Department of Physics

-University of Colombo-

General Physics Laboratory II

(2016)

ECL 216X – Determination of the

wavelength of sodium light by
Netwon’s rings

Name :- M.N.S. Fernando

Index Number :- S12527
Group Number :- 29B
Date of Practical :- 26th of September, 2016
Lab Partner :- D. M. D. L. R. Pramodya
 Abstract

In this practical, we were given to experiment with the following.

 Determination of the wavelength of sodium light using Newton’s rings
 Determination of the refractive index of water using Newton’s rings
Two experiments were performed in order to determine them.
This report contains a detailed analysis of the results obtained.
Finally conclusions were made taking into account the observations and results.

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 Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4
2 Theory................................................................................................................................. 5
3 Apparatus and Accessories ................................................................................................. 8
4 Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 9
4.1 Experiment 1 – Determination of the wavelength of sodium light ............................. 9
4.2 Experiment 2 – Determination of refractive index of water ....................................... 9
5 Experimental Data ............................................................................................................ 11
6 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Experiment 1 ............................................................................................................. 12
6.2 Experiment 2 ............................................................................................................. 13
7 Error Analysis ................................................................................................................... 14
7.1 Uncertainty of D (diameter) ...................................................................................... 14
7.2 Uncertainty of D2 (square of diameter) ..................................................................... 14
7.2.1 Uncertainty of D2 for Experiment 1 ................................................................... 14
7.2.2 Uncertainty of D2 for Experiment 2 ................................................................... 15
7.3 Uncertainty of Gradient of the graph ........................................................................ 15
7.3.1 Uncertainty of gradient of the graph of Experiment 1 ....................................... 15
7.3.2 Uncertainty of gradient of the graph of Experiment 2 ....................................... 16
7.4 Uncertainty of wavelength ........................................................................................ 17
7.5 Uncertainty of refractive index ................................................................................. 17
8 Final Results..................................................................................................................... 18
9 Discussion ........................................................................................................................ 19
10 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... 20
11 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 22

-Table of Figures-
Figure 1-1 Newton’s Rings under microscope .......................................................................... 4
Figure 2-1 Constructive Interference ......................................................................................... 5
Figure 2-2 Destructive interference ........................................................................................... 5
Figure 2-3 Geometrical representation of the apparatus ............................................................ 6
Figure 3-1 Apparatus ................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 6-1 Graph of D2 versus Ring Index .............................................................................. 12
Figure 6-2 Graph of D2 versus Ring Index (for calculating refractive index of water) .......... 13
Figure 11-1 Code for fitting the curve in Experiment 1 .......................................................... 22
Figure 11-2 Curve fitting for Experiment 1 ............................................................................. 22
Figure 11-3 Code for plotting the curve in Experiment 1........................................................ 22

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Figure 11-4 Code for fitting the curve in Experiment 2 .......................................................... 22
Figure 11-5 Curve fitting for Experiment 2 ............................................................................. 23
Figure 11-6 Code for plotting the curve in Experiment 2........................................................ 23

-List of Tables-
Table 5-1 Readings for Experiment 1 ...................................................................................... 11
Table 5-2 Reading for Experiment 2 ....................................................................................... 11
Table 6-1 D2 for Experiment 1................................................................................................. 12
Table 6-2 D2 for Experiment 2................................................................................................. 13
Table 7-1 Uncertainty of D2 of Experiment 1 .......................................................................... 14
Table 7-2 Uncertainty of D2 of Experiment 2 ......................................................................... 15

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 1 Introduction
Interference is a significant branch of optical physics which discusses phenomena brought
about by superimposition of light rays under different circumstances including iridescence of
oil layers on road and soap bubbles, thin film interference etc. This phenomena has been
made use of in order to advance the technology used in modern optical devices. An example
is anti-reflective coatings used in high end camera equipment, optical devices etc.
Another phenomenon caused by thin film interference is formation of Newton rings, first
observed by Robert Hooke but named after Sir Isaac Newton who first analysed it.

Figure 1-1 Newton’s Rings under microscope

Figure 1-1 Newton’s Rings under microscopeshows the formation of Newton’s rings by
sodium light, seen through a microscope. This phenomenon can be used to determine the
wavelength of a monochromatic light used or to determine the average wavelength of light
used unless it is monochromatic.
If that is known, then the same phenomenon can be used to determine the refractive index of
a transparent liquid by using only a minute quantity of that liquid. For example, if one wishes
to find out the refractive index of the hair gel worn by that person, by getting a thin layer of
hair gel just by wiping hair with the lens used for the experiment, the refractive index can be
found.
This report extensively discusses the determination of the wavelength of monochromatic
sodium light and determination of the refractive index of water, both using Newton’s rings.

