Example 1: A tran,parent fi lm o f silicon mono-ox ide having refractive index of 1.

45 is
coated on the surface o f solar cell having re frac tive index o f 3.5 to mjnimi ze reflection
losses. What 1n1n1mu1n thickness film of si licon monoxide should be deposited on the
solar cell surface? (Wa ve length o f sun hght taken as a mid wavelength of visible light =
ssoo A).
Solution: Given
refractive of the film (µr) = J .45
wavelength (A) = 5500 x I 0- 10 m
Formula: The minimum thickness of deposited film is given by,
A. 5500 X 10-lO
tmin = 4µt = 4 X 1.45
. = 9.482 X 10-Bm = 948.2 X 10-lOm
t min
.
t m1n = 948 A
1. A parallel beam of light (A = 5870 A) is incident on a thin glass plate (p=l.5), such
that the angle of refraction into the plate is 60°. Calculate the smallest thickness of the
glass plate which will appear dark by reflection.
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (A)= 5870 A= 5870 x10- 10 m
Refractive index of glass plate(µ)= 1.5
Angle of refraction ( r) = 60°
Formula: The condition for n th order darkness (reflected system)
2µtcos r = nA where n = I, 2, 3 ...... etc.
For minimum thickness, t = t min, n = 1
Above condition becomes,
2µt min cos r = 1 x A
A 5870 x 10- 10
t . =---=
mm 2µ cos r 2 x 1.5 X cos60°
=3.913xl0- 7 m =3913 x10- 10 m
The smallest thickness of the glass plate (t min) = 3913 A
2• A soap of refractive index 1.33 is Hluminated with light of
different wavelengths at an
angle of 45°. Calculate the smallest thickness of the film which wiU appear dark by
reftectlon. Given wavelength of light used A = 5890 A.
Solutton: Given
Re fractiv e index (~t) = 1.33
 An gl e of in cid en ce ( i) = 45
°.
W av ele ng th of lig ht (A) =
58 90 A = 58 90 x 10- 10 m
Fo rm ula : Ca lcu lat ion of co
sr
W e ha ve Sn ell ' s law ,

sin i
µ=
sin r
sin i sin 45
sin r = -- =
µ 1.3 3
si nr = 0.5 31 6 ~ r = 32 .11
°
:. co s r = 0.8 47 0
Calculat io n of mi nim um th
ick ne ss of fil m
Cond iti on fo r da rk ne ss in the
refle cte d lig ht
2µ t co s r = nA n = 1, 2, 3, .. . etc.
Fo r mi ni mu m thi ck ne ss fil m,
n= 1
IlA 1 X 58 90 X 10 - lO
t . = - --
mm 2µ co s r 2 X 1.3 3 X 0. 84 70
= 2.6 14 x l0- m 7
= 26 14 x l0 - 10 m
T he sm a lle st t hi ck ne ss of
th e fil m (t min ) = 26 14 A
3. A soap fil m of 5 x 10-s
cm th ick is vie we d at an an
wa ve len gt h of th e lig ht in gl e of 35° to th e no rm al.
th e vis ib le sp ec tru m wh ich Fi nd th e
lig ht (J1 = 1.3 3) . wi ll be ab se nt fr om th e re
fle cted
So lu tio n:
Give n
An gle o f inc ide nt (i) = 35°
Th ick ne ss of so ap fil m (t)
= 5 x l 0- 5 cm
l'o rm ul a: Ca lcu lat ion of Re fracti ve index of so ap fil
co s r m (µ ) = 1.33
W e ha ve S ne ll 's law , sin i
~! = sin r
si n I
sIn r = -ll = sin, ]5 1 •:i
1 ,.").")
Hin r 0.4 3 12 .,....., r - 25 54 "
co s r • 0.')01 2
Ca lcu lat ion of wa vd cn ut
h of vu rio us or de rs
 The wavelength of visible light (4000 to 7800 A) which will be absent from the reflected
light can be calculated using condition of destructive interference of light.
Condition of darkness for reflected rays is given by,
2µt cos r = tl n = l , 2, 3, ... etc.
2µt cos r
"A=---
n
The value of wavelength of various orders can calculated by putting n = l, 2, 3
For first order, n = 1

Ai 2 X 1.33 X 5 X 110-S
= ______ _ _X_0.9022
__

A1 = 12 x 10·5 cm= 12000 x 10·8 cm

A.1 = 12000 A (lies in the infrared region)
For second order, n = 2

'\ _ 2 X 1.33 X 5 X 10-S X 0.9022

1\,2 -
2
5
"-2 = 6x 10· cm= 6000 x 10-8 cm
A.i = 6000 A (lies in the visible region)
For third order, n = 3

