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: 66

Answer

$\lambda = 560~nm$

Work Step by Step

Note that light in the visible range has a wavelength of approximately $400~nm$ to $700~nm$ Since $n_3 \gt n_2$ and $n_1 \gt n_2$, there are two phase shifts of $\frac{1}{2}~\lambda$ each due to reflection. Note that we can consider the net phase shift to be zero. Since we are looking for a maximum, the path length difference must be $~~(m)~\frac{\lambda}{n_2}~~$, where $m$ is an integer. We can find the required wavelength: $2L = \frac{(m)~\lambda}{n_2},$ where $m$ is an integer $\lambda = \frac{2~L~n_2}{m}$ $\lambda = \frac{(2)~(200~nm)~(1.40)}{m}$ $\lambda = \frac{560~nm}{m}$ $\lambda = 560~nm,...$ Since $560~nm$ is in the visible range, $~~\lambda = 560~nm$
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.