Interference

The phenomenon of non uniform distribution of light energy in

the medium due to the superposition of two light waves is called
interference. There are two types of interference;
1. Constructive interference (Bright band):- When two
coherent waves superimpose which are in phase, the
resultant wave is formed with amplitude sum of the
amplitude of the individual wave. If two coherent waves
each with amplitude A superimpose, the amplitude of
resultant wave is;
Ar = A + A = 2A.
∴ Intensity of resultant wave Ir ∝ A2r = 4A2 i. e. maximum,
this type of interference is called constructive interference.

2. Destructive interference (Dark band):- When two

coherent waves superimpose, which are out of phase. The
amplitude of resultant wave is;
Ar = A + (−A) = 0.
∴ Intensity of resultant wave Ir ∝ A2r = 0 i. e. minimum,
this type of interference is called destructive interference.

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Analytical (mathematical) treatment of interference:-

Le the amplitude of the waves be 𝐴 and the phase difference

between two waves reaching the point 𝑃 be 𝛿. The displacement
from 𝑎 and 𝑏 are denoted by 𝑦1 and 𝑦2 . The displacement
equation can be written as;

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 𝑦1 = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑡
𝑦2 = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 + 𝛿)
From the principle of superposition the resultant displacement
is;
𝑦 = 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
𝑜𝑟, 𝑦 = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑡 + 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑤𝑡 + 𝛿)
𝑜𝑟, 𝑦 = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑡 + 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑡 cos 𝛿 + 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑤𝑡 sin 𝛿
𝑜𝑟, 𝑦 = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑡 (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 ) + 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑤𝑡 sin 𝛿
𝐿𝑒𝑡, 𝐴(1 + cos 𝛿) = 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 … … … (1)
𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛿 = 𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 … … … . (2)
∴ 𝑦 = 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 sin 𝑤𝑡 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 cos 𝑤𝑡
∴ 𝑦 = 𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 + 𝜃)
This implies the resultant wave is simple harmonic with an
amplitude 𝑅.
Squaring and adding equation (1) and (2) we get;
𝑅2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑅2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 𝐴2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛿 + 𝐴2 (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿)2
𝑜𝑟, 𝐴2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛿 + 𝐴2 + 2𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 + 𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝛿 = 𝑅2
𝑜𝑟, 𝑅2 = 2 𝐴2 + 2𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿
𝑜𝑟, 𝑅2 = 2 𝐴2 (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿)

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 2 2
𝛿 2
𝑜𝑟, 𝑅 = 2 𝐴 × 2𝑐𝑜𝑠
2
𝛿
𝑜𝑟, 𝑅2 = 4 𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2
2
Since, the intensity at a point is given by the square of the
amplitude.
𝛿
∴ 𝐼 = 𝑅2 = 4 𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2
2
When the phase difference 𝛿 = 0, 2𝜋, 4𝜋, 6𝜋 … … 𝑛(2𝜋),
Or path difference = 0, 𝜆, 2𝜆, 3𝜆 … … … . . 𝑛(𝜆),
Then, 𝐼 = 4𝐴2 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
When the phase difference 𝛿 = 𝜋, 3𝜋, 5𝜋, 7𝜋 … … (2𝑛 + 1)𝜋,
Or path difference = 𝜆/2, 3𝜆/2, 5𝜆/2 … … … . . (2𝑛 + 1)𝜆/2,
Then, 𝐼 = 0 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦

Figure:- Intensity distribution in interference

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Young’s double slit experiment:-

Let A and B be two narrow slits illuminated by monochromatic

light from the source. Let the distance between A and B be ‘d’
which is very small as compared to the slit screen distance ‘D’ .
The Point O is equidistance from A and B will meet each other
on screen. Thus there will be central bright fringe at the center.
The intensity at any point P at a distance ‘y’ from the center on
the screen can be calculated by finding the path difference (BP-
AP). Joining AP and BP and draw AM perpendicular to BP.
Then,
𝐵𝑃 − 𝐴𝑃 = 𝐵𝑀 … … … (𝑖)
From right angle triangle ABM,
𝐵𝑀 = 𝑑 sin 𝜃 … … … (𝑖𝑖)

