Calculate the minimum thickness of an oil slick on water that appears blue when

Question

Calculate the minimum thickness of an oil slick on water that appears blue when illuminated by white light perpendicular to its surface. Take the blue wavelength to be 463 nm and the index of refraction of oil to be 1.41. The index of refraction of water is 1.33. What is thin film interference? How many phase shifts are there? What is the condition for constructive interference? Why is it possible to polarize a transverse wave? The wave oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Transverse waves cannot be polarized. The wave oscillates parallel to the direction of propagation. Transverse waves have extra energy, so when it is polarized some of it is left over.

Explanation / Answer

the given wavelength is = 463 nm = 463 X 10-9 m

the constructive interference 2 t = n / 2 , 3 n / 2 , 5 n / 2 ........

2 t = / 2

and n = / n

then t = / 4 n

t = 463 X 10-9 / 4 X 1.41

t = 8.209 X 10-8 m

t = 82.09 nm

the wave is oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation

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