Question

You're using a monochromatic beam of light with wavelength 500 nm in an interferometer. What is the minimum distance you would need to move one of the interferometer's mirrors to change a spot of constructive interference to a spot of destructive interference?

Answer 1

Answer:

The minimum distance moved by mirror is 125 nm

Explanation:

Given:

Wavelength of light $\lambda = 500 \times 10^{-9}$ m

Here given in question, spot of constructive interference change to a destructive interference.

Hence minimum distance moved by one of mirror is given by,

   $t = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{\lambda}{2} )$

Where $t =$ distance moved by mirror

   $t = \frac{\lambda }{4}$

   $t = \frac{500\times 10^{-9} }{4}$

   $t = 125 \times 10 ^{-9}$

Therefore, the minimum distance moved by mirror is 125 nm