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If this path difference contained a whole number of wavelength,
then constructive interference will be observed.
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑑 sin 𝜃 = 𝑛𝜆 … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
If path difference is odd number of half wavelength then the
destructive interference will be occur.
1
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑑 sin 𝜃 = (𝑛 + )𝜆 … … … (𝑖𝑣)
2
Where ‘n’ is called the order of interference fringes now
consider a case for constructive interference at P. Then,
𝑑 sin 𝜃 = 𝑛𝜆
𝑛𝜆
sin 𝜃 = . … … … (𝑣)
𝑑
Let ‘y’ be distance at point P from center. We have from figure,
𝑦 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃 … … … (𝑣𝑖)
For small angles we can write,
𝑦 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃 = 𝐷 sin 𝜃
𝐷𝑛𝜆 𝑑𝑦
∴𝑦= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜆 =
𝑑 𝐷𝑛
We define fringe width as the distance between constructive -
constructive (or destructive - destructive) Interference and is
denoted by 𝛽. Then
𝛽 = 𝑦𝑛+1 − 𝑦𝑛
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 𝐷(𝑛 + 1)𝜆 𝐷𝑛𝜆
𝑜𝑟, 𝛽= −
𝑑 𝑑
𝐷𝜆
∴𝛽=
𝑑
Using this equation Young was able to determine the
wavelength of light used in experiment.

Interference in thin film:-

An optical medium is called a thin film, when its thickness is

about the order of one wavelength of light in visible region.
Thus a film of thickness in the range of 0.5µm to 10µm. A thin
film may be a thin sheet of transparent material such as glass,
mica, an air film enclosed between two transparent plates.
When light is incident on such a film, a small part of it gets
reflected from the top surface and major part is transmitted into
the film. Again a small part of the transmitted component is
reflected back in to the film by the bottom surface and rest of its

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emerge out of the film. When light encounter a medium that has
a higher refractive index, the reflected light or wave suffer a
phase change 𝜋.
Interference in plane parallel film due to reflected rays:-

Consider a transparent film of uniform thickness 𝑡 bounded by

two parallel surfaces as shown in figure. Let the refractive index
of the material be µ. The film is surrounded by air on the both
sides. Let us consider plane wave from a monochromatic source
falling on the film at an angle of incidence 𝑖. Part of a ray such
as AB is reflected along BC and part of it is transmitted in the
film along BD. The transmitted ray BD makes an angle 𝑟 with
normal to the surface at the point D. The ray partially reflected
back in to the film along DE, while a major part refracts into the
surrounding medium along DG. Part of the reflected ray DE is
transmitted at the upper surface and travel along EF.
Let EM be normal to BC, from point M and E onwards the rays
MC and EF travel equal path. The ray BM travel in air while the
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ray BE travels in the film of refractive index 𝜇 along the path
BD and DE.
The geometrical path difference between the two rays is;
(𝐵𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 ) − 𝐵𝑀
Therefore, the optical path difference (∆) = µ(𝐵𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 ) −
1(𝐵𝑀 ) … … … . (𝑖)
𝐷𝐿 𝑡
𝐼𝑛 ∆ 𝐵𝐷𝐿; 𝐵𝐷 = = (𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝐷𝐿 = 𝑡)
cos 𝑟 cos 𝑟
2𝑡
∴ 𝐵𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 = … … … (𝑖𝑖)
cos 𝑟
𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝐵𝐿 = 𝐷𝐿 tan 𝑟 = 𝑡 tan 𝑟
∴ 𝐵𝐸 = 2𝑡 tan 𝑟
∴ 𝐵𝑀 = 𝐵𝐸𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑖 = 2𝑡 tan 𝑟 sin 𝑖 … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
From Snell’s law;
sin 𝑖 = 𝜇 sin 𝑟
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟
∴ 𝐵𝑀 = 2𝑡 tan 𝑟. 𝜇 sin 𝑟 = 2𝜇𝑡 … … … (𝑖𝑣)
cos 𝑟
Now, from equation (i), (ii) and (iv);
2𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟
∆ = (𝜇 × ) − (2𝜇𝑡 )
cos 𝑟 cos 𝑟

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 2𝜇𝑡
𝑜𝑟, ∆= (1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟)
cos 𝑟
2𝜇𝑡
𝑜𝑟, ∆= (𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑟)
cos 𝑟
∴ ∆ = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟
This is the optical path difference and not the total true optical
path difference. Ray 1 and 2 travels in two different medium,
when light encounter a medium of higher refractive index, the
reflected waves suffers a phase change of 𝜋.
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑝𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝜆/2.
Therefore, the net optical path difference becomes;
𝜆
∆ = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 +
2
Condition for maxima:-
The condition for constructive interference in the air film to
appear bright is;
𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 + = 𝑛𝜆
2
𝜆
𝑜𝑟, 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 −
2
𝜆
∴ 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 − 1) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑛 = 1,2,3, … …
2