'\ _ 2 X 1.33 X 5 X 10-s X 0.9022

11.,3 -
3
5
A3 = 4 x 10· cm = 4000 x 10·8 cm
A.J = 4000 A (lies in the visible region)
For fourth order, n = 4
2 X 1.33 X 5 X 10-S X 0.9022
A4 = 4

~ = 3 x 10·5 cm = 3000 x 10·8 cm

A.t = 3000 A (lies in the ultra violet region)

Hence the wavelength ).,3 = 6000 A and ).,4 = 4000 Aare absent in the reflected light.
4
· White light is incident on a soap film at an angle sin-1(4/S) and the reflected light is
observed with a spectroscope It is found that two consecutive dark bands corresponds
to wavelengths A.1 -= 6100 A and A.2 = 6000 A. Calculate the thickness of soap film.
Given that the refractive index of the soap film (Ji) = 4/3.
Solution: Given
Rel'racti v0 index of soup tilm (p) - -VJ
86 I Ap plie d Physics
An gle of inc ide nce (i) = sin . 1(4/5 )
10
th (Ar )= 610 0 A = 610 0 x 10· rn
Wa vel eng
Wa vel eng th (A 2) = 600 0 A= 600 0
x I 0· 10 m

k ban d
For mu la: Cal cul atio n of ord er of dar
ect ed sys tem is giv en by,
The con diti on for dar kne ss in the refl
(I)
2µt cos r = nA
(.A. 1 ) and (n+ tih dar k ban d cor res
pon ds to
th ban d cor res pon ds to wa vel eng th
If n dar k
be wri tten as
wa vel eng th (.A. 2) the n equ atio n (1) can
(2)
2µt cos r = nA,
(3)
2µt cos r = (n+ l)A2

Fro m equ atio n (2) and (3) nA 1 = (n+ l)A2

600 0 X 10 - 10
10
(61 00 - 600 0) X 10 -

Or der of the ban d (n) = 60

Ca lcu lati on of cos r
sin i
We hav e, Sne ll's law, µ= - . -
sm r
. 4/5 4 3 3
Sill r =-4/3 = -5 X -4 = -5

r = sin - 1 (;) = 36.86°

cos r = 0.8001
Cal cul atio n of thic kne ss of soa p film
Equ atio n (2) bec om es, 2µt cos r = n)., 1
nA.1 60 X 610 0 X 10- 10
t = 2µcos r - 4
2 X 3° X 0.8 001

Thi ckn ess of soa p r.Jm (t) = J.7 Ixt o·'

m

Illu min ate d by Ugh t of wa I A f

5. A wed1e slutped air fl.Im Is th 4650 . Th e angle o
aration bet we twve eng
wed1e 11 40 seconds. Cal cul ate the sep - en o con sec utiv e frin ges .
Gi
SoJ utJo n: ven
Re fractive ind ex (µuir) = ]

Wavelength of Iigh t (A) = 465 0 A = 465 0 x 10·10 JJl

 lnteTfereTh.--e m Thin f ilm ~

Angl e of wedge (a)= 4.0 secon ds

40
x ~ = 1.939 x 10- 4 r.idia ns
60 X 60 180
)~ 4650 X 10-l O
Fring e widt h (P) = Zµa = x x 1.939 x 10- •
2 1
Fring e width (P) = l. 199x 10·1 mete r
6. A wedge air film is enclosed between two glass plate
s i_n cont act at oae tdp ud
sepa rated by a wire of 0.06 x 10·3 m, diam eter at a dist•
nce of 0.15 m from tilt tdp .
Calculate the frlnge width. Given- the U&,bt wu·eleasth 6000
A• is used.
Solution: Ghren
Th1cknes,; of wire (t) 0 06 " IO I m
Length of air film \() 0 I" m
Light of Wa\elength ().) - 6000 A - 6000 x 10 10 m
Formula: Fring e widt h W) = ..!:._ B
2µa
0.06
tana ::a = - - - -
X 10-J 1 .,
_
6 0 • 10

~
0.15
= 6000 X lQ - l O X 0. 15
2 X 1 X 0.06 X l0 -3 - - - -O l.J-- - -- A
_ \
4
= 7.5 X 10 - m (µair = 1)
p= 7.5 X \Q-4 ffi

The fringe widt h(~) = 0.75 x 10·3 m = 0.75 mm

7• Interference fringes are produced with monochromatic
light falling normally on a
wedge shap ed air film of cellophane whose refra ctive
index is 1.40. The angle of
wedge is 10 seconds of an arc and distance between succe
ssive fringes is 0.5 cm.
Calculate wavelength of light used.
Solution:
Given
Wedge angle (a.)= 10 second
Fringe width (P) = 0.5 cm
Refractive inde x(µ)= 1.40

10 seco nds = lO x n = 3.848 x 10 - 5 rad

60 X 60 X 180
Formula: Fringe widt h (~) = __!:_
2µa
"A.= 2µa(3
88 I Applied Physics

A = 2 x l.40 x 3.848 X10-5 x 0.5

A. = 6787 x 10·8 cm
Waveleng th of light (A) = 6787 A
• . thln 1 s wedg e of refra cth e index 1.5
8. Fringes of equa l thick ness are observed m a g_ as . . 5896 A Calc ulate angle of
the fringe spaci ng is 1mm and t he wavelengt h of light 1s
·
wedg e in secon ds of an arc.

