Answer:
a) The minimum thickness of the oil slick at the spot is 313 nm
b) the minimum thickness be now will be 125 nm
Explanation:
Given the data in the question;
a) The index of refraction of the oil is 1.20. What is the minimum thickness of the oil slick at that spot?
t = λ/2n
given that; wavelength λ = 750 nm and index of refraction of the oil n = 1.20
we substitute
t = 750 / 2(1.20)
t = 750 / 2.4
t = 312.5 ≈ 313 nm
Therefore, The minimum thickness of the oil slick at the spot is 313 nm
b)
Suppose the oil had an index of refraction of 1.50. What would the minimum thickness be now?
minimum thickness of the oil slick at the spot will be;
t = λ/4n
given that; wavelength λ = 750 nm and index of refraction of the oil n = 1.50
we substitute
t = 750 / 4(1.50)
t = 750 / 6
t = 125 nm
Therefore, the minimum thickness be now will be 125 nm
It is typically 30 km to 50 km thick.