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Condition for minima (darkness):-
𝜆 𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 + = (2𝑛 + 1)
2 2
∴ 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3 … …

Interference in plane parallel films due to transmitted rays:-

Consider a thin transparent film of thickness 𝑡 and refractive

index µ. A ray AB after refraction goes along BC. At C it is
partially reflected along CD and partially refracted through CT.
The ray CD after reflection at D finally emerges along ET1. Here
at C and D reflection takes place at rare medium. Therefore, no
phase change occurs. Draw CQ normal to DE and EP normal to
CT. The optical path difference between ET1 and CT is;

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 ∆= 𝜇(𝐶𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 ) − 1(𝐶𝑃)
sin 𝑖 𝐶𝑃/𝐶𝐸 𝐶𝑃
Now, 𝜇 = = =
sin 𝑟 𝑄𝐸/𝐶𝐸 𝑄𝐸

𝑜𝑟, 𝐶𝑃 = 𝜇 𝑄𝐸
In figure, < 𝐶𝑅𝐷 = 𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝐷𝑅 = 𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝐸
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 = 𝑅𝐸
∴ ∆ = 𝜇(𝑅𝐸 ) − 𝜇(𝑄𝐸)
= 𝜇(𝑅𝐸 − 𝑄𝐸)
∴ ∆ = 𝜇(𝑅𝑄 )
𝑅𝑄
In ∆ 𝐶𝑅𝑄, cos 𝑟 =
𝐶𝑅

𝑅𝑄 = 𝐶𝑅 cos 𝑟
𝐵𝑢𝑡, 𝐶𝑅 = 2𝑡
∴ 𝑅𝑄 = 2𝑡 cos 𝑟
∴ ∆ = 𝜇 𝑅𝑄 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠;
∴ ∆ = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟

Condition for maxima (Brightness):-

When the optical path difference 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆, then bright
fringe occurs.

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Condition for minima(Darkness):-
When the optical path difference 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 + 1)𝜆/2, then
dark fringe occurs.

Interference in wedge shape thin film:-

A thin film having zero thickness at one end and progressively
increasing to a particular thickness at the other end is called a
wedge. A thin wedge of air film can be formed by two glasses
slides on each other at one edge and separated by a thin spacer at
the opposite edge.

Let us suppose we are having two planes inclined at a small

angle 𝜃. The space between the planes is filled up by air so it
forms a wedge shape thin film of air. Now, if light is incident on

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this film then the interference will take place between reflected
rays. The condition for bright fringe will be;
𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑖𝑟, 𝜇 = 1
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑟=0
∴ cos 𝑟 = 1
𝜆
𝑠𝑜, 2𝑡 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2
𝜆
∴ 𝑡 = (2𝑛 − 1)
4
And condition for dark fringe will be;
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆
For air medium and normal incidence;
𝑛𝜆
𝑡=
2
If the wedge shaped film has refractive index µ then the
𝜆
thickness of the film increases by in consecutive bright or
2µ
dark fringe.

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Newton’s ring:-

When a lens or curve glass surface is placed in contact with a

plane glass surface as in figure, a thin air film is formed. When
such film is exposed by mono-chromatic light, a series of
concentric ring appear called Newton’s ring. Therefore,
Newton’s rings are concentric ring formed when light falls on a
uniform wedges shaped film. These fringes are due to the
interference between rays reflected from top and bottom surface
of the air gap between the two pieces of glass.
Interference in Newton’s ring:-
When monochromatic light is allowed in the experimental setup
as shown in figure, Newton’s rings are observed. The path

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difference between the rays reflected on the upper and lower
surface of the film is;
𝜆
∆ = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 + … … … (𝑖)
2
For almost normal incidence of light in air film, 𝑟 ≅ 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜇 =
1
So path difference will be;
𝜆
∆ = 2𝑡 + … … … (𝑖𝑖)
2
At a point of contact; 𝑡 = 0,
𝜆
So, path difference ∆ = ,
2

Hence, central spot is dark.

