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A 500nm layer of oil floats on a puddle of water. Reflected sunlight is observed from directly above. Which color is eliminated upon reflection?

A 500nm layer of oil floats on a puddle of water. Reflected sunlight is observed from directly above. Which color is eliminated upon reflection?

College Physics
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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A 500nm layer of oil floats on a puddle of water. Reflected sunlight is observed from directly above. Which color is eliminated upon reflection?

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### Problem Description A 500 nm layer of oil (refractive index \(n=1.2\)) floats on a puddle of water (refractive index \(n=1.33\)). Reflected sunlight is observed from directly above. Which color (wavelength in vacuum) is eliminated upon reflection (completely destructive interference)? The mediums are described as follows: air (\(n=1\)) → oil (\(n=1.2\)) → water (\(n=1.33\)). ### Options Select one: - a. 480 nm - b. 420 nm - c. 500 nm - d. 400 nm - e. 460 nm - f. 540 nm - g. 520 nm - h. 440 nm ### Explanation This problem involves thin film interference, which occurs when light waves reflect off both the top and bottom surfaces of a thin layer, resulting in interference. Destructive interference happens when the path difference between two reflected waves leads to them being out of phase, causing cancellation. This is determined by the refractive indices of the involved materials and the thickness of the film.
Transcribed Image Text:### Problem Description A 500 nm layer of oil (refractive index \(n=1.2\)) floats on a puddle of water (refractive index \(n=1.33\)). Reflected sunlight is observed from directly above. Which color (wavelength in vacuum) is eliminated upon reflection (completely destructive interference)? The mediums are described as follows: air (\(n=1\)) → oil (\(n=1.2\)) → water (\(n=1.33\)). ### Options Select one: - a. 480 nm - b. 420 nm - c. 500 nm - d. 400 nm - e. 460 nm - f. 540 nm - g. 520 nm - h. 440 nm ### Explanation This problem involves thin film interference, which occurs when light waves reflect off both the top and bottom surfaces of a thin layer, resulting in interference. Destructive interference happens when the path difference between two reflected waves leads to them being out of phase, causing cancellation. This is determined by the refractive indices of the involved materials and the thickness of the film.
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