BPHS 0100 : PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
ASSIGNMENT 01
(Module 01)
1. A plano-convex lens has index of refraction n. The curved side of the lens has radius of
curvature R and rests on a flat glass surface of the same index of refraction, with a film
of index μ between them. The lens is illuminated from above by light of wavelength λ.
Express the diameter of dark rings (D) in terms of λ, R and μ.
2. We are using two different lenses to create Newton’s rings. The first lens has a radius
of curvature of R1=0.5 m, and the second lens has a radius of curvature of R2=1.0 m.
Both lenses are placed on a flat glass plate, and the monochromatic light used has a
wavelength of 550 nm. Calculate the diameter of the first dark ring for both lenses.
Compare how the radius of curvature affects the size of the rings for the two lenses.
3. Imagine you are observing a diffraction pattern formed by a laser shining through a
narrow slit on a distant screen. At the centre, there is a very bright spot, which is the
brightest point on the screen. As you slowly move along the screen, you notice bright
and dark regions. Your task is to:
(i) Derive the intensity of the central bright spot.
(ii) Find the relationship between the slit width and the angular position of the dark
regions.
4. A scientist hypothesizes that electrons might be present inside the nucleus of an atom.
To test this idea, he considers confining an electron within a nucleus of radius 10−15m.
Using the explanation of Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, determine whether this is
possible.
5. A student is exploring the interference pattern formed by light reflecting from a thin
transparent film (such as an oil layer on water or a soap bubble). A monochromatic light
beam of wavelength λ is incident on a thin film of refractive index µ and thickness t,
which is sandwiched between two media of different refractive indices.
(i) Derive an expression for the condition of constructive and destructive
interference in the reflected light.
(ii) Explain how phase changes at the interfaces affect the interference pattern.
6. Derive the mathematical expression for the time-independent Schrödinger equation in
one dimension.
7. You are an intern at a medical laboratory and your team is working on synthesizing a
new drug. During quality control, you notice that when polarized light passes through
a sample of the drug solution, the plane of polarization rotates. How would you explain
the phenomena involved. Make sure to include how it is measured in terms of optical
and specific rotation.
8. Imagine you are in a dark room with a small lamp and a thin curtain with a tiny hole in
it. You notice when light passes through the tiny hole, it spreads out and illuminates a
larger area on the wall at the centre. When you place two thin slits in front of the same
lamp, you see alternate bright and dark bands on the wall. Discuss the fundamental
difference between these two effects explaining such patterns.
9. An electron is moving with a speed of 0.9995c in a high-energy physics experiment.
Calculate its De Broglie wavelength, accounting for relativistic effects, and compare it
to the non-relativistic case at much lower speeds (you may take v=106 m/s).
10. In a potential well, an electron is confined within a very small region, with the
uncertainty in its position, Δx = 2.0×10−10m, being very small due to the high precision
of the measurement device. Now the tasks are to:
(i) Calculate the minimum uncertainty in the electron's momentum.
(ii) Determine the minimum uncertainty in the electron’s velocity.