Wavelength of visible light under a oil leak

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the strongest transmitted intensity of visible light under a kerosene slick in the Persian Gulf, where the refractive indices are n=1.2 for kerosene and n=1.3 for water. The problem is approached using thin-film interference principles, specifically targeting the conditions for minima in dark films. The equation used is 2L = (m + 1/2)λ / n, where L is the thickness of the slick (460nm), leading to a calculated wavelength of 442nm for the strongest intensity. The solution process and the reasoning behind the minima condition are critical for understanding the results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thin-film interference principles
  • Familiarity with refractive indices and their implications
  • Basic knowledge of wavelength calculations in optics
  • Experience with solving equations involving multiple variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of thin-film interference in detail
  • Learn about the effects of varying refractive indices on light transmission
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of interference patterns
  • Investigate real-world applications of thin-film optics in environmental science
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Students studying optics, physicists interested in light behavior in different mediums, and environmental scientists examining the effects of oil spills on light transmission.

jarod
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A disabled tanker leaks kerosene (n=1.2) into the Persian Gulf, creating a large slick on the top of water (n=1.3). If you are scuba diving directly under the region of the slick, whose thickness is 460nm, while the Sun is overhead, for which wavelength(s) of visible light is the transmitted intensity strongest?
 
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Please show your work before we can help with homework questions
 
This is what i can do:
1) consider this problem as thin-film interference.
2) the strongest intensity occurs at minima dark film in air ( because the observer is diving) ? I cannot explain why!
3) we set up the equation for minima dark film in air: 2L=(m+1/2)\lamda)/1.2
? and put it in the interval from 0.4 to 0.75
4) Solve for lamda.

Any comment?
 
I got the answer 442nm. But somehow, I'm not sure about my steps in the solution. Anyhelp?
 

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