2 cm;

Award [2 max] if 1.22 factor is omitted.

[5]

4.

(a)

shape of diffraction pattern acceptable;

central maximum of one pattern falls on first minimum of other;
relative heights of central and first maxima realistic for both patterns;

(b)

1.22 1.22 400 10 9

1.6310 4 rad ;
d
0.003

woman car distance

head lamp separation

12
;

4
tan
1.6 10

= 7.5km;

3
[6]

5.

(a)

maxima to coincide with minima and minimum at maximum of first source;

minima to touch x-axis and intensity of maxima to equal intensity of maximum
of first source;
2
Only one maximum and minimum need be shown.

2.3 10 6

(b)

angle subtended at eye = 4.5 10

1.22 5 10

b
1.22
5.110 7
b to give
=

12

5.110 7

rad;

1. 2 m ;

Do not penalize if 1.22 not used (1.0 m).

some comment to the effect that this much larger than the diameter of the
pupil so that Pluto cannot be resolved as a disk / is a point source;
3
Accept an answer based on a reasonable estimate for pupil diameter and
therefore, shows that Pluto would have to be much nearer to be resolved.
[5]

6.

(a)

(i)

circular pattern light and dark markings clearly

Minimum is centre

labelled;
with 2 fringes outside it.
bright centre to pattern clearly labelled;

2
Award [1 max] for an intensity-position graph if it has a central
maximum and is clearly a diffraction pattern (must see central
maximum, first minimum, first maximum at least) and award
[2 max] if there is a mention of circular symmetry.

sin
(ii)

Do not award if
1.22 1.22 450 10 9

2.2 10 6 ;
d
0.25
1.22 factor missing
-6

diameter = 2 0.75 sin (or tan)q = 3.3 10 m;

(b)

(i)

resolution of telescope =
-6

1.22 4.5 10 7

0.25

Allow ECF if 1.22

is missing in (a)(ii).

2.2 10 6 ;

17

d = 2.2 10 1.5 10 ;
11

= 3.3 10 m;

(ii)

separation 2d shows definite dip between maxima; Award these two marking points
d

separation shows small or no dip;

for words or diagram.

2
general shapes of curves good showing 2 minima,
Award this marking point
asymmetric higher - order maxima, reducing heights
on the basis ofa diagram.
of maxima;

3
[10]

7.

(a)

(b)

first diffraction minimum at q = 4.25 10 rad

4
3
7
l bq = 1.2 10 4.25 10 = 5.1 10 m;
7
7
Accept answers in the range 5.0 10 m to 5.2 10 m.

central maximum (of any height) and width less than that of the single slit
central maximum:
3
one secondary maximum (at approximately 2.1 10 rad) within
the enveloping single slit pattern;
2
[3]

8.

(a)

(b)

each element of the slit acts as a secondary source of waves;

the interference between these waves produces the diffraction pattern;
(i)

half width of central maximum = 3.1 ( 0.1) mm;

2.4 6.3 10 7
3

3.1 10
slit width =
;
= 0.50 mm;
3
3
Award [1 max] for use of 4.5 10 followed by use of sin (max) = n.

(ii)

greater intensity;
decrease in width of central maximum;

2
[7]