Which one of the following actions would make the maxima in the interference pattern from a grating move closer together?
A.Increasing the distance to the screen.
B.Increasing the number of lines per length.
C.Decreasing the number of lines per length.
D.Decreasing the frequency of the laser.
To answer this question, we need to understand the factors that affect the interference pattern from a grating. The interference pattern is formed by the constructive and destructive interference of light waves passing through the grating.
The interference pattern is characterized by the positions of its maxima and minima. The distance between the maxima in the interference pattern is determined by the spacing of the lines on the grating and the wavelength of the light used.
Now let's consider the given options:
A. Increasing the distance to the screen: This action will not affect the spacing between the maxima in the interference pattern. It only changes the overall size of the pattern on the screen.
B. Increasing the number of lines per length: This action will make the maxima move closer together. By increasing the number of lines per length on the grating, the spacing between adjacent lines decreases, resulting in a smaller distance between the maxima in the interference pattern.
C. Decreasing the number of lines per length: This action will make the maxima move farther apart. By decreasing the number of lines per length on the grating, the spacing between adjacent lines increases, resulting in a larger distance between the maxima in the interference pattern.
D. Decreasing the frequency of the laser: This action will not affect the spacing between the maxima in the interference pattern. The frequency of the laser determines the color or wavelength of the light used, but it does not impact the spacing of the lines on the grating.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. Increasing the number of lines per length would make the maxima in the interference pattern from a grating move closer together.