The condition for bright ring is;
𝜆
2𝑡 + = 𝑛𝜆
2
𝜆
𝑜𝑟, 2𝑡 = (2𝑛 − 1) … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑛 = 1,2,3,4 … …
2
And the condition for minima is;
𝜆 𝜆
2𝑡 + = (2𝑛 + 1)
2 2
𝑜𝑟, 2𝑡 = 𝑛𝜆 … … … (𝑖𝑣)

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 2R-t

L r Ll
t
O
Now, let’s find the diameter of Newton’s ring from the similar
triangle property;
𝑟 2𝑅 − 𝑡
=
𝑡 𝑟
𝑜𝑟, 𝑟 2 = 2𝑅𝑡 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑜 𝑡 2 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑)
𝑟2
∴𝑡= … … . . (𝑣)
2𝑅
Where, R is radius of curvature and r is radius of Newton’s ring.
Thus for a bright ring; from equation (iii) and (v),
𝑟2 𝜆
2 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2𝑅 2
𝜆𝑅
𝑜𝑟, 𝑟 2 = (2𝑛 − 1) … … … (𝑣𝑖)
2
If 𝐷𝑛 is the diameter of the nth bright ring then;

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 𝐷𝑛2 𝜆𝑅
= (2𝑛 − 1)
4 2
∴ 𝐷𝑛 = √(2𝑛 − 1)2𝜆𝑅
Similarly, for a dark ring; from equation (iv) and (v),
𝑟2
2 = 𝑛𝜆
2𝑅
𝑜𝑟, 𝑟 2 = 𝑛𝜆𝑅
If 𝐷𝑛 is the diameter of the nth dark ring then;
𝐷𝑛2
= 𝑛𝜆𝑅
4
∴ 𝐷𝑛 = 2√𝑛𝜆𝑅

Determination of wavelength of light:-

Let the diameter of nth dark ring is;
𝐷𝑛2 = 4𝑛𝜆𝑅
Similarly, the diameter of (n+m)th dark ring is;
2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 = 4(𝑛 + 𝑚)𝜆𝑅
2
So, 𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2 = 4𝑚𝜆𝑅
2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2
∴ 𝜆=
4𝑚𝑅

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Determination of refractive index of liquid:-
/ /
Let 𝐷𝑛 and 𝐷𝑛+𝑚 be diameter of nth and (n+m)th Newton’s ring.
Here we can write the equation for normal incidence and with
film of refractive index µ as;
/2 /2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛 = 4𝑚𝜆𝑅/µ
Now using above relation;
2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2
µ= /2 /2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛

Numerical Examples:-
1. In Newton’s ring experiment diameter of 15th ring was
found to be 𝟎. 𝟓𝟗 𝒄𝒎 and that of 5th ring was
𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝟔 𝒄𝒎. If the radius of the Plano-convex lens is
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒄𝒎. Calculate the wavelength of light used.
Solution:-
Diameter of 15th ring (D15 ) = 0.59 cm
Diameter of 5th ring (D5 ) = 0.336 cm
Radius of plano − convex lens (R) = 100 𝑐𝑚
Wavelength of light (λ) = ?

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 D2n+m − D2n 0.592 − 0.3362
We have; λ = =
4mR 4 × 10 × 100
= 5.9 × 10−5 cm
∴ 𝜆 = 5900 𝐴0

2. Newton’s ring formed by sodium light between a flat

glass plate and a convex lens are viewed normally, what
will be the order of the dark ring which will have
double the diameter of 40th ring?
Solutions:-
We have the relation about diameter of dark ring is;
D2n = 4nλR … … … . (i)
∴ D240 = 4 × 40 × λR … … … . (ii)
Dividing equation (i)by (ii)we gae;
D2n 𝑛
=
D240 40
According to the question; 𝐷𝑛 = 2𝐷40
4 × D240 𝑛
𝑜𝑟, =
D240 40
∴ 𝑛 = 4 × 40 = 160

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 3. In Newton’s ring experiment diameter of the 10 th dark
ring changes from𝟏. 𝟒 𝒄𝒎 to 𝟏. 𝟐𝟕 𝒄𝒎. When a liquid is
introduced between the lens and the plate. Calculate
refractive index of liquid.
Solution:-
For air medium; D2n = 4nλR … … … . (i)
/2
For liquid medium; Dn = 4nλR/µ … … … . (ii)
D2n 1.42
∴ 𝜇= = = 1.215
Dn
/2 1.272

4. In Newton’s ring experiment radius of the 4th and 12th

ring are 𝟎. 𝟐𝟔 𝒄𝒎 and 𝟎. 𝟑𝟕 𝒄𝒎 respectively. Find the
diameter of 24th dark ring.
Solution:-
𝑟4 = 0.26 𝑐𝑚 ∴ 𝐷4 = 0.52 𝑐𝑚
𝑟12 = 0.37 𝑐𝑚 ∴ 𝐷12 = 0.74 𝑐𝑚
2
D2n+m − D2n D12 − D24
𝑁𝑜𝑤, 𝜆 = =
4mR 4×8×R
0.5476 − 0.2704
∴ 𝜆𝑅 = = 8.663 × 10−3
32
𝐴𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛; D2n = 4nλR
𝑜𝑟, D224 = 4 × 24 × 8.663 × 10−3 = 0.8316 cm2