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 2 Theory
Newton’s rings is a happening that can be observed in thin film interference when a thin film
with varying thickness is used.
When a light ray incidents on a thin film, a part of it may reflect while the other part enters
the film. The part of the ray which enters the film reflects from its bottom surface and leaves
the film from the top surface. Due to the optical path difference between the rays reflected
from the top and bottom surfaces of the film, a phase change occurs between the two rays.
Then the two rays interfere giving rise to constructive interference (if the phase difference is
an integer multiple of 2π) or destructive interference (if the phase difference is an integer
multiple of π).

2-1 Constructive Interference

2-2 Destructive interference

When the layer of air between a convex lens and the glass plate on which it rests is used as
the thin film, the interference patters occurring in every cross section will be the same, thus
giving rise to formation of circular fringe patterns when looked at from above, called Newton
rings.

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Let “t” be the thickness of the thin film and λ be the wavelength of the light. Then the
conditions corresponding to bright and dark fringes respectively are as given below.
1
2 = + λ < − − −(1) ℎ
2
2 = λ < − − (2)
Here, in all the bright fringes the intensity is the same.
Shown in figure is a geometrical representation of the apparatus.

Figure 2-3 Geometrical representation of the apparatus

t = Thickness of the thin film (layer of air) at the nth bright ring
λ = Wavelength of the light
R = Radius of curvature of the convex lens
r = Radius of the nth bright ring

By considering geometry of the triangle ABE;

tan(α) =
2 −
Similarly, by considering geometry of the triangle BEC;

tan(α) =

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Then by equating the above two expressions;

=
2 −
−2 + =0
Since a thin film is considered “t” is very small, thus t2 is negligible.
Thus;
=2
By substituting conditions for a bright fringe from equation (1);
1
= + λ
2
Let Dn be the diameter of the nth bright ring. Thus;
1
= + λ
4 2

= 4λRn + 2λR
which is of form = + .
By plotting the graph of Dn2 versus “n” and calculating its gradient, the wavelength of the
light used can be computed.
The refractive index of a liquid (say n/) with of which a small layer is placed between the lens
and the glass plate can be determined by replacing 2 in equation (1) by 2 / .
Thus the final equation becomes;
4λR 2λR
= /
n+ /

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 3 Apparatus and Accessories
The apparatus shown in 3-1 was used for both the experiments.

3-1 Apparatus

A convex lens was used to guide light emitting from the sodium lamp which was held using a
stand.
The horizontal convex lens and the glass plate were kept on a black paper kept on the travelling
microscope, while the inclined glass plate was held using a stand.

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 4 Procedure
4.1 Experiment 1 – Determination of the wavelength of sodium light

1. First all the optical instruments (i.e. the lenses and the glass plate) were thoroughly
cleaned using soft tissues.
2. Thereafter that the apparatus was set up as shown in Figure 3-1.
3. After having placed the inclined glass plate with a certain inclination, the reflections were
observed through the travelling microscope. 45o inclination was obtained by adjusting the
angle of the glass plate to the one that reflected the maximum intensity of light.
4. Then the travelling microscope was focused to the thin air film formed between the
vertical lens and the glass plate.
5. Once it was properly focused, the physical position of the glass plate (on which the
horizontal lens had been placed) was adjusted so that the centre of the innermost ring
would coincide with the central point of the microscope (that is where the cross wires
cross). Therefore upon moving the travelling microscope, the cross wires would move
along the diameter of rings.
6. After that, the travelling microscope was moved to the 30th ring (or “bright” ring) by
making the cross wires coinciding the middle of the area of that particular ring. Then the
corresponding travelling microscope reading was taken down.
7. Thereafter it was repeated for 25th, 20th, 15th, 10th and 5th rings and corresponding
readings were taken down against the index of the ring.
8. Afterwards, the microscope was moved further to the other side of the 5th ring and the
corresponding reading was taken down.
9. Next the readings corresponding to 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th rings were noted down
respectively, against the index of the ring.
10. Then by plotting the graph of the “square of the diameter of ring” versus the “index of the
ring”, the wavelength of sodium light was calculated.

4.2 Experiment 2 – Determination of refractive index of water

1. In the same apparatus used for Experiment 1, a thin layer of water was placed between
the glass plate and the lens. Then the glass plate and the lens were placed on the travelling
microscope and the travelling microscope was moved until the water-air interface could
be seen.
2. After that the microscope was focused on it.
3. Thereafter it was moved towards the innermost ring and the physical position of the glass
plate was adjusted so that the centre of the innermost ring would coincide with the central
point of the microscope.
4. Next, steps 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Experiment 1 were repeated but this time around for 15th, 12th,
9th, 6th, and 3rd rings (that is bright rings).