Solu tion: Given

Refractive index (µ) =1. 5
Fringe width (~) = I mm = 1x I 0-3 m
Wavelength of light (A) = 5896A = 5896 x 10-10
A
For mula : fringe width (~) = Zµ,a
'A, 5896 X 10- 10
a= 2µ~ = 2 X 1.5 X 1 X 10- 3

a= l.9653 xI 0-4radians
180
a= 1.9653 x 10- 4 x - x 60 x 60 secon ds
n
Angle of wedge (a) = 40. 53 Seconds
9. In Newton's rings experiment the diam eter of fifth dark
ring is 0.65 cm and that of
fifteenth dark is ring is 0.95 cm. H wavelength of the sourc e used
is 6000 A. Calculate
the radius of curva ture of a convex surface of the lens in conta
ct with the glass plate.
Solution: Given
.
Dtarneter of 5th dark ring (D ) = 0.65 cm
5
.
D1ame th
ter of 15 dark t ring (Di s)= 0.9S cm
Wavelength of the light (A) = 6000AO = 6000 x 1o- 8 cm
Form ula: we have, 'A, = _D~+p
4pR
-Dfi
....:,___
D~+p - D~
:. R =- ~-
4pA

R = Df s - D~ = (0.95 )2 - (0.65 ) 2
4pA 4 X 10 x 6000 X lO- B == 200
The radius of curva tu re of a convex lens (R) ===
200 cm
 Interferenc e in Thin Film I 89

10.
N_ewton's rings are obtained with reflected light of wavelength 5893 A. The
diameter of 10th dark ring is s mm. Now the space between the lens and the glass
P_late is filled with a liquid of refractive index 1.25. What is diameter of 1ot1a dark
n ngnow?
Solution: Given
O 8
Wavelength of light (A)= 5893A = 5893 x l 0- cm
th
Diameter of 10 dark ring (D10) = 5 mm= 0.5 cm
Order of dark ring (n) = 10
Refractive index of the liquid (µ) = 1.25
Formula: The diameter nth order dark ring is given by,
2
4nRA
Dn =-µ-

For air film,

th
The diameter I 0 dark order ring is given by,

2
4nlU
Dn =-µ-

Di0 = 4nRA (1)

For liquid film,
Let D~o be diameter of 1o order dark ring & given by
th

, 2 4x n R "A,
D10 = - - - (2)
µ
Divide equation (I) by (2)
Dfo
µ=-
D'10 2
, 2
D10
_ of o _ co.s)2
---
µ 1.25

0~ 0 = 0.4472 cm
'fhe di th
0; = 0.4472 cm
•meter of J 0 dark ring for llquld mm 0
1
1. ln 'Newton', rlna an experimen t the diameter of ,th rlna was 0.336 cm and that of
ISt,b rtna wa, 0.590 cm. Find radius of curvature of piano-con vex le.ns, lf the
i,; wavt lt n1th of !890 AO ls u1ed.
otuuo,,: G ive n
Di uincl ur or 5 111
ri ll ~ (I>., ) ... O.J~ 6 CII\
h
r>i 11 111l1lo r 11 1' I .'i ' rl nH (D, , ) - 0.590 rm
90 I Applied Physics
Wavelength of light (A) = 5890 A= 589 0 x 10- 8 cm
D~+ p-Df i
Formula: "- = 4pR

Dii+p - Dii
R= 4pl
of 5 - D~ _ (0.590) 2 - (0.336) 2
R= 4pA- - 4 X 10 X 5890 X 10- s
The radius of curvature of piano-convex lens ( R) =
99.83 cm

12. Show with clear examples that separation betw

een two consecutive similar rings in
Newton's ring experiment goes on reducing as the
series number of ring increases.
Solution: The diameter of n order dark ring is given
th
by,
D~ = 4nR A
Dn = 2✓nRA
(1)
The diameter of different order dark rings can calc
ulated by putting n = 0,1,2,3, .. in equation (1)
th
For zero order dark ring, D0 0 =
For first order dark ring, D1 = 2✓ 1 RA - 2Vl U
For second order dark ring, D2 = 2✓2 RA
For third order dark ring, D3 = 2✓3 RA
For fourth order dark ring, D4 = 2~
For seventieth order dark ring, D70 = 2 ✓ 70 RA
'For seventy-one th order dark ring, D71 = 2✓ 71 RA

