The Michelson interferometer can be used to measure the index of refraction of a gas by placing an evacuated transparent tube in the light path along one arm of the device. Fringe shifts occur as the gas is slowly added to the tube. Assume 600.-nm light is used, the tube is 5.00 cm long, and 160 fringe shifts occur as the pressure of the gas in the tube increases to atmospheric pressure. What is the index of refraction of the gas? Hint: The fringe shifts occur because the wavelength of the light changes inside the gas-filled tube.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337553278
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter36: Wave Optics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 37AP: In a Newtons-rings experiment, a plano-convex glass (n = 1.52) lens having radius r = 5.00 cm is...
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The Michelson interferometer can be used to measure the index of refraction of a gas by placing an evacuated transparent tube in the light path along one arm of the device. Fringe shifts occur as the gas is slowly added to the tube. Assume 600.-nm light is used, the tube is 5.00 cm long, and 160 fringe shifts occur as the pressure of the gas in the tube increases to atmospheric pressure. What is the index of refraction of the gas? Hint: The fringe shifts occur because the wavelength of the light changes inside the gas-filled tube.

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