How Is Destructive Interference Achieved in a Liquid Film on Glass?

In summary, the problem involves calculating the longest visible wavelength of light for which there will be totally destructive interference between the rays reflected from the top and bottom surfaces of a liquid film on a glass plate. The liquid film is 174 nm thick and has an index of refraction of 1.60, while the glass has an index of refraction of 1.50. Using the equation t=λ/4n, where t is the thickness of the film and n is the index of refraction, the wavelength λ is needed to be found. The condition for total destructive interference is when the path length difference between the two rays is equal to an integer multiple of the wavelength.
  • #1
Penguin98
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Mentor note: Thread moved from Adv. Physics Homework
1. Homework Statement

Light is incident normally from air onto a liquid film that is on a glass plate. The liquid film is 174 nm thick, and the liquid has index of refraction 1.60. The glass has index of refraction n = 1.50. Calculate the longest visible wavelength (as measured in air) of the light for which there will be totally destructive interference between the rays reflected from the top and bottom surfaces of the film. (Assume that the visible spectrum lies between 400 and 700 nm.)

Homework Equations


n-film<n-glass, thus, it is non-reflective coating
equation to use: t=lamda/4*n
t = 174nm
lamda = wavelength (which I need to find)
n = ? (some kind of ratio, one of the n values provided?)

But having trouble figuring out value of n. Any help or where to go after this will be appreciated!
 
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  • #2
You need to write an equation for destructive interference involving two rays, one reflected off the top of the film (air-liquid interface) and one off the bottom (liquid-glass interface) as the problem suggests. What is the condition for total destructive interference in terms of the path length difference? Don't forget that the wavelength of the light traveling in the liquid is shorter than in air.
 
  • #3
I already figured this one out, thanks though!
 

1. What is interference in science?

Interference in science refers to the phenomenon where two or more waves overlap and interact with each other, resulting in a change in the overall amplitude or intensity of the waves. This interference can be either constructive, where the waves reinforce each other, or destructive, where the waves cancel each other out.

2. How does interference occur?

Interference occurs when two or more waves meet at the same point in space and time. This can happen when the waves are produced by the same source or when they are reflected off of a surface. The resulting interference pattern is determined by the amplitudes, frequencies, and relative phases of the waves.

3. What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference?

In constructive interference, the waves are in phase with each other and their amplitudes add together, resulting in a larger overall amplitude. In destructive interference, the waves are out of phase and their amplitudes cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller overall amplitude or complete cancellation.

4. How is interference used in everyday life?

Interference is used in various technologies, such as radio, television, and cell phones, to transmit and receive signals. It is also used in noise-cancelling headphones to cancel out unwanted noise. In addition, interference plays a crucial role in many scientific experiments and observations, including the famous double-slit experiment.

5. Can interference be harmful?

In most cases, interference is not harmful. However, in some cases, interference can lead to signal degradation or distortion, which can affect the quality of communication or data transmission. In extreme cases, interference can also cause interference in medical devices or interfere with aircraft communication, which can be potentially dangerous.

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