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 - Problems and Conceptual Exercises - Page 1005: 29

Answer

greater than

Work Step by Step

We know that with a half wavelength phase change between the light reflected from the top and bottom of the oil, light will undergo destructive interference and the film will appear dark. Thus, a dark appearance near the edges shows that oil has the greater refractive index as compared to that of water.
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