Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 35 - Interference - Problems - Page 1077: 55b

Answer

$\lambda = 442~nm$

Work Step by Step

Note that light in the visible range has a wavelength of approximately $400~nm$ to $700~nm$ Let $n_1 = 1.00$ be the index of refraction of air Let $n_2 = 1.20$ be the index of refraction of kerosene Let $n_3 = 1.30$ be the index of refraction of water Since $n_3 \gt n_2$, there is a phase shift of $0.5~\lambda$ due to reflection from the bottom surface of the kerosene layer. Since $n_2 \gt n_1$, there is no phase shift due to reflection from the top surface of the kerosene layer. Since we are looking for a maximum (constructive interference), the path length difference must be $~~(m+0.5)~\frac{\lambda}{n_2}~~$, where $m$ is an integer. We can find the required wavelength $\lambda$: $2L = \frac{(m+0.5)~\lambda}{n_2},$ where $m$ is an integer $\lambda = \frac{2~L~n_2}{(m+0.5)}$ $\lambda = \frac{(2)~(460~nm)~(1.20)}{(m+0.5)}$ $\lambda = \frac{1104~nm}{(m+0.5)}$ $\lambda = 2208~nm, 736~nm, 442~nm, 315~nm,...$ Since $442~nm$ is in the visible range, $~~\lambda = 442~nm$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.