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Waves & Optics FAQ

Why does a diffraction grating produce sharper peaks than a double-slit?

More slits → interference sharper (resolving power ∝ N × m). Resolving power R = mN (order × number of slits): with N slits, peaks become narrower and brighter, improving spectral resolution.

Short Answer

More slits → interference sharper (resolving power ∝ N × m) is the best answer.

Wave and optics questions test how frequency, wavelength, phase, interference, and geometry fit together. Start with the physical picture before choosing the equation.

Resolving power R = mN (order × number of slits): with N slits, peaks become narrower and brighter, improving spectral resolution.

Why This Answer Is Correct

This is a Hard-level question in Waves & Optics. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.

If a waves question feels messy, sketch the geometry or phase relationship first, then return to the algebra.

Choices At A Glance

  • A. Grating has fewer slits
  • B. More slits → interference sharper (resolving power ∝ N × m)
  • C. Grating reflects, double-slit transmits
  • D. Grating separates colours by refraction

When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.

Topic Snapshot

Topic: Waves & Optics

Difficulty: Hard

Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.