UNIT-I Applied Physics

UNIT- I INTERFERENCE
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1. Explain the principle of superposition of waves.

Principle of superposition of waves:-

Statement: when two or more waves travelling simultaneously in a medium, the resultant
displacement at any point is the algebraic sum of the displacements due to individual waves.

If y1 and y2 are the instantaneous displacements of two waves, then the resultant displacement is given
by

y = y1  y2

‘+’ sign has to be taken when two both waves are in same phase and ‘–‘sign when both waves are out
of phase.

Coherence: Two waves are said to be coherent, if they have same frequency and constant phase
difference.

2. Explain the phenomenon of interference.

Interference:
When two or more waves having same frequency and constant phase difference
travelling in the same direction are superimposed with each other, then there is a
modification of amplitude in the region of superposition. i.e. the energy is
redistributed in the form of maxima and minima.

If a is the amplitude of the two waves, then the resultant amplitude for constructive
interference is

i.e. y = a + a = 2a.

and for destructive interference is

i.e. y = a – a=0

[Link] the conditions for obtaining sustained interference Pattern.

a. Two sources must be coherent.
b. Two sources should be narrow and monochromatic.
c. The separation between the two sources should be small.
d. The distance between the sources and the screen should be large.
e. The background should be dark.

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4. With ray diagram discuss the theory of thin films in the condition for constructive
and destructive interference in the case of reflected system.

INTERFERENCE IN THIN FILMS

The colors of thin films, soap bubbles and oil slicks can be explained by using the phenomenon of
interference on the basis of division of amplitude.

Interference in thin films will be discussed in two classes:

i) Interference in uniform thin films.
ii) Interference in non -uniform thin films.

INTERFERENCE IN PLANE PARALLEL FILMS DUE TO REFLECTION (UNIFORM)

Consider two plane surfaces PQ and P′Q′ are separated by a distance ’t’. Let µ be the refractive
index of the film between the surfaces. Let a ray of light OA be incident on the surface PQ at A, then
some part of the light is reflected into air as AR ray, The remaining part is transmitted into the
medium and is reflected at the lower surface P′Q′ at C, meets the upper surface at D and emerges as
DR′ ray as shown in fig.

The path difference between the two reflected rays AR and DR′
 = path[ AC+CD] in medium – [AB] in air 

  µ[AC+CD] – AB --------------(1) 

From ΔAEC, cos r = CE / AC

CE t
AC   ( CE  t)
cosr cosr

ΔAEC and ΔCED are similar, so 

AC = CD and AE = ED

t t 2t
AC CD    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (2)
cos r cos r cos r

AB
From ΔABD, sin i 
AD
AB  AD sin i
sin i
We Know that  sin r

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sin i   sin r

AB  AD  sin r

AE
From Δ AEC , tan r 
CE
AE  CE tan r  t tan r
 AD  AE  ED  2t tan r ( AE  ED)
Hence AB  2 t tan r   sin r

2  t sin2r
AB  - - - - - - - - - (3)
cos r

Substitute eqn (3) & (2) in eqn (1)

2 t 2 t
   sin 2 r
cos r cos r

⇒
2 t
 1  sin 2 r 
cos r

2 t
  cos2 r
cos r
 2  t cos r 

According to Stoke’s law, when the light is reflected by denser medium in to rarer medium,

then the reflected ray suffers a phase change of π radians or undergoes a path change of .
2
The path difference between the reflected rays AR and DR′

  2  t cos r -
2
Condition for maxima:
Hence the condition for maxima, i.e. for an air film to appear
bright is

  2  t cos r -  n⇒2  t cos r   where n=0, 1, 2,………
2
Condition for minima:
Hence the condition for minima, i.e. for an air film to appear dark
 
is   2  t cos r -  (2n 1)
2 2
2  t cos r  (2n 1)  
2 2
2  t cos r  (2n  2) 
2
2  t cos r  (n 1) where n= 0, 1, 2, 3………..

or 2  t cos r  n where n= 0,1,2,3………..

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5. Explain the colours in a thin film when exposed to sunlight.

