Light traveling through two mediums

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum thickness of a film for destructive interference of light traveling through two mediums, specifically oil with an index of refraction of 1.72. The key equations used include the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and velocity of light, as well as the formula for thickness: t = (wavelength) / (4 * index of refraction). The participant correctly identifies that the wavelength changes in the oil, while the frequency remains constant, leading to the calculation of the speed of light in oil as V(oil) = c / 1.72. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between indices of refraction and critical angles.

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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


Thickness for destructive interference ( since we don't want any reflection)
t = (wavelength) / (4 * index of refraction)
v = wavelength * frequency
c/n = v

The Attempt at a Solution


I figure since the wavelength will change going through the oil we need to calculate that first. We also know that frequency of the light wave won't change but its velocity and wave length will.

So ... c / 525 nm will gives us constant frequency or f.

Also will use speed of light divided by index of refraction of oil ... c/1.72 will give us the speed of light inside that medium which we will call V(oil)

So then... V(oil) = wavelength * f.

Then I took that wave length and divided it by 4* index of refraction of the fil.

Is my reasoning and set u close or am I missing something conceptually?

Thanks,
 
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The question wording is a little confusing, but it seems to be asking what the minimum thickness of the film can be that will allow the light to transmit through to the substrate so that it's not reflected, in which case you need to account for the relation between the n-values, the angle of refraction they cause, and the critical angle.
 

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