Interference and Michelson Interferometer Concepts

The video tutorial explains the Michelson Interferometer, its aim, apparatus, and theory of interference. It details the functioning of the interferometer, including the role of beam splitters and mirrors. The procedure for measuring the wavelength of a laser and the refractive index of a glass slide is outlined. Applications of interferometers in fields like astronomy and telecommunications are discussed.

What is the primary aim of using a Michelson Interferometer in the experiment?

• To measure the speed of light

• To determine the wavelength of a laser and refractive index of a thin film

• To split light into different colors

• To amplify light signals

What happens when two coherent light waves interfere destructively?

• The intensity of light becomes zero

• The intensity of light remains unchanged

• The intensity of light increases

• The light changes color

Which phenomenon causes thin films like soap bubbles to appear colored?

• Diffraction

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Interference

Which of the following is a key feature of interference in thin films?

• It results in the appearance of colors

• It causes the film to become transparent

• It only occurs in monochromatic light

• It increases the thickness of the film

In a Michelson Interferometer, what is the purpose of the compensating glass plate?

• To increase the intensity of light

• To balance the optical path difference

• To split the light into two beams

• To focus the light on the screen

What is the role of the beam splitter in a Michelson Interferometer?

• To split the light into two beams of equal intensity

• To focus the light on the screen

• To increase the intensity of the light

• To change the color of the light

What is the significance of the angle of 45 degrees in the Michelson Interferometer setup?

• It changes the wavelength of the light

• It ensures maximum light intensity

• It allows the beam splitter to divide the light equally

• It focuses the light on the screen

What is the first step in finding the wavelength of the laser using the Michelson Interferometer?

• Align the laser source with the interferometer

• Expand the laser beam

• Mount the glass slide on the rotation stage

• Adjust the beam splitter to 45 degrees

How is the refractive index of a glass slide determined using the Michelson Interferometer?

• By measuring the thickness of the slide

• By observing the color change in the slide

• By counting the number of fringe translations as the slide is rotated

• By measuring the speed of light through the slide

Which of the following is NOT an application of Michelson Interferometers?

• Measuring the speed of sound

• Astronomical interferometry

• Detection of gravitational waves

• Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing networks