In what way is dffraction from each slit related to the interference pattern in a double slit experiment?

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Double Slit Experiment**:
- The double slit experiment involves shining light through two closely spaced slits, resulting in an interference pattern on a screen. This pattern consists of alternating bright and dark fringes.

2. **Concept of Diffraction**:
- When light passes through a single slit, it spreads out or diffracts. This diffraction creates a pattern of light and dark regions due to the wave nature of light.

3. **Diffraction from Each Slit**:
- In a double slit setup, each slit acts as a source of waves that diffract. Therefore, each slit produces its own diffraction pattern.

4. **Superposition Principle**:
- The total intensity observed on the screen is a result of the superposition of the diffraction patterns from each slit. This means that the light waves from both slits combine, leading to a resultant intensity pattern.

5. **Intensity Modulation**:
- The intensity of the interference fringes (the bright and dark spots) is modulated by the diffraction patterns from each slit. This means that the maximum and minimum intensities of the interference pattern are influenced by how much light is diffracted from each slit.

6. **Combining Patterns**:
- The final observed pattern on the screen is a combination of the interference pattern created by the two slits and the diffraction patterns from each individual slit. This results in a more complex pattern than simple interference alone.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Thus, the diffraction from each slit is directly related to the interference pattern in a double slit experiment, as the overall intensity of the interference fringes is shaped by the diffraction effects of the individual slits.