In Newton 's rings experiment the separation betw

een two consecutive dark (also bright) rings
~oes on reducing as the series number of ring incr
eases. This can be elucidated as follows.
0 1. - D, = 0.4 1, 0 3- 0 2 == 0.32, 0 4- 0 3::;: 0.27 and
so on.. . D71 -D10::;: 0.06
Prom th is it is clear that
(D ,. ~Di) > (D J -D2) > (D4 -D3) > .... .... .. ....
. > (D 1, - D10)
Thu
..s i)
1 th N •· • '
c ew~o,.1 s nngH pultc rn the rlng1-1 urn Sllen corn
o1 th1; rin g. · the order
ing close with increase m
 Interfer ence in Thin Film 9I

with a source emi ttin g two wav elen gths

13. Newton's ring an:a~gemendt that n" dar A.t = 6000 ..\ ud
Al _ 4500 A and it II foun k ring due to wav elen gth ). 1 coincides witla
- . d t wavelength )..2• Fin d the diam . . " .
(n+ tt dark nng ue 0 eter of o dar k nng of ). 1
. .. of curvature of the convex lens (R) =
given that tbe rad10., 90 cm.
Solution: Given
Wavelength (11. 1) = 6000 A= 6000 x l0~ cm
Wavelength (11. 2) = 4500 A= 4500 x 10-8 cm
Radius of curv ature (R) = 90 cm
Formula: The diameter of nth order dark ring
is given by,
D~ = 4nlU
(1)
The diameter of nth order dark ring corresponds to
wavelength A. 1 is given by,
D~ = 4nlU1
(2)
The order (n+ lt order dark corresponds to wav
elength A. 2 is given by,
D~+ 1 = 4(n + l)IU2 (3)
th
The diameter of n order dark ring due to ,1, coin
1 cides with (n+ 1/ order due to A-2
2 _ 2
Dn - 0 n+l
4nRA1 = 4(n + l)IU 2
nA.1 = (n + l)IU 2
nA.1 = nA 2 + A. 2
n(A.1 - Az) = Az

2 A 4500 x 10- 8
n- - - - -
A1 - Az - - - - - - - - -8
(6000 - 450 0) x 10-
Order of the ring (n) = 3
Substitute (n = 3) in equation (2)

D~ = 4nRA1
D~ = 4 X 3 X 90 X 6000 X 10- 8 = 0.0648
The diameter of nth dark ring (0
0 = 0.2545 cm.
)
14
· Light containing two wavelengths, ).. and
1 ).. falls normally on a convex lens of
radius of curvature R resting on a glass 2
plate. Now if nth dark ring due to ;..,
coincides wltb (n+lib dark rlng due to ligh
t of wavelength A.2, Show that radius 00
0 ~d ·
ark ring Is given by, rn = -AAR
1 2
- - .
11 - A2
Solution: The diim1ctc r of 11 111 orde r J 1:1 rk ring
is given by,

_J
92 I Applied Physics

Dii = 4nlU ( l)

The diameter of nth order ring corresponds to wavelength "- t

is given by•
Dii = 4nlU1
t
The diameter of (n+ 1 order dark rings corresponds to waYe
length "-2is given by.
D~+i = 4(n + l)IU 2 (3)
Diameter of nth dark ring due to wave length "-t coincides th
with diameter of (n+ l ) dark ring
due to wavelength J..2
2 _ 2
Dn - 0 n + l

From equations (2) and (3), 4nR11.1 = 4(n + l)IU 2

A2
· n--- (4)
.. - A1 -A2

By using equation (4) in equation (2),

D~ = 4nR11. 1
2
Dn = 4 ( "-t Az_ Az ) R11. 1

(2r n) 2 = 4 ( "-l "-2_ J.. )

RA1 (Dn = 2 r n)
2

2 _ "-2"-1 R
4rn - 4 A A
1 - 2

r2 - "-1 "-2 R
n - (A1 - Az)

1S. Newton's ring arrangement is used with a source emit

ting two wavelengths A.1 and
J..i. It is found that the nth dark ring due to 1..1 coincides with (n+t)th
dark ring due to
J..i. Find the diameter of the nth dark ring for wavelength 1.. • Give
1 n )..1 = 6000 A, ).2==
S900 A and radius of curvature of the lens is 90 cm.
Solution:
Given
"-t = 6000 A = 6000 x 10-8 cm,
"-2 = 5900 A = 5900 x 10-8 cm
R = 90cm
 ).1 AzR
Fo rm ula : We have, 00 = 2 rn = 2 X ("-i - Az)

