Phase shifted waves due to path difference

In summary, the question asks at what lengths the glass block will cause constructive interference (bright spots) and destructive interference (dark spots) for a wave front with a wavelength of 700 nm in air. The glass block has an index of refraction of 1.50 in its upper half and 1.25 in its lower half. To determine the length for constructive interference, the phase shift of 2 rays going through the block must be an integer multiple of 2pi. This results in the equation (2pi)(L)/λ in n1 - (2pi)(L)/λ in n2 = (integer)(2pi). By substituting in the values for λ in n1 and λ in n2, the
  • #1
kankerfist
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Homework Statement



A wave front moving horizontally encounters a block of glass that has an index of refraction of 1.50 in its upper half and an index of refraction of 1.25 in its lower half. The wavelength of the wave front in air is 700 nm. At what lengths would the glass block cause constructive interference (bright spots) and destructive interference (dark spots)?


Homework Equations



n1=1.50
n2=1.25
λair=700E-9 m


The Attempt at a Solution



I came up with the following when I encountered this study problem and I was hoping someone could double check to see if I did this correctly:

Constructive interference should occur when the glass block length causes a phase shift of (integer)(2pi). When 2 rays leave the block they will be phase shifted by (2pi)(length of block)/(λ in n1 and n2). So the total phase shift for 2 rays going through the block:

(2pi)(L)/(λ in n1) - (2pi)(L)/(λ in n2)

and:
λ in n1= λ in air / n1 = (700E-9)/(1.5)
λ in n2 = (700E-9)/(1.25)

so constructive interference should occur when:

(2pi)(L) / [(700E-9)/(1.5)] -
(2pi)(L) / [(700E-9)/(1.25)] =
(integer)(2pi)

this reduces to:

Length of glass = 7(integer)/2.5E+6

So constructive interference should occur when the length of the glass block is any positive integer times (7/2.5*10^6) in meters. If anybody could take a glance and see if I messed up somewhere i'd appreciate it!
 
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  • #2
For destructive interference, I assumed it should occur when the total phase shift is an odd multiple of pi. The same equations would apply except now: Length of glass = 7(odd integer)/2.5E+6 Thank you!
 
  • #3




Your approach and calculations seem correct to me. When a wave passes through a medium with a different refractive index, there will be a phase shift due to the path difference between the two rays. As you correctly stated, constructive interference occurs when the phase shift is a multiple of 2pi, and this will happen at lengths of the glass block that are integer multiples of (7/2.5*10^6) meters. Similarly, destructive interference will occur when the phase shift is an odd multiple of pi. Good job on your solution!
 
  • #4




Your approach to solving this problem is correct. The key concept to understand is that the path difference between the two rays is responsible for the phase shift and hence the interference pattern. Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is an integer multiple of the wavelength, while destructive interference occurs when the path difference is an odd multiple of half the wavelength. Your calculations show that the length of the glass block should be an integer multiple of (7/2.5*10^6) meters for constructive interference to occur. This is consistent with the general formula for path difference, which is given by (n2-n1)L/λ, where n1 and n2 are the indices of refraction and L is the length of the medium. Keep up the good work!
 

FAQ: Phase shifted waves due to path difference

1. What is a phase shifted wave?

A phase shifted wave is a type of wave that occurs when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude are out of sync with each other. This results in a change in the overall amplitude and shape of the wave.

2. What causes a phase shifted wave?

A phase shifted wave is caused by a difference in the path length that the two waves have traveled. This can be due to obstacles or different mediums that the waves are traveling through.

3. How does path difference affect the phase shift of a wave?

The greater the path difference, the greater the phase shift of the wave. This is because the waves are out of sync for a longer period of time, resulting in a larger change in the overall shape of the wave.

4. What is the relationship between path difference and interference in phase shifted waves?

Path difference and interference are closely related in phase shifted waves. Interference occurs when two waves combine and either amplify or cancel each other out. Path difference can affect the interference pattern and result in constructive or destructive interference.

5. How is the phase shift of a wave measured?

The phase shift of a wave can be measured by comparing the position of the wave at a specific point in time to its original position. This can be done using a reference point or by measuring the distance between corresponding points on the wave.

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