Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 33 - Wave Optics - Conceptual Questions - Page 954: 9

Answer

Afterward, the central spot is bright.

Work Step by Step

If the Michelson interferometer produces a bright central spot, then the path length difference must be $~~n~\lambda~~$ for some integer $n$ If one mirror is moved forward $200~nm$, then this path length will decrease by a total of $400~nm$ If one mirror is moved back $200~nm$, then this path length will increase by a total of $400~nm$ The path length difference changes by a net of $800~nm$ Thus, the path length difference is still $n~\lambda$ for some integer $n$ Afterward, the central spot is bright.
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