6000 X 10 -s X 59 00 X 10 -s X 90
=2 X (6 00 Q -5 90 0) X 10 8

== 0. 128
The diameter of the nth dark rin
g (D o) =O .ll S cm
. .
16. In Newton's nn gs ex pe rim en t w b8 t will be the order of the dark ring which will
have double diameter of that of
length of mc1 ent ug bt
20th dark ring given the wave • "d
is 5893 A.
Solution:
Given
Dark ring (n) = 20
Wavelength (A) = 5893 A
Formula: The diameter nth order
dark ring is give by ,
D~ = 4nRA (I)
The diameter of 20 th order dark rin
g is given by ,
0~ 0 = 4 x 20 RA
Let n be the order of the dark rin (2)
g whose diameter is twice that
of the 20 th dark ring.
Dn = 2D20
We have
D~ = 4n RA
(2D 20)2 = 4 n RA
4D \0 = 4 n RA
Dividing equation (2) by (3), (3)

0~ 0 4 20 X R X A
X
4 D~ 0 = 4 x n x R x "A
The order of 40 dark ring (n)
th
= 80
17• In Newt
on's Ri ng ex pe rim en t the n th
da rk rin g du e to lig ht of
coincides with (n+2)'h da rk rin wavelength la
g du e to lig ht of wa ve len gth
di
l 2 • Sh ow tha t radius 00
n dark rin g ls given by, r n =

So lut ion : Th e dia me ter of nlh

ord er dar k rin g is giv en by,

D~ = 4nRA ( I)
The diameter of nth order dark ring corresponds to wavelength AI is given by,

D~ = 4nRA 1 (2)
The order (n+2t order dark corresponds to wavelength A2 is given by,

D~+ 2 = 4(n + 2)RA 2 (3)

The diameter of n th order dark ring due to 11. 1 coincides with (n+2) th order due to 'A
2

D2n -- 02
n+2

4nR11.1 = 4(n + 2)RA 2

nA.1 = n11. 2 + 2A 2
n(A.1 - A2) = 2A2
211.2
n=--- (4)
(\ - A2)
On putting value of n in equation ( 1)

2 - 211.2
Dn - 4 (Al -11.1) RA1

2
_ 2A1A2 R
(2rn) - 4 (Ai - Az) (·: Dn = 2 rn)
2A1A2 R
rn2 = (A
1 - A2 )

2A1A2 R
rn = (A1 - A2)

18. In a Newton's ring experiment the diameter of 5th dark ring was 0.336 cm. Find the
radius of curvature of the piano- convex lens, if the wavelength of light used is 5880
A. Also Ond the radius of 15th dark ring. (Givenµ= 1)
Solution: Given
Diameter of 15 th dark ring (D 15) = 0.336 cm
Wavelength of the light (A)= 5880 A= 5880 x 10-8 cm
Refractive index of medium (µ) == l
Formula: The diamete r of nth order dark ring is given by,
D~ = 4nRA
Calcuhetlon of tht ndiui; of curvaf·urc of the piano- convex lens
I)~ (0.336)2
n = 4n A = 4 x] x snno x 10- u = l 60 cm
 Interference in Thin Film I 95

The radius of curvature of the lens (R) = 160 cm

Calculation of the radius of of 15 th dark ring

D~ = 4nlU

r~ = nRA
rf 5 = 15 x 160 x 5880 x 10- s

r 15 = ) 15 x 160 x 5880 x 10-s

= 0.375
The radius of 15 th dark ring (r 15) = 0.375 cm

19. In Newton ring experiment the diameter of 4th and 12'h dark rings
are 0.40 cm &
0.70 cm. Find diameter of 16th dark ring.
Solution:
Given
D4 = 0.40 cm
D1 2 = 0.70 cm
Form ula: Dii+p - D~
J= 4pR

Dtn+p) - D~ = 4pRA
(1 )
Di 2 - D~ = 4 X 8 X RA (2)
Di6 - D~ = 4 X 12 x RA
(3)
Divid ing equati on (3) by (2) we get,

Di 6 - D~ 4 X 12 x RA
Di 2 - D~ = 4 X 8 x RA

Di2 - D~ 3
2
D16 - Di =-2
(0.70) 2 - (0.40) 2 3
of6 - (0.40) 2 2
111
Th~ dhuru~ter of I 6 dark ring (D ui) == 0.6 t cm
20. Newton 's rlnp are observe d in reflected light of wavelen gth 5893 A.. Tile diamete r
of 15t11 dark ring is 0. 75cm. Find the radius of curvatu re of the coavex lens ud
thlcknes s of the air ftlm.
Solution : Given
Wavelen gth of the light (A)= 5893 A = 5893 x 10-~cm
Diamete r of 15 th dark ring CD 1s) = 0. 75 cm
Order of dark ring (n) = 15
Formul a: The diamete r of n th order dark is given by,

Dii = 4nRA
Determ ination of radius of curvatu re ( R)

