Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 28 - Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction - Conceptual Questions - Page 1003: 11

Answer

The top of the film appears the thinnest.

Work Step by Step

We know that light reflected from the front surface of the film has a phase change due to the light reflected at the surface backed by the denser medium. The light reflected from the back surface of the film has no phase change as the light is reflected at the surface backed by the rarer medium. Thus, the light from front and back surfaces of the film undergoes destructive interference. As a result, the top of the film is thinnest and it appears black in photo.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.