Question

A Michelson interferometer uses red light with a wavelength of 656.45 nm from a hydrogen discharge lamp. Part A How many bright-dark-bright fringe shifts are observed if mirror M2 is moved 1.7000 cm ? Express your answer using five significant figures.

Answer 1

Answer:

51793 bright-dark-bright fringe shifts are observed when the mirror M2 moves through 1.7cm

Explanation:

The number of maxima appearing when the mirror M moves through distance \Delta L is given as follows,

$\Delta m = \frac{\Delta L}{\frac{\lambda}{2}}$

Here,

$\Delta L$= is the distance moved by the mirror M

$\lambda$ is the wavelenght of the light used.

$\Delta L$= 0.017m

$\lambda = 656.45*10^{-9}m$

$\Delta m = \frac{0.017}{\frac{656.45*10^{-9}}{2}}$

$\Delta m = 51793.72$

Therefore, 51793 bright-dark-bright fringe shifts are observed when the mirror M2 moves through 1.7