Physical Optics–Interference 1.

The plano convex lens and plane glass plate is placed into the container which
consists of the liquid whose refractive index (m) is to be determined. Now, the air
film is replaced by the liquid film. Again, the diameters of the same mth and nth
dark rings are to be obtained. Then we have
4(n – m)lR
Dn¢ 2 – Dm¢ 2 = __________ (9)
m
From equations (8) and (9), we get
D2n – D2m
m = _________ (10)
D n¢ 2 – D m¢ 2
Using the above formula, ‘μ’ can be calculated.

SOLVED PROBLEMS

1. A parallel beam of light of 6000Å is incident on a thin glass plate of

refractive index 1.5 such that the angle of refraction into the plate is
50°. Find the least thickness of the glass plate which will appear dark
by reflection.

Given data Wavelength of the given light l = 6000Å = 6000 × 10-8 cm

Refractive index of the glass plate m = 1.5
Angle of refraction r = 50°
Solution 2mt cos r = nl
For least thickness, n = 1
Thickness t = _______
nl
2m cos r
1 × 6000 × 10–8
t = ______________
2 × 1.5 × cos 50°
6 × 10–5
t = _________ = 3.1114 × 10–5 cm
3 × 0.6428
= 3.11 × 10–5 cm
2. In a Newton’s rings experiment, the diameter of the 5th ring is 0.30 cm
and the diameter of the 15th ring is 0.62 cm. Find the diameter of the
25th ring.

Given data Diameter of the 5th ring = 0.3 cm

Diameter of the 15th ring = 0.62 cm
1.10 Engineering Physics

Solution We want diameter of the 25th ring.

We know that D2n – D2m = 4(n – m)lR
D 215 – D25 = 4(15 – 5)lR
fi (0.62)2 – (0.3)2 = 40 lR
0.3844 – 0.09 = 40 lR (i)
Similarly, D25th and D5th
D225 – D25 = 4(25 – 5)lR
D225 – 0.09 = 80lR (ii)
Dividing Eq. (ii) by Eq. (i)
D225 – 0.09 80 lR
____________ = _____
0.3844 – 0.09 40 lR
fi D225 = 2______
× 0.2944 + 0.09 = 0.6788
D25 = ÷0.6788 = 0.824 cm
Diameter of the 25th ring is 0.824 cm.
3. A convex lens on a plane glass plate is exposed to a monochromatic light.
The diameter of the 10th dark ring is 0.433 cm. Find the wavelength of
the light used if the radius of curvature of the lens is 70 cm.

Given data Radius of curvature, R = 70 cm

Diameter of the 10th ring = 0.433 cm
D2n
Solution l = ____
4nR
(0.433)2 0.187
= __________ = _____ = 6.6786 × 10–5 cm
4 × 10 × 70 2800

4. A soap film with a refractive index of 1.33 and thickness of 5000 Å

is exposed to white light. What wavelengths in the visible region are
reflected?

Given data Refractive index of the soap film, m = 1.33

Thickness of the film, t = 5000 Å = 5000 × 10–10 m
Solution Condition for maximum reflection is
l
2mt cos r = (2n + 1) __, where n = 0, 1, 2, etc.
2
Assume cos r = 1
4mt 4 × 1.33 × 5000 × 10–10
Then l = _______ = ____________________
(2n + 1) (2n + 1)
 Physical Optics–Interference 1.11

26600 × 10–10
= ____________ m
(2n + 1)
When n = 0, l1 = 26600 × 10–10 m (infrared region)
26600 × 10–10
When n = 1, l2 = ____________ = 8866.7 × 10–10 m (I R)
3
26600 × 10–10
n = 2, l3 = ____________ = 5320 × 10–10 m (visible region)
5
26600 × 10–10
n = 3, l4 = ____________ = 3800 × 10–10 m
7
(ultraviolet region)
All wavelengths reflected, at wavelength 5320Å the visible regions are
reflected.
5. What is the thickness of the thinnest film of 1.33 refractive index in
which destructive interference of the yellow light (6000 Å) of a normally
incident beam in air can take place by reflection?

