In thin film interference, if the refractive index of the film is greater than that of the surrounding medium, what happens to the phase of the reflected wave?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In thin film interference, if the refractive index of the film is greater than that of the surrounding medium, what happens to the phase of the reflected wave?
No phase change
Phase change of π
Phase change of 2π
Phase change of λ
When light reflects off a denser medium, it undergoes a phase change of π (180 degrees).
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: In thin film interference, if the refractive index of the film is greater than that of the surrounding medium, what happens to the phase of the reflected wave?
Solution: When light reflects off a denser medium, it undergoes a phase change of π (180 degrees).
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that thin film interference involves light waves reflecting off different surfaces.
Step 2: Identify the film as a layer of material with a refractive index greater than the surrounding medium.
Step 3: Recognize that when light hits a boundary between two materials, it can reflect back.
Step 4: Note that if light reflects off a denser medium (higher refractive index), it experiences a phase change.
Step 5: Conclude that this phase change is π (180 degrees), meaning the wave is inverted.
