what exactly are newton's rings??

Question

ujjwal · Answer

Have you studied diffraction?

anonymous · Answer

thin film interference?? thats where i found this term..

ujjwal · Answer

Newton’s rings, in optics, a series of concentric light- and dark-coloured bands observed between two pieces of glass when one is convex and rests on its convex side on another piece having a flat surface. Thus, a layer of air exists between them. The phenomenon is caused by the interference of light waves—i.e., the superimposing of trains of waves so that when their crests coincide, the light brightens; but when trough and crest meet, the light is destroyed. Light waves reflected from both top and bottom surfaces of the air film between the two pieces of glass interfere. The rings are named after the English 17th-century physicist Sir Isaac Newton, who first investigated them quantitatively.

anonymous · Answer

a series of concentric light- and dark-coloured bands observed between two pieces of glass  are as seen from above the setup?

ujjwal · Answer

this will definitely help.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU-SeNfIRcs

anonymous · Answer

newtons rings are observed due to interference in the light rays.It is nothing but the alternate dark and bright rings . It is seen in the michelson interferometer experiment. I is used to find out the thickness of the material, etc. When we use white light our newtons rings are coloured. But when we use monochromatic light newtons rings are alternate bright and dark rings in the same colour