0 2____ ____
R=-n (0.75) 2 ___
4nA 4 x 15 x 5893 x 10-e
The radius of curvatu re (R) = 159 cm
Determ ination of thicknes s of air ftlm (t)
2
r1s 0 15 0.75 )
t = ZR ( r1s = 2 = - - = 0.375 cm
2
(0.375) 2
t =- - - = 3.422
2 X 159
Thickne ss of air film (t) = 3.42 xt0-4 cm
21. Newton 's rings are formed with reflected light of wavelen gth 5896 A with a liquid
between the plane glass plate and convex lens. The diamete r of the 10 th dark ring ls
0.41 cm and radius of curvatu re of the lens is 1 meter, calculat e refractiv e index of
the liquid.
Solution : Given
Wavelen gth of light (J) = 5896 A= 5896 x I 0- 8 cm
Diamete r of 10th dark ring (D 10) = 0.41 cm
Order of the dark ring (n) = 10
Radius of curvatur e of the lens (R) = I m = I 00 cm
Formula : Diamete r of n th order ring for liquid film is given by,

D~ = 4nRA
µ
4nRA 4 x 10 x 100 x 5893 x 10-s
µ= D~ = (0.41) 2
Refracti ve index of the liquid (J.1) = 1.40
r
22. Jn Newton's ring experiment if a drop of water (.µ = 4/3) be ploced rn ben;,cen th"
th
convex Jens and plane glass plate, the diameter of 10 dark iring :tS fo und to be 0.6
cm. Calculate the radius of curvature of the lens in contact nitb the gfass plat~.
Given that wavelength of light used is A= 6000 A.
Solution: Given
Refractive index of the liquid (µ) = 4/3
Diameter l 0th dark ring (D 10 ) = 0.6 cm
Order of dark ring (n) = I 0
Wavelength of light (A) = 6000 A= 6000 x I o·8 cm
Formula: The diameter of nth order dark ring for liquid medium is given by,

2
4nlU
Dn= --
µ
R = D~ X µ = __(_0._6)_2 _x_(_4/_3_)_
4nA 4 x 10 x 6000 x 10- 8
The radius of curvature of the lens (R) = 200 cm
23. A glass microscope lens (µ = 1.5) is deposited with magnesium fluoride (µ, = 1.38)
mm to increase the transmission normally incident light').., = 5800 A. What minimum
thickness should be deposited on the lens surface?
Solution: Given
Refractive of the film (µr) = 1.38
Wavelength (A) = 5800 x 10· 10 m
Formula: The thickness of deposited film is given by,
A 5800 x 10- 10
tmin = 4µf = 4 X 1.38
tm in = 1.051 X 10- 7 m = 1051 X 10- 10 m
Thickness of deposited film (tm1n) = 1051 A
24. White Hgbt is incident at an angle of 45° on a soap film 4 x 10·5 cm thick. Find the
wavelength of light in the visible spectrum which wavelength will be absent in the
rcfi~ted light(µ= J.2).
Solution: Given
Angle of incidence (i) = 45 °
Thickness of soap film (t) = 4 x I0·5 cm
Refructi vc index of soap film(µ = l .2).
98 I Applied Physics
th lection system)
Formula: Condition for n order darkness (ref
2µtcosr = DA n = I, 2, 3 .....

Calculation of angle of refraction ( r )

sin i
We have SneJJ 's law µ= -.-
sm r

r =sin- 1 ( -"45)
µsin i) = sin- (sin
1 u = 36.10 0

cos r = 0.8079

order (n)
Calculate wavelength for various reflection
2µt cosr = nA
2µtcosr
A=---
n
For first order dark fringe, n =1
2µtcosr 2 X 1.2 X 4 X 10- s X 0.8079
A1 = - - - - 1
n
5
Ai = 7. 755 x 10- cm
).,1 = 7755 x 10-8 cm
For second order fringe, n = 2
5
2µtcosr 2 x 1.2 x 4 x 10- x 0.8079
Az = n = 2
5
Ai = 3.877 x 10- cm
).,2 = 3877 x 10-s cm

For second order fringe, n = 3

2µtcosr 2 X 1.2 X 4 X 10-S X 0.8079
Az = n
= 3
5
AJ = 2.585 x J0- cm
8
)., 3 = 2585 x 10- cm

spectrum (4000 to 7800 A) will be absent in the

Ai = 7755xt0- cm = 7755 Alies in visible
8

reflected Jlght.
 Ii ht of wave lengt h 5500 A incid ent on thin trans pare nt dHs
25· !rr!c ff medlam havi n
dve index of 1.45. Dete rmin e the thick ness of thin medium,
if the an:gJe o
refraction is 458 (Given n = 1 and refle cted syste m).

