Question

A transparent oil with index of refraction 1.28 spills on the surface of water (index of refraction 1.33), producing a maximum of reflection with normally incident green light (wavelength 500 nm in air). Assuming the maximum occurs in the first order, determine the thickness of the oil slick.

Answer 1

Answer:

The thickness of the oil slick is $1.95\times10^{-7}\ m$

Explanation:

Given that,

Index of refraction = 1.28

Wave length = 500 nm

Order m = 1

We need to calculate the thickness of oil slick

Using formula of thickness

$2nt= m\lambda$

Where, n = Index of refraction

t = thickness

$\lambda$ = wavelength

Put the value into the formula

$2\times1.28 \times t=1\times\times500\times10^{-9}$

$t = \dfrac{1\times\times500\times10^{-9}}{2\times1.28 }$

$t=1.95\times10^{-7}\ m$

Hence, The thickness of the oil slick is $1.95\times10^{-7}\ m$