Given data Refractive index of the film, m = 1.33

Wavelength of yellow light l = 6000 Å = 6000 × 10–8 cm
Angle of incidence i = 0°, \ r = 0° (reflection)
For least thickness, n = 1
Solution 2mt cos r = nl
t = _______
nl
2m cos r
1 × 6000 × 10–8
= ______________
2 × 1.33 × cos 0°
6 × 10–5
= _______ = 2.255 × 10–5 cm
2.66 × 1
\ the thickness of the thinnest film = 2.255 × 10–5 cm
6. In a Newton’s rings experiment, the diameter of the 8th ring was
0.35 cm and the diameter of the 18th ring was 0.65 cm. If the wave length
of the light used is 6000Å then find the radius of curvature of the
plano-convex lens.

Given data Diameter of the 18th ring = 0.65 cm

Diameter of the 8th ring = 0.35 cm
Wavelength of the light, l = 6000 Å
Solution Radius of curvature of the plano-convex lens is
D2n – D2m
R = _________
4(n – m)l
1.12 Engineering Physics

(0.65)2 – (0.35)2
fi R = ___________________
4(18 – 5) × 600 × 10–8
0.4225 – 0.1225 ___0.3
= ______________ = × 104 = 125 cm
24 × 10 –4 24
\ radius of curvature of the plano-convex lens is 125 cm.
7. In a Newton’s rings experiment, the diameter of the 12th ring changes
from 1.45 cm to 1.25 cm when a liquid is introduced between the lens
and the glass plate. Find the refractive index of the liquid.

Given data Diameter of the 12th ring in air medium, D12 = 1.45 cm
Diameter of the 12th ring in a liquid, D 12
¢ = 1.25 cm
4nlR
Solution D2n = _____
m
4nlR 4 × 12lR
(D12)2 = _____ = ________ \ m = 1 for air
m 1
4 × 12lR
(D ¢12)2 = ________
m
From the above relation,
(D12)2 (1.45)2 2.1025
m = ______2 = ______2 = ______ = 1.3456
(D ¢12) (1.25) 1.5625

\ refractive index of the liquid is 1.3456.

8. In a Newton’s ring experiment, the diameter of the 5th dark ring is
0.3 cm and the diameter of the 25th ring is 0.8 cm. If the radius of
curvature of the plano convex lens is 100 cm, find the wavelengths of
the light used.

Given Data Diameter of 5th dark ring D5 = 0.3 cm

Diameter of 25th dark ring D25 = 0.8 cm
Radius of curvature of plano convex lens R = 100 cm
D2n – D2m
Solution l = _________
4(n – m)R
(0.8)2 – (0.3)2
= ____________
4(8 – 3) × 100
= 4.87 × 10–5 cm
 Physical Optics–Interference 1.13

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Two sources are said to be coherent if their emitted waves have
(a) same amplitude (b) same wavelength
(c) constant phase difference (d) All of these
2. When a light wave is reflected at the glass–air interface, the change of
phase of the reflected wave is equal to
(a) 0 (b) p/2
(c) p/4 (d) p
3. When a light wave is reflected at the air–glass interface, the change of phase of
the reflected wave is equal to
(a) 0 (b) p/2
(c) p/4 (d) p
4. In the presence of a plane parallel film, the path difference is equal to
(a) 2m sin i (b) 2m t cos r
(c) 2m sin r (d) 2m t cos i
5. If a light wave is refracted from air to denser medium then the phase and path
difference is
(a) p and l (b) p and l/2
(c) p/2 and l (d) p/2 and l/2
6. In a plane parallel film due to reflected light, what is the condition for maxima
for the air film to appear bright?
(a) 2m t cos r = nl (b) 2m t cos r = (2n + 1)l/2
(c) 2m t cos r = nl/2 (d) 2m t cos r = (2n – 1)l/2
7. In a plane parallel film due to reflected light, what is the condition for minima
for the air film to appear dark?
(a) 2m t cos r = nl/2 (b) 2m t cos r = (2n + 1)l/2
(c) 2m t cos r = nl (d) 2m t cos r = (2n – 1)l/2
8. In Newton’s rings, interference is due to light rays reflected from
(a) upper surface of lens and upper surface of glass plate
(b) lower surface of lens and upper surface of glass plate
(c) lower surface of glass plate and upper surface of lens
(d) lower surface of lens and lower surface of glass plate
9. In Newton’s rings experiment, what is the condition for bright fringes in case of
reflected light?
______
(a) D μ ÷2n + 1 (b) D μ n
__ ______
(c) D μ ÷n (d) D μ ÷2n – 1
1.14 Engineering Physics