Prepared by Gunanidhi Gyanwali

 ∴ 𝐷24 = 0.911 𝑐𝑚

5. A parallel beam of sodium light of wavelength 𝟓𝟖𝟗𝟎 ×

𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝒄𝒎 is incident on a thin glass plate of refractive
index 𝟏. 𝟓 such that the angle of refraction in the plate
is 𝟔𝟎𝟎 . Calculate the smallest thickness of the plate
which will make it appear dark by reflection.
Solution:-
Wavelength (𝜆) = 5890 × 10−8 𝑐𝑚
Refractive index (µ) = 1.5,
Angle of refraction (r) = 600
Thickness (t) = ?
We know that to appear dark fringe by reflected is;
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆
For smallest thickness, 𝑛 = 1
2 × 1.5 × 𝑡 × cos 600 = 5890 × 10−8
5890 × 10−8
∴𝑡= = 3927 × 10−8 𝑐𝑚
1.5

Prepared by Gunanidhi Gyanwali

Exercise:-
1. In Newton’s ring experiment, “Central spot is dark in
reflected system” and “Fringes get closer as the number of
order increased” explain. Is it possible to make a central
spot bright in reflected system? If so how?
2. What are constructive and destructive interference? Prove
that the path difference for constructive interference is
integer multiple of λ and that for destructive interference is
odd integer multiple of λ/2.
3. Explain how interference fringes are formed by thin wedge
shaped film examined by normally reflected light. Derive a
relation for the fringe width on such system of interference
fringes.
4. Write down the condition for interference of light? Give the
necessary theory for the interference in thin film due to
reflected light.
5. Prove that interference in thin film of the reflected and
transmitted light are complementary to each other.
6. What happens to the energy when waves perfectly cancel to
each other in interference? Derive the relation for thin film
interference by reflected light.
7. What are Newton’s rings? How can you use these rings to
determine refractive index of a given liquid?
8. What is interference? Explain the intensity distribution in
interference with mathematical treatment.

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 9. What are Haidengers fringes? Describe the interference
phenomena in wedge shape thin film and determine the
relation of path difference.
10. Why Newton’s rings are circular? Discuss and derive
the necessary theory of Newton’s ring experiment for
transmitted light.
11. What are coherent source of light? How such sources
develop in lab? Show that the square of the n th dark ring by
the reflected light of Newton’s ring is directly proportional
to the natural number.
12. Explain the circular nature of the Newton’s
interference fringes. Show that square of radius of nth bright
fringe of Newton’s ring due to the reflected light is
proportional to 2n-1.
13. White light is incident in soap film at an angle
4
sin−1 ( ) and the reflected light on examination by
5
spectrometer shows dark bands. The consecutive dark
bands correspond to wavelength 6.1 × 10−5 cm and 6 ×
10−5 cm. if µ = 1.33 for the film, calculate the thickness.
14. In Newton’s ring experiment, the radius of curvature
of lens is 5 cm and the lens diameter is 20 mm. (a) How
many bright fringes are produced? Assume that λ = 589 nm
(b) How many bright rings are produced if the arrangement
were immersed in water ( µ = 1.33).

Prepared by Gunanidhi Gyanwali

 15. Light of wavelength 6000 A falls normally on a thin
wedge shape thin film of refractive index 1.4, forming
fringes that are 2 mm apart. Find the angle of the wedge.
16. Newton’s ring formed by sodium light viewed
normally. What is the order of the dark ring which will
have double the diameter of 50th ring?
17. A soap film 5 × 10−5 𝑐𝑚 thick is viewed at an angle
of 35o to the normal. Find the wavelength of visible light
which will be absent from the reflected light.
18. A plano-convex lens of radius 300 cm is placed on an
optically flat glass plate and is illuminated by
monochromatic light. The diameter of the 8 th dark ring in
the transmitted system is 0.72 cm. Calculate the wavelength
of light used.
19. Newton’s rings are observed in reflected light of
wavelength 5900 A. The diameter of the 10 th dark ring is 50
mm. Find the radius of curvature of lens and thickness of
the air film.

Prepared by Gunanidhi Gyanwali