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5. Then by plotting the graph of the “square of the diameter of ring” versus the “index of the
ring”, the refractive index of water was calculated.

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 5 Experimental Data
Table 5-1 Readings for Experiment 1

Ring Number Top Side Reading Bottom Side Reading

(L1) (L1)
(mm)(± 0.005mm) (mm)(± 0.005mm)
30 91.13 95.77
25 91.33 95.58
20 91.55 95.35
15 91.80 95.11
10 92.11 94.80
5 92.45 94.43

Table 5-2 Reading for Experiment 2

Ring Number Top Side Reading Top Side Reading

(mm)(± 0.005mm) (mm)(± 0.005mm)
15 92.29 95.17
12 92.40 95.03
9 92.56 94.85
6 92.74 94.64
3 92.96 94.42

Radius of curvature of the convex lens, R = 30cm

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 6 Data Analysis
6.1 Experiment 1
Table 6-1 D2 for Experiment 1

Ring Top Side Bottom Side Diameter Square of Diameter

Number Reading Reading (D)(mm) (D2)(mm)
(L1)(mm) (L2)(mm) (±(7.07*10-3)mm) (±(D*14.14*10-3)mm)
(± 0.005mm) (± 0.005mm)
30 91.13 95.77 4.64 21.53
25 91.33 95.58 4.25 18.06
20 91.55 95.35 3.80 14.44
15 91.80 95.11 3.31 10.96
10 92.11 94.80 2.69 7.24
5 92.45 94.43 1.98 3.92

Figure 6-1 Graph of D2 versus Ring Index

Gradient of the graph (m) = 0.7085

Intersection of the graph (c) = 0.2927
Since m=4λR and R = 30cm;
0.7085 = 4 ∗ λ ∗ 30 ∗ 10
0.7085
λ=
4 ∗ 30 ∗ 10
λ = 5.9 ∗ 10
λ = 590

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6.2 Experiment 2

Table 6-2 D2 for Experiment 2

Ring Top Side Bottom Side Diameter Square of Diameter

Number Reading Reading (D)(mm) (D2)(mm)
(L1)(mm) (L2)(mm) (±(7.07*10-3)mm) (±(D*14.14*10-3)mm)
(± 0.005mm) (± 0.005mm)
15 92.29 95.17 2.88 8.29
12 92.40 95.03 2.63 6.92
9 92.56 94.85 2.29 5.24
6 92.74 94.64 1.90 3.61
3 92.96 94.42 1.46 2.13

Figure 6-2 Graph of D2 versus Ring Index (for calculating refractive index of water)

Gradient of the graph (m) = 0.521

Intersection of the graph (c) = 0.549
Since m=(4λR/n/) (where n/ is the refractive index of water), R = 30cm and λ=590nm;
4 ∗ 5.9 ∗ 10 ∗ 30 ∗ 10
0.521 = /

4 ∗ 5.9 ∗ 10 ∗ 30 ∗ 10
/
=
0.521
/
= 1.36

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 7 Error Analysis
7.1 Uncertainty of D (diameter)

= −

( ) = ( ) +( ) ( )

( ) = (1) ( ) + (−1) ( )
= = ±0.005
( ) = 2(0.005)

= ±√2 ∗ 0.005
= ±(7.07 ∗ 10 )

7.2 Uncertainty of D2 (square of diameter)

Since the uncertainty of D is = ±(7.07 ∗ 10 ) , uncertainty of D2 is given by;

( ) =( ) ( )

( ) = (2 ) ( )
( )=2 ∗
Since = ±(7.07 ∗ 10 ) ;
( ) = ±( ∗ 14.14 ∗ 10 )

7.2.1 Uncertainty of D2 for Experiment 1

Table 7-1 Uncertainty of D2 of Experiment 1

Ring Number D(mm) D2 (mm2) Uncertainty (±mm2)

30 4.64 21.53 0.066
25 4.25 18.06 0.060
20 3.80 14.44 0.054
15 3.31 10.96 0.047
10 2.69 7.24 0.038
5 1.98 3.92 0.028

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7.2.2 Uncertainty of D2 for Experiment 2

Table 7-2 Uncertainty of D2 of Experiment 2

Ring Number D(mm) D2 (mm2) Uncertainty (±mm2)

15 2.88 8.29 0.041
12 2.63 6.92 0.037
9 2.29 5.24 0.032
6 1.90 3.61 0.027
3 1.46 2.13 0.021

7.3 Uncertainty of Gradient of the graph

7.3.1 Uncertainty of gradient of the graph of Experiment 1

1 1
( ) =
∆
Here;
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + + + +
0.028 0.038 0.047 0.054 0.060 0.066
1
= 3271.01

