Calculating Minimum Thickness of a Thin Film Using Interference Patterns

AI Thread Summary
A researcher is calculating the minimum thickness of a benzene layer floating on water using interference patterns from monochromatic light. The most strongly reflected wavelength is 565 nm, and the refractive indices are n(benzene) = 1.50 and n(water) = 1.33. The correct approach involves calculating the wavelength of light in the benzene film, which is done by dividing the wavelength in air by the refractive index of benzene. After correcting her calculations, the researcher finds the minimum thickness to be approximately 9.42 x 10^-8 m. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the correct wavelength for calculations in thin film interference.
LippyKa16
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Homework Statement


A researcher measures the thickness of a layer of benzene (n = 1.50) floating on water by shining monochromatic light onto the film and varying the wavelength of the light. She finds that light of wavelength 565nm is reflected most strongly from the film. What does she calculate for the minimum thickness of the film?

Values:
λ = 565*10^-9m
n(benzene) = 1.50
n(water) = 1.33

Homework Equations


I have tried both of these equations:
2t = mλ
2t = ½mλ

The Attempt at a Solution


Subbing in the values needed, I get
t = (1 * 565*10^-9) / 2
= 2.825*10^-7m
or
t = (½ * 1 * 565*10^-9) / 2
= 1.4125*10^-7m
 
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LippyKa16 said:

Homework Statement


A researcher measures the thickness of a layer of benzene (n = 1.50) floating on water by shining monochromatic light onto the film and varying the wavelength of the light. She finds that light of wavelength 565nm is reflected most strongly from the film. What does she calculate for the minimum thickness of the film?

Values:
λ = 565*10^-9m
n(benzene) = 1.50
n(water) = 1.33

Homework Equations


I have tried both of these equations:
2t = mλ
2t = ½mλ
These are not the relevant equations. Do you think the refractive indices do not count?
 
I wasn't too sure.
Would that mean I would have to calculate the relevant wavelength through the film?
Would that mean:
λfilm = λ / n(benzene) (λ = 565 and n(benzene) = 1.5)
λfilm = 3.77*10^-7

*EDIT* I realize the mistake I made, and I did need to calculate λfilm.
The answer I got was 9.42*10^-8 and that was correct.
 
Last edited:
How did you get the correct answer? Please do show the working out. I am lost in this question. Thank you heaps
 
Nevermind, i have figured out the answer.
 
Can you please demonstrae your working for Q9,10,11 if you remember or its available thanx
 
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