Wavelength of visible light under a oil leak

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the phenomenon of thin-film interference as it relates to the transmission of visible light through a kerosene slick on water. The context includes specific refractive indices for kerosene and water, as well as the thickness of the slick.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of thin-film interference principles, with one noting the conditions for maxima and minima. There is a question regarding the reasoning behind the strongest intensity occurring at minima dark film in air.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to clarify their understanding of the problem and the steps involved in applying the thin-film interference equations. There is a mix of confidence and uncertainty regarding the calculations and interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a specific wavelength range for visible light and are encouraged to show their work as part of the discussion. There is a noted uncertainty about the correctness of the steps taken in the solution process.

jarod
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
Replies
1
Views
11K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
12K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K