In a Single-Slit Diffraction Pattern, the Central Maximum Is About

question 30

Multiple Choice

In a single-slit diffraction pattern, the central maximum is about twice as wide as the other maxima.This is because:

• A)half the light is diffracted up and half is diffracted down
• B)the central maximum has both electric and magnetic fields present
• C)the small angle approximation applies only near the central maximum
• D)the screen is flat instead of spherical
• E)none of the above

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Definitions:

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme that transcribes RNA into DNA, used by retroviruses to integrate their genetic material into the host's DNA.

Retroviruses

A group of RNA viruses that insert a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell in order to replicate, including HIV.

RNA Viruses

Viruses that have RNA (ribonucleic acid) as their genetic material, capable of causing various diseases by infecting living cells.

Plasma Membrane

The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, involved in regulating the entry and exit of substances.