Question

You're using a monochromatic beam of light with wavelength 500 nm in an interferometer. What is the minimum distance you would need to move one of the interferometer's mirrors to change a spot of constructive interference to a spot of destructive interference?

Answer 1

The minimum distance moved by mirror is 125 nm

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

Wavelength of light
`\lambda = 500 * 10^(-9)` m

Here given in question, spot of constructive interference change to a destructive interference.

Hence minimum distance moved by one of mirror is given by,

`t = (1)/(2)((\lambda)/(2) )`

Where
`t =` distance moved by mirror

`t = (\lambda )/(4)`

`t = (500* 10^(-9) )/(4)`

`t = 125 * 10 ^(-9)`

Therefore, the minimum distance moved by mirror is 125 nm