10. In Newton’s rings experiment, what is the condition for dark fringes in case of
reflected light?
______
(a) D μ ÷2n + 1 (b) D μ n
__ ______
(c) D μ ÷n (d) D μ ÷ 2n – 1
11. If the thickness of the parallel thin film increases, the path difference between
the reflected lights
(a) decreases
(b) increases
(c) first decreases and then increases
(d) first increases and then decreases
12. The phenomenon of intensity modification due to superposition of light waves is
known as
(a) interference (b) diffraction
(c) polarisation (d) coherence
13. When a light wave is reflected at the air-glass interface, the change of path of the
reflected wave is equal to
(a) l/2 (b) l/4
(c) l/6 (d) l/8
14. When a liquid film is introduced in the place of air film, then the diameters of the
rings
(a) increases
(b) decreases
(c) first increases and then decreases
(d) first decreases and then increases
15. When the film is observed by white light, colours are observed due to
(a) interference (b) diffraction
(c) polarisation (d) coherence
16. Wave nature of light is evidenced by
(a) photoelectric effect (b) interference
(c) blackbody radiation (d) nuclear emission
17. In the interference pattern energy is
(a) created at the maxima (b) destroyed at the minima
(c) converted but is redistributed (d) converted into matter
18. Two waves having their intensities in the ratio 9 : 1 produce interference. In the
interference pattern, the ratio of maximum to minimum intensity is equal to
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 9 : 1 (c) 3 : 1 (d) 4 : 1
19. Two beams interfere have their amplitudes ratio 2 : 1. Then the intensity ratio of
bright and dark fringes is
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 9 : 1 (d) 4 : 1
20. When a thin film of oil or soap bubble is illuminated with white light, multiple
colours appear. This is due to
 Physical Optics–Interference 1.15

(a) diffraction (b) polarisation

(c) total internal reflection (d) interference
21. When the Newton’s rings are viewed through a microscope, the Central ring is
seen dark because
(a) Phase difference of p due to phase change on reflection.
(b) Air film thickness is nearer to zero.
(c) Path difference of l due to phase change on reflection.
(d) Phase change of 2p due to phase change on reflection.
22. The convex lense in Newton’s ring apparatus is replaced by an ordinary glass
plate, then
(a) non-interference occurs
(b) circular rings are still obtained
(c) interference takes place but the shape of fringes is irregular
(d) straight line fringes are observed.
23. In Newton’s ring experiment the diameter of 40th ring is 0.1 m air film. When an
oil film is formed the diameter of the same ring becomes 0.089 m the refractive
index of oil is
(a) 1.26 (b) 0.80 (c) 1.10 (d) 1.33
Answers
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d)
7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (b) 12. (a)
13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (d)
19. (c) 20. (d) 21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (a)

Fill in the Blanks

1. The resultant displacement is due to the presence of both the waves of
displacements y1 and y2 is given by y = y1 + y2. This is known as the principle of
____________.
2. Two waves are said to be ____________ if their waves have same ratio of bright
fringe to dark fringe.
3. If 5 : 1 is the amplitude ratio of the source, the intensity ratio of maximum to
minimum is
(a) 25 : 1 (b) 6 : 4
(c) 4 : 9 (d) 9 : 4
4. Due to interference in thin films, if the film thickness is extremely small when
compared to l, the film will appear ____________.
5. Newton’s ring experiment, the radius of nth dark ring is given by ____________
where l is the wavelength of light and R is the radius of the ring observed.
6. On introducing the liquid in between the lense and the glass plate in Newton’s
ring experiment, the diameter of the rings observed ____________.
1.16 Engineering Physics

7. Superposition of two coherent wavefronts originating from coherent sources

result in ____________.
8. In interference pattern fringes have ____________ width.

