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MHT CET Medical202625 April 2026Evening ShiftPhysicsWave OpticsActual

Two images are considered "just resolved" according to Rayleigh's criterion when

Options

  1. Athe central maxima of the diffraction pattern of two sources nearly overlap.
  2. Bthe first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source coincides with the central maximum of the diffracti
  3. Cthe first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source coincides with the first secondary maximum of the d
  4. Dthe first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source is far from the central maximum of diffraction patt

Correct answer

B. the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source coincides with the central maximum of the diffracti

Step-by-step solution

According to Rayleigh's criterion for resolution, two point sources are considered to be just resolved if the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of one source coincides with the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of the other source. This ensures that the dip in intensity between the two central maxima is just sufficient for the two images to be distinguished as separate. Answer: the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source coincides with the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of

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