1
∆= −( )

5 10 15 20 25 30
= + + + + +
0.028 0.038 0.047 0.054 0.060 0.066

= 720392.77

5 10 15 20 25 30
= + + + + +
0.028 0.038 0.047 0.054 0.060 0.066

= 34469.59

∆= 3271.01 ∗ 720392.77 − 34469.59

∆= 2.36 ∗ 10
Therefore;
( ) = 1.38 ∗ 10

15
 = 1.18 ∗ 10

7.3.2 Uncertainty of gradient of the graph of Experiment 2

1 1
( ) =
∆
Here;
1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + + +
0.021 0.027 0.032 0.037 0.041
1
= 5941.22

1
∆= −( )

3 6 9 12 15
= + + + +
0.021 0.027 0.032 0.037 0.041

= 255417.19

3 6 9 12 15
= + + + +
0.021 0.027 0.032 0.037 0.041

= 41511.02

∆= 5941.22 ∗ 255417.19 − 41511.02

∆= 1.5 ∗ 10
Therefore;
( ) = 3.96 ∗ 10
= 1.99 ∗ 10

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7.4 Uncertainty of wavelength
m
λ=
4

λ
( λ) = ( )

1
( λ) = (1.38 ∗ 10 )
4
1
( λ) = (1.38 ∗ 10 )
4 ∗ 30 ∗ 10

1
λ= ∗ 1.18 ∗ 10
4 ∗ 30 ∗ 10
λ = 9.83 ∗ 10
λ = 0.983nm

7.5 Uncertainty of refractive index

4∗λ∗R
/
=

n/ n/
( n/ ) = ( λ) + ( m)
λ m

4 −4λ
( n/ ) = (9.83 ∗ 10 ) + (1.99 ∗ 10 )

4 ∗ 30 ∗ 10 −4 ∗ 5.9 ∗ 10 ∗ 30 ∗ 10
( n/ ) = (9.83 ∗ 10 ) + (1.99 ∗ 10 )
0.521 0.521

( n/ ) = (5.12 ∗ 10 ) + (2.46 ∗ 10 )
( n/ ) = 2.97 ∗ 10
n/ = 5.45 ∗ 10

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 8 Final Results
Wavelength of sodium light = (590.0 ±0.9)nm
Refractive index of water = 1.36 ± 0.01

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 9 Discussion
At the beginning of the first experiment, it was difficult to see any rings through the
microscope because the unfocused view through the microscope did not suggest where the
rings had formed although the centre of the lens resting on the glass plate was more or less
directly under the microscope. In order to get a proper view, the physical position of the glass
plate had to be subtly adjusted while focusing the microscope. At one point, a series of rings
could be seen clearly at which point the focus was fine tuned and the glass plate was moved
around so that the centre of the innermost ring would coincide with the crossing of the cross
wires in the microscope.
In the second experiment, after a drop of water was added between the lens and the glass
plate, it was difficult to get a decent focus of the rings formed. For getting a better focus, after
adding the first drop of water onto the glass plate, and placing the lens gently on it thus
allowing water to spread, the lens was taken off the glass plate and water on the glass plate
was wiped off with a soft tissue, while leaving the quantity of water on the lens. Next the lens
was placed on the glass plate and was again taken off and kept after having wiped the water
on the glass plate. By repeating it a couple of times, a very thin layer of water could be
sandwiched between the lens and the glass plate. A better focus could then be obtained.
When looking through the microscope a series of concentric rings could be seen. That is
because when all the cross sections add up, it forms a circle.
It would have been difficult to take measurements if a thick lens was used because there
would have been hardly any separation between rings.
Always the microscope was moved in only one direction in order to reduce the input of any
errors in the instrument due to wear over the time.
Finally, it was observed that the obtained values were very much in line with the actual
values. Also, the errors were quite small. Given that this is a very good method to determine
the wavelength of light or the refractive index of a liquid.

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 10 Conclusions
Finally, the following conclusions were drawn.
 The results obtained were quite perfectly in line with actual values
 Using this method it is possible to calculate highly accurate values for wavelength
 Using this method it is possible to calculate highly accurate values for refractive index

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 11 References
hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu
GPL 216X – Lab sheet

21
 12 Appendix

Figure 12-1 Code for fitting the curve in Experiment 1

Figure 12-2 Curve fitting for Experiment 1

Figure 12-3 Code for plotting the curve in Experiment 1

Figure 12-4 Code for fitting the curve in Experiment 2

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 Figure 12-5 Curve fitting for Experiment 2

Figure 12-6 Code for plotting the curve in Experiment 2

23