Colours in thin films:

 When white light is incident on a thin film, it gets splits up by reflection at the top and
bottom surfaces of the film. These reflected rays interfere producing colors in thin films.
 Different points on the thin film satisfy the condition for the constructive interference i.e.,

2  t cos r  (2n  1) 
2
for different values of and t when illuminated with white light and hence appear
multicolored.
 In case of soap bubble, t is constant and varying values of  and r satisfy the above
condition give multicolor.
 In case of oil slick, r is constant and varying values of  and t satisfy the above
condition give multicolor.

6. Discuss the theory of Newton’s rings with relevant diagram

NEWTON’S RINGS: (INTERFERENCE IN NON-UNIFORM FILMS DUE TO

REFLECTION)
When a Plano convex lens with its convex surface is placed on a plane glass plate, an air film of
gradually increasing thickness is formed between them. The thickness of the film at the point of
contact is zero. If a monochromatic light is allowed to fall normally and the film is viewed in
reflected light, alternate dark and bright concentric circular rings are observed around the point of
contact. This phenomenon was first described by Newton, so these rings are called Newton’s
rings.

EXPERIMENTAL ARRANGEMENT:-
The experimental arrangement consists of a Plano-
convex lens ‘L’ of large radius of curvature and is
placed on a plane glass plate ‘p’ as shown in fig .
The light from monochromatic source is reflected
normally on to the air film by means of glass plate G
inclined at 450. A part of the incident light is
reflected by the curved surface of the lens ‘L’ (Ray
1) and remaining is transmitted. The transmitted
light is reflected back from the plane surface of the
glass plate ‘P’ (Ray 2) undergoes a path change of
λ/2(Stoke’s principle). These two reflected rays are
superimposed and produce an interference pattern in
the form of bright and dark circular rings. These
rings can be viewed in a microscope ‘M’ focused on
the film.

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The conditions for the bright and dark rings are governed by the following relations:

The condition for bright ring:


  2μt cos r   n
2

2 μ t cos r  (2n 1) where n = 0,1,2,3…
2
For normal incidence, cos r = 1 and for the air film µ = 1

2 t  (2n 1) (Bright fringes)
2
The condition for dark ring:

 
 2μ t cos r   (2n 1)
2 2
2μ t cos r  n λ Where n=0,1,2,3…

For normal incidence, cos r = 1 and for the air film µ = 1

2 t  n λ (Dark rings)

[Link] the expressions for the diameters of dark and bright rings.

Theory of Newton's rings:

In the reflected monochromatic light, Newton's rings are alternate bright and dark circles with
a central dark spot. Let R be the radius of curvature of the lens. At Q, let the thickness of the film PQ
= t satisfies the condition for a dark ring to form by interference. Let it be an n th dark ring with a
radius, SQ = rn.

Determination of radius of n th dark ring

Consider an n th dark ring with radius HE.

From the diagram

OE = R – t , HE = rn , OH = R
From the Δ OHE

OH2 = HE2 + OE2

R2 = rn 2 + (R-t) 2

rn 2 = R2 - (R-t) 2

rn 2 = R2 - R2 - t2 + 2Rt
2 2
rn  2R t  t (as 2 R t >> t2, t2 can be neglected) 

2
 rn  2R t . 

For dark rings, the condition is 2t = n λ

rn  n R or 
2

rn nR
The diameter of the dark ring is therefore given by

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Dn  2 rn = 2 n λ R or Dn  4n λ R
Dn  n

Thus, the radii (also diameters) of the dark rings are proportional to the square root of natural
numbers.

Determination of radius of n th bright ring

th
let us suppose that a bright ring is located at the point Q. The radius of the n bright ring is given
2
by rn  2R t.

For bright rings, the condition is

λ
2 t  2n  1 2

2 Dm

r2  2n 1 R or r  2n  1λ R .

n n 0
2 2 No. of ring, m

Dn  (2n  1)2R

It is clear that the radii (also diameters) of bright rings are proportional to the square root of
the odd natural numbers.

8. Why a Dark spot is observed at the center of the Newton’s rings?


The thickness of the air film at the point of contact is zero i.e. t = 0, hence   which is the
2
condition for destructive interference. So a dark spot is observed at the center of the Newton’s rings.

