# How can you show with a diagram that diffraction is at a maximum when the slit width is equal to the wavelength?

#### XXb8

Usually a diagram will be given like this

But how can you show with a diagram that diffraction can be maximised when the slit width is of the order of the wave's wavelength?

#### benit13

I think having three diagrams side by side might do it:

1. The case where $$\displaystyle W < \lambda$$;
2. The case where $$\displaystyle W \approx \lambda$$; and
3. The case where $$\displaystyle W > \lambda$$

#### XXb8

I think having three diagrams side by side might do it:

1. The case where $$\displaystyle W < \lambda$$;
2. The case where $$\displaystyle W \approx \lambda$$; and
3. The case where $$\displaystyle W > \lambda$$

This makes sense, but I was looking more for a visual explanation as to why this happens rather than just demonstrating it. So the real question should have been 'how can you draw the wavelength of a wave to show that when the slit is of the order of the wavelength diffraction is at a maximum?'