Solving Thin Films Interference Problem with Oil and Water | 360nm Thickness

In summary, the question involves a 360 nm thick oil film with indices of refraction of 1.50 and 1.33 for oil and water respectively. The surface is illuminated with white light and the two wavelengths of light most strongly reflected in the 400 nm to 800 nm range are closest to 430 nm and 720 nm. The solution involves using the equation 2L=((m+1/2)*lamda)/n and calculating for m and L to find the closest wavelengths.
  • #1
nabilsaleh
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Homework Statement



A 360 nm thick oil film floats on the surface of the water. The indices of refraction of the oil and the water are 1.50 and 1.33, respectively. The surface of the oil is illuminated from above at normal incidence with white light. The two wavelengths of light in the 400 nm to 800 nm wavelength band that are most strongly reflected, in nm, are closest to:

A) 410 and 700
B) 430 and 720
C) 450 and 740
D) 470 and 760
E) 490 and 780

this is one of questions that came up in the previous exams but i couldn't solve it and i couldn't find the answer online.

Homework Equations



i'm guessing we should use this :

2L=((m+1/2)*lamda)/n

n is the index of refraction
lamda is the wavelength

The Attempt at a Solution



ans is B
 
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  • #2
) 430 and 720 2*360 nm = ((m+1/2)*lamda)/1.50lamda = 1280 nm m=4 2L=((m+1/2)*lamda)/n 2L=((4+1/2)*1280/1.33)2L=1523.8 L=761.9 so lamda is 761.9 nm and 1260-761.9=428.1 nm so B) 430 and 720 is the closest ans Thanks in advance.
 

FAQ: Solving Thin Films Interference Problem with Oil and Water | 360nm Thickness

1. What is thin film interference?

Thin film interference is a phenomenon that occurs when light waves reflect off the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film, causing constructive and destructive interference. This results in the film appearing to have different colors or patterns depending on the thickness of the film and the wavelength of the light.

2. Why is thin film interference considered a hard problem?

Thin film interference is considered a hard problem because it involves complex mathematical calculations and requires a deep understanding of wave optics. The interference patterns can be difficult to predict and can vary greatly depending on the properties of the thin film and the incident light.

3. What factors affect thin film interference?

The thickness and refractive index of the thin film, as well as the angle of incidence and the wavelength of light, all play a role in thin film interference. Changes in any of these factors can result in different interference patterns.

4. How is thin film interference used in technology?

Thin film interference is used in a variety of technologies, such as anti-reflective coatings on eyeglasses and camera lenses, thin film solar cells, and the colors on CDs and DVDs. It is also used in the production of thin film devices, such as microchips and LCD screens.

5. What is the difference between thin film interference and thick film interference?

The main difference between thin film interference and thick film interference is the thickness of the film. Thin film interference occurs when the thickness of the film is on the order of the wavelength of light, while thick film interference occurs when the film is significantly thicker than the wavelength. Thick film interference results in broader and less defined interference patterns compared to thin film interference.

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