In Fig. 35-4, assume that two waves of light in air, of wavelength 400 nm, are i
ID: 2209992 • Letter: I
Question
In Fig. 35-4, assume that two waves of light in air, of wavelength 400 nm, are initially in phase. One travels through a glass layer of index of refraction n1 1.60 and thickness L.The other travels through an equally thick plastic layer of index of refraction n2 1.50. (a) What is the smallest value L should have if the waves are to end up with a phase difference of 5.65 rad? (b) If the waves arrive at some common point with the same amplitude, is their interference fully constructive, fully destructive, intermediate but closer to fully constructive, or intermediate but closer to fully destructive?Explanation / Answer
(a) 3.60 µm; (b) intermediate, closer to fully constructive interference.