How do I calculate the phase difference for this?

In summary, the question asks for the phase difference between two wavefronts of light with a wavelength of 100nm, where one wavefront is reflected from the first surface of a film 0.500μm thick with a refractive index of 2.5, while the other wavefront enters the film and is reflected back at the second surface. The phase difference is calculated using the equation phase difference = (2pi*deltaL)/lambda, where deltaL is the distance between the two wavefronts. The solution involves finding the angle and adding the vectors using the cosine rule, resulting in a phase difference similar to the answer. However, the specific angle and vectors used are not mentioned and the work and result are not
  • #1
Daniel Pinto
1
0

Homework Statement


Light with wavelength 100nm is incident perpendicularly from air on a film 0.500μm thick
and with refractive index 2.5. Part of the light is reflected from the first surface of the film,
and part enters the film and is reflected back at the second surface, where the film is again
in contact with air. What is the phase difference?

Homework Equations


phase difference = (2pi*deltaL)/lambda

The Attempt at a Solution


found the angle then added the vectors, used cosine rule and got an answer similar to it.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Daniel Pinto said:

Homework Statement


Light with wavelength 100nm is incident perpendicularly from air on a film 0.500μm thick
and with refractive index 2.5. Part of the light is reflected from the first surface of the film,
and part enters the film and is reflected back at the second surface, where the film is again
in contact with air. What is the phase difference?

Phase difference between what two things?

Daniel Pinto said:

Homework Equations


phase difference = (2pi*deltaL)/lambda

This is the phase change of a wave between two wavefronts delta L distance apart.

Daniel Pinto said:

The Attempt at a Solution


found the angle then added the vectors, used cosine rule and got an answer similar to it.
What angle did you find and what vectors did you add an why? And the answer was similar, to what? Show your work and result, please.
 

Related to How do I calculate the phase difference for this?

1. How do I calculate the phase difference between two waves?

To calculate the phase difference between two waves, you need to find the difference between their respective phase angles. This can be done by measuring the distance between corresponding points on the two waves, such as the peaks or troughs. The phase difference is then equal to this distance divided by the wavelength of the waves.

2. What is the formula for calculating phase difference?

The formula for calculating phase difference is: phase difference = (distance between corresponding points) / (wavelength).

3. Can I calculate phase difference without knowing the wavelength?

No, the wavelength is a crucial component in calculating phase difference. It is necessary to have the wavelength to determine the distance between corresponding points on the waves. Without this information, it is not possible to accurately calculate the phase difference.

4. How do I convert phase difference to degrees or radians?

Phase difference is typically expressed in radians, but it can also be converted to degrees by multiplying the value in radians by (180/π). To convert from degrees to radians, simply multiply the value in degrees by (π/180).

5. Can phase difference be negative?

Yes, phase difference can be positive or negative depending on the relative positions of the two waves. A positive phase difference means the waves are in phase, while a negative phase difference means they are out of phase. This is typically represented in radians, with a negative value indicating the waves are shifted in the opposite direction from each other.

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