Light of 500nm wavelength is reflected

  • Thread starter Thread starter domyy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light Wavelength
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the reflection of light with a wavelength of 500nm from a thin film of air between two glass plates, with a film thickness of 1000nm. The calculations show that the light reflected from the bottom surface travels 2000nm farther than the light reflected from the top surface. This distance corresponds to 4 wavelengths of the incident light, as calculated by dividing 2000nm by 500nm. The use of the symbol 'λ' for the extra distance traveled is noted as unconventional, but the numerical results are confirmed as correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thin film interference
  • Familiarity with the concept of wavelength in optics
  • Basic knowledge of normal incidence reflection
  • Ability to perform unit conversions in nanometers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study thin film interference patterns in detail
  • Learn about the effects of varying film thickness on light reflection
  • Explore the principles of normal incidence in optics
  • Investigate the relationship between wavelength and frequency of light
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding light behavior in thin films.

domyy
Messages
196
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Hi:redface:

Light of 500nm wavelength is reflected from a thin film of air between two glass plates. The thickness of the film is 1000mn.

a) How much farther does the light reflected from bottom surface travels than the light reflected from the top of the film (assuming normal incidence)?

b) How many wavelength of light does this represent?


Homework Equations



λ ≈ 2d

The Attempt at a Solution



For a)

λ = 2(1000nm) = 2000nm

For b)

2000nm/500nm = 4

Is it correct?:confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
domyy said:

Homework Statement



Hi:redface:

Light of 500nm wavelength is reflected from a thin film of air between two glass plates. The thickness of the film is 1000mn.

a) How much farther does the light reflected from bottom surface travels than the light reflected from the top of the film (assuming normal incidence)?

b) How many wavelength of light does this represent?


Homework Equations



λ ≈ 2d

The Attempt at a Solution



For a)

λ = 2(1000nm) = 2000nm

For b)

2000nm/500nm = 4

Is it correct?:confused:
It looks correct to me. :approve:

The variable λ is conventionally reserved for the wavelength of the light involved (not necessarily the extra distance traveled). So your use of 'λ' is a somewhat unconventional. However, your numerical answers look correct to me.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K