Answers to Fill in the blanks

1. Superposition 2. Coherent
____
3. 9:4
4. dark 5. ÷nRl 6. decreases
7. Interference 8. equal

True or False
1. Two monochromatic sources of same amplitude and same wavelength can act as
coherent sources. (T/F)
2. If the path difference between the two interfering waves is integral multiple of l,
constructive interference occurs. (T/F)
3. In Newton’s ring experiment reflected light the point of contact of lens with the
glass plate. Where thickness of air is zero, appears dark. ___
(T/F)
4. Radius of fourth dark ring in Newton’s ring experiment is 4÷Rl . (T/F)
5. Thin films when viewed under white light, appears multicolored due to
dispersion. (T/F)

Answers to True or False

1. T 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. F

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Short Answer Questions

1.
What is interference?
2.
What is constructive interference?
3.
What is destructive interference?
4.
What is coherence?
5.
What is temporal coherence?
6.
What is spatial temporal coherence?
7.
Mention any two important conditions to get interference.
8.
Mention the conditions to get bright and dark fringes in the interference
due to reflected light by thin film.
9. Why the centre spot is dark in the Newton’s rings formed by the reflected
light?
10. Why does Newton’s rings consist of concentric rings?
11. Mention the expression for diameter of bright and dark rings in Newton’s
rings by the reflected light.
 Physical Optics–Interference 1.17

Essay Type Questions

1. Explain the interference in the films by reflection.
2. Describe the formation of Newton’s rings with necessary theory.
3. Explain how the wavelength of light sources is determined by forming
Newton’s rings.
4. Explain how the refractive index of liquid is determined by forming
Newton’s rings.
2.14 Engineering Physics

Figure 2.11

Figure 2.11 (a) and (b) show the variation of intensity due to the factors sin 2 a/
a2 and sin2 Nb/sin2 b respectively. The resultant intensity is shown in Fig. 2.3(c).

SOLVED PROBLEMS

1. A plane transmission grating having 4250 lines per cm is illuminated

with a sodium light normally. In the second-order spectrum, the spectral
lines are deviated by 30°. What is the wavelength of the spectral line?

Given data Number of lines in the grating N = 4250 lines/cm

Angle of diffraction q = 30°
Order of spectrum n = 2
Solution (e + d) sin q = nl (i)
1 1
Each slit width (e + d) = __ = _____ = 2.353 × 10–4 cm
N 4250
Then substituting the value of e in Eq. (i)
2.353 × 10–4 × sin 30° = 2l
2.353 × 10–4 × 0.5 = 2l
1.1765 × 10–4 = 2l
fi l = 0.5882 × 10–4 cm
= 5.882 × 10–5 cm
l = 5882 Å
 Physical Optics–Diffraction 2.15

2. A source of light having a wavelength of 600 nm is incident on a slit

with a width of 1 mm. Find the angular separation between the first-
order minima and central maxima of either side.

Given data Wavelength of the light, l = 600 nm = 600 × 10–9 m

Width of the slit, e + d = 1 × 10–6 m
Order n = 1

Solution
(e + d) ( )
(e + d) sin q = nl fi sin q = ______ fi q = sin–1 _____
nl nl
e+d

(1 × 600 × 10–9
q = sin–1 ____________
1 × 10–6 )
= sin–1 (0.6) = 36°52¢
Angular separation is 36°52¢.
3. A plane grating having 10520 lines per cm is illuminated with light
having a wavelength of 5 × 10–5 cm at normal incidence. How many
orders are visible in the grating spectra?

Given data Number of lines in the grating N = 10520 lines/cm

1
Width of each slit, (e + d) = __
N
Wavelength of the light, l = 5 × 10–5 cm
Angle q = 90°
Solution (e + d) sin q = nl
1 1
where (e + d) = __ = ______ = 9.506 × 10–5
N 10520
e sin q
______
n=
l
9.506 × 10–5 × sin 90°
n = __________________ = 1.901
5 × 10–5
n =2
In this grating, two orders can be seen.
4. A grating has 6000 lines/cm. Find the angular separation between two
wavelengths of 500 nm and 510 nm in the 3rd order.