Solution: Give n
Order of reflection (n) = 1 and reflected systen
Wavelength of light (A)= 5500 A = 5500 x 10- 10 n
Reflective index (µ) =1.45
Formula: Condition for nth order minima (reflected light)
2µtcosr = DA n = 1,2 ,3 ...... etc.
IlA. 1 X 5500
10-lO X 1 X 5500 X 10-lO
t- -2µtc
- -osr---2-x - -
1.45 x-cos4S
- -0- - 2 X 1.45 X 0.7071
t = 2.68 X 10-7 m
Thickness of thin medi um (t) = 2.68 x 10-10 m
26. Newt on's rings are obtai ned with mono chro mati c light in
betw een a Oat glass plate
and convex lens are viewed norm ally. Wha t will be the orde
r of the dark ring which
will have doub le the diam eter that of 40 th dark ring?
Solution: The diameter nth order dark ring is given by,

Dii = 4nlU (I)

th
The diameter of 40 dark ring is given by,

D~o = 4 X 401U (2)

Let n be the order of the dark ring whose diameter is twice that of the
40'" dark ring.
Dn =2 D40 (3)
Equation ( 1) becomes, (2D40)2 = 4 n R A

4D\o = 4 n RA (4)
Divide equation (2) by (4),

Dio 4 40 X R X A
X
40~ 0 = 4 X n X RX A
Orde r of 40 1h dark ring (n) = 160 .
27 •White ll&ht fall• norm ally on a soap fllm of thick ness 5 >< -
lade , l..33, which wavelengt h In the vl■lbl e region wUI be reffec
10~ t:: and of refrac tive
most strongJy?

Solution: Given
5
l (t) = 5x 1o- cro
T hic kness of soap .fi m
. film(µ ) = 1.JJ
Ro fructi ve index of soap
 -
100 Applied Physics

th
Formula: We have condition for n order maxima (brightness)
>~
2µtcosr = (2n + 1) 2 n = 0, 1, 2 I 3 I •• • ,., ••• ,., .,, .,.,

Calculation of wavelength (A) for varies orders of reflection

4µtco sr
A= - - -
(2n + 1)
For nonnal incidence , cos r = I
For n = 0
4 X 1.33 X 5 X 10-s X 1
I½ = (2 X (0) + 1)

Ai = 2.66 x l 04 cm
At = 26600 x 10-8 = 26600 A

For n =l
A _ 4 X 1.33 X 5 X 10- 5 X 1
2
- [2 X (1) + 1)
A.2 = 8.866 X 10-5 Cffi
A2 = 8866 x 10-8 = 8866 A
For n =2
A _ 4 X 1.33 X 5 x 10-s x 1
3 - ---;::::[2-x--::(:--:-:2)~+-1_]_ _

A.3 = 5.32x10-5 cm
A3 = 5320 x 10-8 = 5320 A
For n = 3

A _ 4 X 1.33 X 5 X 10-s X 1
4
- ----;::;[2:-x-:(;-::-3)~+-1]_.:_:._:

A.4 = 3.8 x 10-5cm

A4 = 3800 x 10-8 = 3800 A

A.3 = 5320 A lies in visible region (4000

strongly reflected wavelength. to 7800 A). Hence AJ = 5320A O will be the most
 Interference in Thin Film \ 11 I

28. A soap film of refractive ind eI 4/3

ud thk kne ss 1..5 x 10"" cm is illu min ate
while light incident at an og le of 45' . d by
The ligh t refl ecte d by it is e.x :uu Md
spectroscope lo which is foaud a dar k ban by a
d cor res pon din g to a wav ele ngt h of 5000
A. Calculate the order of interference band.
Solution:
Given
Refractive index of soap fil m (µ) = 4/3 =
\ .33
Thickness of soap film (t) = \. S x l 04 cm
Angle of incidence (i) = 45°
Wavelength of the light ()..) = 5000 A-= 5000 x IO's cm
Formula: Condition for nth order dark band.

2µtcosr = nA.
Calculation of angle of refraction (r)
We have Snell's law
'
sin i
µ =-.-
sm r
. sin i sin4S 0
sm r= -= - - - 0.5 316
µ 1.33
r = 32. l l 0
cos r = 0.8470
Calculation of the order of interference ban
d (n)
2µt cos r 2 x 1.33 x 1.5 x 10- 4 x 0.84 70
n=---
A 5000 x 10- 8
n = 6.75:::: 6
Ord er of dar k ban d (n) = 6
29. ~ wedge sha
ped air film hav ing ang le of 40 seconds
is illu min ated by monochromatic
light. Frin ges are obs erv ed ver tica lly thro
ugh a microscope. The distance between
consecutive dark fringes is 1.2 cm. Fin d 10
the wavelength of monochromatic light used
.
Solution:
Given
Ang le of wedge (a) = 40 seconds
Frin ge width (P) = 1.2 cm
40 X ~ == 1.93 9 X 10- • rad
40 sec ond s ==
60 x 60 l80
For mu la:
 J02 I Ap plied Physics

For air film µ = l

"A. = 2µa ~

40 X lt
=ZX l X l.Z X 60 X 60 X 180

= 3.654 x l 0- 5 cm = 46
54 x \ O..s cm
Wavelength of m on oc
hr om at ic lig ht (A.)= 4654 A.

