Question

Explain how thin-film interference occurs. Discuss in terms of the meaning of interference and the pathways of light waves.

a) Thin-film interference is the interference between two colors of light reflected from different layers of a thin film. Interference is the combination of light waves, and the pathways involve reflection and transmission through the film.

b) Thin-film interference is the absorption of light by a thin film. Interference is the interaction between light and the film's molecules. Pathways involve absorption and re-emission of light.

c) Thin-film interference is the bending of light in a thin film. Interference is the scattering of light waves. Pathways involve diffraction and reflection.

d) Thin-film interference is the refraction of light in a thin film. Interference is the dispersion of light waves. Pathways involve refraction and transmission through the film.

Answer 1

Thin-film interference occurs when light reflects from the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film, resulting in the combination of light waves. The pathways of light waves in thin-film interference involve reflection and transmission through the film.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thin-film interference occurs when light reflects from the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film. Interference refers to the combination of light waves. In this case, interference occurs between two colors of light reflected from different layers of the film. The pathways of the light waves involve reflection and transmission through the film.

Interference is most constructive or destructive when the path length difference for the two rays is an integral or half-integral wavelength, respectively. This depends on the film thickness, the wavelength of light, and the refractive indices of the film and surrounding medium.

For example, when white light is incident on a film that varies in thickness, you can observe rainbow colors of constructive interference for various wavelengths as the thickness varies.