Given data Number of lines in the grating,

1
N = _____ 6000 lines/cm
e+d
= 6000 × 102 lines/m
Order n = 3
2.16 Engineering Physics

Solution We know that (e + d) sin q = nl

sin q = _____ = nNl
nl
e+d
For first wavelength, l1 = 500 nm = 500 × 10–9 m
sin q1 = 3 × 6000 × 102 × 500 × 10–9
sin q1 = 0.9
q1 = sin–1 (0.9) = 64°9¢
Similarly, l2 = 510 nm = 510 × 10–9 m
sin q2 = 3 × 6000 × 102 × 510 × 10–9
= 0.918
q2 = sin–1(0.918)
q2 = 66°38¢
Angular separation between two wavelengths in third order
= q2 – q1
= 66°38¢ – 64°9¢
= 2°29¢
5. Find the highest order that can be seen with a grating having 15000
lines/inches. The wavelength of the light used is 600 nm.

Given data Wavelength of the given light l = 600 nm = 600 × 10–9 m

1
Number of lines in the grating N = _____ = 15000 lines/inch
e+d
= 15000/2.54 lines/cm
= 5906 lines/cm
= 5906 × 102 lines/m
Solution We know that
e+d 1
nmax = _____ = ___
l Nl
1
______________________
nmax =
5906 × 10 × 600 × 10–9
2

nmax = 2.822
\ the highest order that can be seen is 2.
6. For a grating, the angle of diffraction for the second order principal
maximum for the wavelength 5 × 10–5 cm is 30°. Find the number of
lines per cm of the grating.

Given data Wavelength of light l = 5 × 10–5 cm

Diffraction angle q = 30°
Order n = 2
 Physical Optics–Diffraction 2.17

Solution (e + d) sin q = nl
2 × 5 × 10–5 2 × 5 × 10–5
e + d = _____ = __________ = __________
nl
sin q sin 30° 0.5
= 10–3 cm
1
\ Number of lines per cm, N = _____ = 103.
e+d
7. The first diffraction minima due to a single slit diffraction is at q = 30°
for a light of wavelength 5000 Å. Find the width of the slit.

Given data Diffraction angle q = 30°

Wavelength of light l = 5000 Å = 5000 × 10–8 cm
Order m = 1
Solution Condition for minima due to single slit is
e sin q = ml
ml 1 × 5000 × 10–8 1 × 5000 × 10–8
e = _____ = _____________ = _____________
sin q sin 30° 0.5
= 10 × 10–5 cm
\ width of the slit = 10 × 10–5 cm

8. A monochromatic light of wavelength 6.56 × 10–7 m incidents normally

on a grating of 2 cms wide. The first odder spectrum is produced at an
angle of 18º14¢ from the normal. Calculate the total number of lines in
the grating.

Solution sin q = Nnl

sin q
N = _____
nl
total no. of lines
N = ______________ = ____
M
but
width 0.02
0.02 sin q 0.02 × sin 18º14¢
Hence, M = _________ = ______________ = 9540
nl 1 × 6.56 × 10–7

9. A parallel beam of sodium light of wavelength 5890 Å is incident on a

thin glass plate of refractive index 1.5, such that the angle of refraction
in the plate is 60º. Calculate the smallest thickness of the plate which
will make it appear dark by reflection?

Given data Wavelength of light l = 5890 Aº

Refractive index of glass plate m = 1.5
Angle of refraction r = 60º
2.18 Engineering Physics

Solution The plate will appear dark in the reflected system if

2mt cos r = nl
for the smallest thickness n = 1
l 5890 × 10–10
Hence t = _______ = ______________ = 3927 × 10–10
2m cos r 2 × 1.5 × cos 60
= 3927 Å.

10. A single slit is illuminated by white light. The first minimum for red
light of wavelength l = 6500 Å falls at an angle q = 30º. What is the
value of slit width?

Given data Wavelength of red colour l = 6500 Å = 6500 × 10–10 m.

angle q = 30º, slit width 2d = ?
Solution 2d sin q = l
l 6500 × 10–10
2d = _____ = ___________ = 13000 × 10–10 = 13000 Å
sin q 1/2

11. Light from sodium vapour lamp is normally falls on a grating of 2 cm

having 10000 lines. Find the angular separation of the two lines of
sodium of wavelengths 5890 and 5896 Å in the first order spectrum?

