Answer
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Work Step by Step
Similarities:
Both double-slit interference and single-slit diffraction result from the interference of light.
In both cases, the sine of the angle is proportional to the wavelength of light, and is inversely proportional to a characteristic length, either the slit separation d or the slit width D.
Differences:
In a double-slit interference setup, the central maximum is just as wide as each of the other maxima. In a single-slit diffraction setup, the central maximum is about twice as wide as any other maximum.
In a double-slit interference setup, the maxima and minima occur when the difference in path length between (a) each slit and (b) a point on the screen equals an integer or a half-integer number of wavelengths, respectively (equations 24-2a, 24-2b). In a single-slit diffraction setup, the minima occur when the difference in path length between (a) a ray from one side of the slit or a ray from the other side of the slit, and (b) a point on the screen equals an integer number of wavelengths (equation 24-3b).
In a double-slit interference setup, the minima are located exactly in between the peaks (the maxima). In a single-slit diffraction setup, the minima are not located exactly in between the peaks.
