Constructive & destructive interference of light waves

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around deriving conditions for constructive and destructive interference of light waves reflecting off a glass plate with a thickness of 350 nm. The setup involves a white light source positioned at a 75-degree angle to the glass plate, with a refractive index of 1.33. Participants suggest using Snell's law to determine the angle of refraction and acknowledge that reflections from both surfaces of the glass plate are relevant to the interference patterns observed on the screen. The importance of the glass thickness in relation to the wavelength of light is also highlighted as a key factor in the analysis. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need to understand the principles of interference and refraction to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


A glass-plate of 350 nm thickness is free standing in space. At the angle of 75 degrees, relative to the glass-plate plane, a white light point-source is placed. The diffraction (probably a typo, and should really be refraction) index of the glass is 1.33. On the same side as the light source, a screen is placed, allowing the observation of the reflections from the glass-plate.
Derive, explicitly, the conditions for the observation of constructive and destructive interference on the screen.


Homework Equations


I really have no idea, other than; that Snell's law should probably come into it at some stage.


The Attempt at a Solution


I drew a diagram, and I used Snell's law to work out the angle of refraction. I sat still for half an hour, reading the question over and over, trying to figure out what interference had to do with anything in the question.
I really just need to know, where to start. I have no idea how to begin to attempt this question
 
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Do you think the 350 nm specification might have anything to do with it? Could there be reflections from more than one surface?
 
Well, this is just the first part of the question.

Oh yeah, reflections from more than one surface. That's a lot of help actually. Thanks.
I'd ask for more hints, but I have to go hand it in now.
 
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