Given data Wavelengths of sodium lamps l1 = 5890 Å

l2 = 5896 Å
Width of the Grating = 2 cm, order n = 1
10000
Solution N = ______ = 5000 lines/cm = 5000 × 102 lines/m.
2
We know that sin q = Nnl
For l1 Æ sin q1 = 1 × 5 × 105 × 5890 × 10–10 = 0.29450
q1 = 17.1275º
for l2 sin q2 = nNl2
= 1 × 5 × 105 × 5896 × 10–10 m
= 0.29480
q2 = 17.1458º
q2 – q1 = 0.018º

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Diffraction phenomena are usually divided into ______ classes.
(a) one (b) two
(c) three (d) four
 Physical Optics–Diffraction 2.19

2. In which experiment the screen and sources are at finite distance?

(a) Fraunhofer diffraction (b) Fresnel’s diffraction
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
3. In Fraunhofer’s diffraction, incident light waves have _____ type of wave front.
(a) circular (b) spherical
(c) cylindrical (d) plane
4. In which diffraction are lenses required?
(a) Fraunhofer diffraction (b) Fresnel’s diffraction
(c) Young’s diffraction (d) Newton’s diffraction
5. In single-slit experiment, if the red colour is replaced by blue then _____
(a) the diffraction pattern becomes narrower and crowded together
(b) the diffraction bands become wider
(c) the diffraction pattern does not change
(d) the diffraction pattern disappears
6. Diffraction grating has a
(a) large number of equidistant slits
(b) only one slit
(c) large number of random distant slits
(d) circular slit
7. In a diffraction grating, the condition for principal maxima is
(a) e sin q = nl (b) (e + d) sin q = nl
(c) d sin q = nl (d) sin q = nl
8. What are the characteristics of grating spectra?
(a) Spectral lines are almost straight and outer sharp.
(b) The spectral lines are more and more dispersed as order increases.
(c) It is situated symmetrically on both sides of zero order image.
(d) All of the above
9. In Fraunhofer diffraction the wavefront undergoing diffraction has to be
(a) cylindrical (b) spherical
(c) elliptical (d) plane
10. The penetration of waves into the regions of the geometrical shadow is
(a) dispersion (b) diffraction
(c) interference (d) polarization
11. In single-slit diffraction, the first diffraction minima is observed at an angle of
30°, when a light having a wavelength of 500 nm is used. The width of the slit is
(a) 1.25 × 10–5 cm (b) 10 × 10–5 cm
–5
(c) 5 × 10 cm (d) 2.5 × 10–15 cm
12. In a single-slit experiment if the slit width is reduced,
(a) the fringes become narrower
(b) the fringes becomes brighter
2.20 Engineering Physics

(c) the fringes become wider

(d) the colour of the fringes change
13. The diffraction pattern of a single slit consists of
(a) narrow bright band at the centre with alternate dark and bright bands of
equal intensity on either side
(b) wider bright band at the centre with alternate dark and bright bands of
equal intensity on either side
(c) wider dark band at the centre with alternate bright and dark bands on
either side
(d) wider and brighter band at the centre with alternate dark and bright bands
of decreasing intensity on either side
14. In diffraction due to double slit, we observe
(a) wider diffraction bands and within that narrower interference fringes
(b) wider interference fringes and narrower diffraction bands
(c) interference and diffraction fringes of equal width
(d) diffraction pattern due to both the slits independently
15. A parallel beam of monochromatic light falls normally on a plane diffraction
grating having 5000 lines/cm. A second-order spectral line is diffracted through
an angle of 30°. The wavelength of light is
(a) 5 × 10–6 cm (b) 5 × 10–7 cm
–5
(c) 5 × 10 cm (d) 5 × 10–4 cm
16. When white light is incident on a diffraction grating, the light diffracted more
will be
(a) blue (b) yellow
(c) violet (d) red
17. Maximum number of orders possible with a grating is
(a) independent of grating element
(b) inversely proportional to grating element
(c) directly proportional to grating element
(d) directly proportional to wavelength
18. When white light is incident on a grating, the light diffracted less will be
(a) blue (b) yellow
(c) violet (d) red
19. For a grating, if the width of the grating element is less than twice the wavelength
of light, then the possible number of diffraction orders are
(a) one (b) two
(c) three (d) four
20. Diffraction effect is predominant when
(a) size of the obstacle is less than the wavelength of light
(b) size of the obstacle is nearly equal to the wavelength of light
(c) size of the obstacle is greater than the wavelength of light
(d) None of the above
 Physical Optics–Diffraction 2.21

