Interference of light - flat glass and an air wedge

In summary, when light of wavelength 670 nm is incident normally on a fine hair separating two pieces of flat glass, 25 dark bands are observed, allowing for the determination of the thickness of the hair using the equation for destructive interference.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A fine hair separates one end of two pieces of flat glass to form and air wedge.when light of wavelength 670 nm is incident normally, 25 dark bands are observed (with one at each end).How thick is the hair?


Homework Equations


destructive interference: 2nt = (m+1/2)lambda


The Attempt at a Solution


I really have no idea how to solve this problem, or even what a diagram would look like. Is the glass positioned like a tipi? Where is the light hitting the glass, and where are the bands even being observed?

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
The gap between the two pieces of glass forms a triangle
Light bouncing between the glass surfaces at the top and bottom of the air gap will interfere either constructively or destructively to give a bright or dark stripe depending on if there is a whole number of half wave-lengths.
 

What is the concept of interference of light?

The interference of light refers to the phenomenon where two or more light waves interact with each other and either reinforce or cancel each other out, resulting in changes in the overall intensity and pattern of the light.

What is the difference between flat glass and an air wedge in terms of interference of light?

Flat glass is a uniform medium, meaning the thickness and refractive index remain constant throughout. In contrast, an air wedge has varying thickness and refractive index, leading to a gradual change in the interference pattern. This results in more complex and colorful patterns in the case of an air wedge.

How does the angle of incidence affect interference of light in a flat glass?

The angle of incidence plays a crucial role in determining the interference pattern in a flat glass. If the angle of incidence is zero, the light waves will travel parallel to each other and create a uniform interference pattern. As the angle increases, the waves will begin to interfere with each other, resulting in a more complex pattern.

What factors affect the interference pattern in an air wedge?

The thickness and refractive index of the air wedge are the two main factors that affect the interference pattern. As the thickness increases, the light waves have a longer distance to travel, resulting in a greater number of interference fringes. Similarly, a higher refractive index will lead to a more significant change in the wavelength and therefore, a more complex interference pattern.

What are some real-world applications of interference of light in flat glass and an air wedge?

The interference of light is used in various applications, including anti-reflective coatings on glasses, optical filters, and interferometers used in scientific experiments. In flat glass, it is used in the production of thin films for electronic devices, while in an air wedge, it is utilized in spectrometers and precision optical instruments.

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