9. Why Newton’s rings are circular?

In Newton’s rings arrangement, a thin air film is enclosed between a Plano-convex lens and a glass
plate. The thickness of the air film at the point of contact is zero and gradually increases as we move
outward. The locus of points where the air film has the same thickness then fall on a circle whose
centre is the point of contact. Thus, the thickness of air film is constant at points on any circle having
the point of lens-glass plate contact as the centre. The fringes are therefore circular.

10. Determine the wavelength of light source and Radius of curvature of given convex lens

The wave length of incident monochromatic light can be determined by forming Newton's
rings and measuring the diameters of the dark rings using travelling microscope.

For mth dark ring, D2m = 4mλR

Similarly, for nth dark ring, D2n=4nλR

D2m - D2n = 4mλR - 4nλR
D2m - D2n = 4(m-n)λR

D  Dn
2 2
 m Thisis an expression for wavelength of incident light.
4(m  n) R

Dm  Dn
2 2
R T hisis an expression for Radius of curvatureof lens..
4(m  n)

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PROBLEMS
1. A parallel beam of light of wavelength 5890 A00is incident on a thin glass plate (μ = 1.5) such
that the angle of refraction into the plate is 60 . Calculate the smallest thickness of the glass
plate which will appear dark in reflected light.

The condition is given by 2 t Cos r = m. Taking m = 1, the smallest thickness of plate that
causes destructive interference is

 5890  1010
t   0.39 μm .
2 Cos r 2  1.5  Cos 600

2. A Newton’s ring arrangement is used with a source emitting two wavelengths and
2  4.5  10 5 cm . It is found that nth dark ring due to 1 coincides with (n+1)th dark ring for

2 If the radius of curvature of the curved surface is 90cm, find the diameter of nth dark ring for
1 .

Solution : r  m R , m = 0,1,2,.... for dark ring. Hence rn  n  6  105  90 and

rn1  (n  1)  4.5 105  90 .

n x 6 x 10-5 x 90 = (n+1)4.5 x 10-5 x 90

6n = 4.5 (n+1) or 6n = 4.5n + 4.5 or 1.5n = 4.5 or n = 4.5/1.5 = 3

 rn  3  6 10-5  90  1620 105  0.0162  0.127cm

Diameter of nth ring = 0.127 x 2 = 0.254 cm.

3. In a Newton’s ring experiment, the diameter of the 4th and 12th dark rings are 0.400
cm and 0.700 cm, respectively. Find the diameter of the 20th dark ring.

Solution: We know that D 2m  D 2n  4(m  n) λR

Here m = 12 , n = 4, and (m-n) =12-4 = 8

Dm =0.700 cm and Dn = 0.400 cm

 2
D12  D24  4  8  λR 1

For 20th and 4th dark rings

D220  D24  4  16  λR 2
Dividing (2) by (1)
D 220  D 24 4  16  λR
 2
2
D12  D 24 4  8  λR
D 220  0.42 D 220 - 0.16
or 2 or 2
0.72  0.42 0.33
or D 220 - 0.16  2  0.33  0.66
D 220  0.66  0.16  0.82 or D 20  0.906 cm.
The diameter of the 20th dark ring = 0.906 cm.

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Subjective questions

1. State and explain superposition principle?

2. Explain the phenomenon of interference.
3. Write the conditions for obtaining sustained interference Pattern.
4. With ray diagram discuss the theory of thin films in the condition for constructive
and destructive interference in the case of reflected system.
5. Derive the conditions for the constructive and destructive interference of light reflected
from thin films.
6. Discuss the interference phenomenon produced in thin films.
7. Describe the formation of Newton’s rings in reflected light, and derive expressions for
the diameters of bright and dark rings.
8. With necessary theory, describe how the wavelength of sodium light can be determined by
forming Newton’s rings.
9. In a Newton’s ring experiment, the diameter of the 10th dark ring changes from 1.4 cm
to 1.27 cm, when a liquid is introduced between the lens and plate. Calculate the
refractive index of the liquid.
10 White light falls normally on a soap film of thickness 5000 A.U. and refractive index
1.33. Which wavelength in the visible region is strongly reflected?

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