Answers
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (a)
7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (c)
13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (c)
19. (a) 20. (b)

Fill in the Blanks

1. The bending of light around the corners of obstacles is called _______.
2. In Frensel’s diffraction _______ source is used.
3. In diffraction pattern fringes have _______ width.
4. With decreasing of slit width in single slit, the width of the fringes
_______.
5. In a grating, the combined width of a ruling and a slit is called _______.
6. Points on successive slits Separated by a distance equal to the grating
element is called _______.
7. In Fraunhofer diffraction at a plane transmission grating, when white
light source is used, the angle of diffraction for violet is _______ than
that of red.
Answers to Fill in the blanks
1. diffraction 2. point 3. unequal
4. increases 5. Grating element 6. Corresponding points
7. lesser

True or False
1. For diffraction to occur, the size of the obstacle must be comparable with
wavelength. (T/F)
2. Converging lense is used to focus parallel rays in Fresnel diffraction.
(T/F)
3. The source and Screen are at infinite distance from the obstacle producing
Fraunhofer diffraction. (T/F)
4. Diffraction is due to superposition of secondary waves originating from different
parts of the same wave front. (T/F)
5. In diffraction all bright fringes have same intensity. (T/F)
6. In diffraction intensity of dark fringes is not zero. (T/F)
7. In Fraunhofer diffraction at a double slit, the angular separation between two
consecutive maxima decreases if the slits are narrower and closer.
(T/F)
Answers to True or False
1. T 2. F 3. T 4. T 5. F 6. T
7. T
2.22 Engineering Physics

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Short Answer Questions

1. What is diffraction?
2. Why lenses are necessary for the study of Fraunhofer diffraction?
3. Mention any two differences between interference and diffraction.
4. Derive the relationship between the phase difference and path difference
of two light waves.
5. Mention the conditions to get principal maximum and minimum intensity
positions due to single slit by Fraunhofer diffraction.
6. Explain why interference effects are significant along with the diffraction
effect for double slits Fraunhofer diffraction?
7. What is diffraction grating?
8. Explain why interference effects are more significant along with the
diffraction effect in grating.
Essay Type Questions
1. Distinguish between Fraunhofer and Fresnel’s diffraction.
2. Distinguish between interference and diffraction.
3. Describe Fraunhofer diffraction due to single slit.
4. Describe Fraunhofer diffraction due to double slits.
5. Describe Fraunhofer diffraction due to grating.
 3-14 Engineering Physics-I

Figure 3.16 The different polarizations for different δ values

δ=0 δτ = π/2 δ=π δ = 3π/2 δ = 2π δ = π/2 δ = 3π/2

b b b b a a
a b a a a a a a

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)

Formulae

1. Brewster’s law, tan p =  also p + r = 90 4. Half-wave plate,


d for calcite crystal
 Malus law, I = Io cos  2
2  e  o 

3. Quarter-wave plate,  d for quartz crystal
d for calcite crystal 2  o  e 
4  o  e 

d for quartz crystal
4  e  o 

Solved Problems
1. Calculate the Brewster angle for (i) ethylalcohol for which  = 1.361 and (ii) carbontetrachloride for which  = 1.461.

Sol: Brewster’s law is tan p = 

For ethylalcohol,  = 1.361
so p= tan–1 1.361 = 53 4136
For carbon tetrachloride,  = 1.461
so p = tan–1 1.461 = 55 3635

2. For flint glass material the Brewster angle is (p) = 62  24. Find the refractive index of the material.

Sol: Brewster angle for flint glass, p = 62  24

Refractive index, = ?
Brewster’s law is tan p = 
so  = tan 62 24 = 1.9128

3. The refractive index of a polarizer is 1.54. Find the polarization angle and angle of refraction.

Sol: The refractive index of a polarizer, = 1.54

Brewster’s law is tan p = 
The polarization angle, p = tan–1 = tan–1 1.54 = 57
we know
  p + r = 90
    r = 90 – 57 = 33

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 Polarization 3-15

4. The refractive indices of mica for ordinary and extraordinary rays are 1.586 and 1.592 with a wavelength of 5460 Å. Find
the thickness of mica sheet to act as a quarter wave plate.