30. Fi nd th e m in im
um th ic kn es s of th e
reflection when it is ex so ap film which ap
posed by white light at pear yellow (5896 A)
an angle of 45° (Given ln
Solution: p= l.33).
Given
Wavelength ().) = 58
96 A. = 5896 x\0- 10 m
Angle of incidence (i)
= 45°
Refra ctive index of so
ap fil m (µ ) =\.33
Formula: Calculation
of angle of refraction (r
)
We have Snell's law ,

sin i
µ = -. -
sm r
. sm 1 sin45°
smr=-= --
µ 1.33 = 05
.
31 6
r= 32 ° 11'

cos r = 0.8470
Condition for nth order
bright fringe is given by
,
2µtcos r = (2n+ 1))../2

II
n= 0, 1 , 2, 3 ... .. . etc .
t=---
A.
4µcos r
The minimum thickne
ss of soap film can be calculated by
putting n = l and t =
tm;"
).. ,
tm ln =- - - = -:58--96-:X --
4µ CO S r
10 -io
-- -
4 X 1.33 X 0. 84 70
tm ln = 1.308 X 10 -7 = 1308 X 10-lOm
The minimum thickne
ss of the soap film (tm1n) =
1308 A.
 . ts (111181k _, . . .
31 , la CO lb ta e jc
C !. ,.1 ,m a ~ 1 'D II =1 .5 ) a n .. _ t N t t• 1'tllk
tbfta a e n ~ ft K lh
be to achieve stro11g~~~ for 560 nm lie•
si lk oa IIIOIIOiide (Jl t. B ew tW tt .. W tk ta
.- ~~ ,._ . t iacicktlt ~ nttza
-?
Solution:
G iY t:D
Refractl\ e mde.~ of u.
xitt'\i fil m UL ( ) - ~
Wavelength of the hg
bt (A.) = 5c.,O mn = )(.l.l)
Formula: Cond ition fo , l l) v rn
r destructi,e mterferenc
e 1s given by .
2µ tcos r = (2n_._ n;. . 2
The mjnimum th ickn es
s of coated film can
normal in cidence cos r be cak ulated by pu
=l ttmg n l . t t,.. ,,.
,mJ for
I
2µ ftmin X 1 = -2
i. 560;,,. 10 - 'l
tm in =- = ----
4µ f 4 .,_ Z

The thickness of coat

ed mm (t..... 111 ) • 70 n m
32. Newton' s rings
ar e obse n ,td ln r~
di amet er of 10111 da rk Re<1 td Habt or wav
ri ng is 0.5 cm. C al cu elenath , >< 10., cm
of mm la te, ra . the
of th at ring. dl u or cu rv at ur e R an d
tb lc kn ttl
Solution:
Given
Wavelength of the lig
ht (A.) = 5 x I o--~cm
Di ameter of I0 th dark
ring (D 10 ) = 0.5 cm
Formula: Diameter of O rd er of dark ring (n
nlh or de r da rk ring is gi ve n by , ) =I0

D~ = 4n lU
Calculation of radius
of curvat ure
D~ (0.5)2
R = 4nA = 4 x 10 x 5 x 10 5
Radius of curvature
(R) = 125 cm
Calculation of thickn
ess of thin air film (t)
The thickness of air film
is given by ,
rii (0 .2 5) 2 = 2.5 X 10 -4
t == 2R = 2 X 12 5
Thickness of thin ai
r film (t) == 2.5 xlO 4
m

J
104 I Applied Physics

33. Newton's ring experiment the diameter of 10th dark ring

changes from 1.4 cm to
1.27 cm, when a liquid is introduced between the lens and the glass
plate. Calculate
refractive index of the liquid.
Solution: Given
Diameter of 10th dark ring for air medium = D10 = 1.4 cm
Diameter of 10th dark ring for liquid medium (D' ) = 1.27 cm
10
Formula: The diameter nth order dark ring is given by,

2
4nRA
Dn =- -
µ
For air film, the diameter 10th order dark ring is given by,

2
4nRA
D1 0= --
µ
Df 0 = 4nRA (1)
For liquid film, let D~ 0 be diameter of 10th order dark ring & given
by
, 2 4xnR A.
D10 = µ (2)
Divi de equa tion (1) by (2)

µ = Di\ = (1.4)2 = 1.21

D~o (1.27) 2
Refractive index of the liqu id(µ )= 1.21