What Happens to Interference Patterns When an Air Wedge is Reversed?

AI Thread Summary
Reversing an air wedge, where two glass plates open apart, raises questions about the resulting interference patterns. The original setup creates a dark spot at the edge due to destructive interference. When the wedge is inverted, with a glass wedge and air plates, the expectation is that the interference pattern may remain similar due to the consistent phase difference at the edge. The equations governing constructive and destructive interference still apply, factoring in the refractive index of the medium. Overall, the interference pattern is likely to be consistent despite the reversal of the wedge configuration.
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Homework Statement


It's not a specific question. It's more of a general knowledge. As you know, an air wedge forms when two glass plates have one ends meeting each other and the other ends opening up.
Here's the diagram: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g3mLW-twYGc/R-EDX7CqirI/AAAAAAAAALc/v7csfR3s8Vc/s400/wedge1.bmp

And in this air wedge, a dark spot forms at the edge due to destructive interference.

But, what happens if the wedge is reversed? So instead of having two glass plates, what if there is a glass wedge with "air plates"?
Would the pattern be inverted?


Homework Equations


constructive 2t = (m+1/2) lambda
destructive 2t = (m) lambda


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the pattern will be the same because there is another destructive interference (a phase difference of pi) at the edge. Correct me if I am wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
" Relevant equations
constructive 2t = (m+1/2) lambda
destructive 2t = (m) lambda"

If the wedge is made from a medium of refractive index N, the equations will hold for N*t instead of t.

ehild
 
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