Sol: Wavelength of light,  = 5460 Å = 5460  10–10 m

refractive index of o-ray, o = 1.586
refractive index of e-ray, e = 1.592

For quarter wave plate, d 
4  e  o 

5460  1010 0.546  106

  m  22.75  106 m
4 1.592  1.586 0.024

5. For calcite crystal e = 1.486 and o = 1.658 for a light of wavelength = 5893  10–10m. Find the thickness of the calcite
crystal to produce circularly polarized light.
Sol: To produce circularly polarized light, the path difference between the two rays should be . So quarter wave plate
is to be required. So

d
4  o  e 
Wavelength of light,  = 5893 Å = 5893  10–10 m
 e = 1.486 and o = 1.658
5893  1010 m
Hence, d  8.5654  107 m

4 1.658 1.486 

Multiple-choice Questions
1. Brewster’s angle for glass is ___________.
(a) 57 (b) 45 (c) 60 (d) 75
2. Along the optical axis ___________.
(a) velocity of o-rays is larger than e-ray (b) velocity of o-ray is less then e-ray
(c) both the rays have the same velocity (d) none of the above
3. e > o for ___________.
(a) quartz (b) calcite (c) both a and b (d) none of the above
4. o > e for ___________.
(a) quartz (b) calcite (c) both a and b (d) none of the above
5. Nicol prism is used to ___________.
(a) produce polarized light (b) analyse polarized light
(c) both a and b (d) none of the above
6. The refractive index of Canada balsam is ___________.
(a) less than o-ray of calcite (b) larger than e-ray of calcite
(c) in between o-ray and e-ray of calcite (d) all the above

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 3-16 Engineering Physics-I

7. Quarter-wave plate produces a path difference of ______ between o-ray and e-ray.
  
(a) (b) (c)  (d)
2 4 6 8
8. Half-wave plate produces a path difference of _____ between o-ray and e-ray.
  
(a) (b) (c)  (d)
2 4 6 8
9. If the electric field vectors are present in different directions in a plane perpendicular to ray directions, then it is said
to be ___________.
(a) plane polarized ray (b) elliptically polarized ray
(c) circularly polarized ray (d) unpolarized ray
10. If the electric vectors of a light ray are in a single plane along the ray direction, then it is said to be ___________.
(a) plane polarized ray (b) elliptically polarized ray
(c) circularly polarized ray (d) unpolarized ray
11. Plane of polarization means ___________.
(a) a plane normal to the plane of vibration (b) a plane normal to the plane of vibration
(c) both a and b (d) none of the above
12. To produce circularly polarized light, the phase difference between two perpendicularly polarized light rays of
equal magnitude should be ___________.
(a) 45 (b) 90 (c)180 (d) 270

13. Elliptically polarized light is produced by the superposition of ___________.

(a) two parallel plane polarized rays
(b) two perpendicular plane polarized rays
(c) the magnitude of rays is unequal and out of phase
(d) both b and c
14. Polaroid produces plane polarized light by ___________.
(a) double refraction (b) selective absorption of light
(c) both a and b (d) none of the above
15. Polaroids are ___________.
(a) used to produce and analyse polarized light
(b) used to vary intensity of light
(c) used to suppress headlight glare in motor vehicles
(d) all the above

Answers
1. a 2. c 3. a 4. b 5. c 6. d 7. b 8. a 9. d 10. a 11. a
12. b 13. d 14. c 15. d

Review Questions
1. Describe the method of producing plane polarized light by refraction. Explain Brewster’s law.
2. Write short notes on the law of Malus.

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 Polarization 3-17

3. Explain the construction and working of Nicol prism.

4. Explain the phenomenon of double refraction.
5. Explain quarter wave plate and half wave plate.
6. What is polarization of light? Describe various methods of producing plane polarized light.
7. Write an essay on the linearly, circularly and elliptically polarized light.

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