Question

A Michelson interferometer uses red light with a wavelength of 656.45 nm from a hydrogen discharge lamp. Part A How many bright-dark-bright fringe shifts are observed if mirror M2 is moved 1.7000 cm ? Express your answer using five significant figures.

Answer 1

51793 bright-dark-bright fringe shifts are observed when the mirror M2 moves through 1.7cm

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of maxima appearing when the mirror M moves through distance \Delta L is given as follows,

`\Delta m = (\Delta L)/((\lambda)/(2))`

Here,

`\Delta L`= is the distance moved by the mirror M

`\lambda` is the wavelenght of the light used.

`\Delta L`= 0.017m

`\lambda = 656.45*10^(-9)m`

`\Delta m = (0.017)/((656.45*10^(-9))/(2))`

`\Delta m = 51793.72`

Therefore, 51793 bright-dark-bright fringe shifts are observed when the mirror M2 moves through 1.7