A tank of gasoline ( n = 1.40) is open to the air ( n = 1.00). A thin film of li

Question

A tank of gasoline (n = 1.40) is open to the air (n = 1.00). A thin film of liquid floats on the gasoline and has a refractive index that is between 1.00 and 1.40. Light that has a wavelength of 600 nm (in vacuum) shines perpendicularly down through the air onto this film, and in this light the film looks bright due to constructive interference. The thickness of the film is 260 nm and is the minimum nonzero thickness for which constructive interference can occur. What is the refractive index of the film?

Explanation / Answer

In this case, the formula to apply is 2nt = (m)wavelength

2(n)(260 X 10^-9) = (1)(600 X 10^-9)

n = 1.15

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