Moderate

Newton's rings are formed due to:

Correct answer: B. Interference of light

  • A. Diffraction of light
  • B. Interference of light
  • C. Polarisation of light
  • D. Reflection of light

Explanation

Newton's rings are formed due to the interference of light. When a plano-convex lens is placed on a flat glass surface, a thin film of air is created between them. Light reflects off both the top and bottom surfaces of this air film. The two reflected light waves can constructively and destructively interfere with each other, depending on the thickness of the air film at various points, resulting in the characteristic pattern of concentric rings. Diffraction, polarisation, and simple reflection do not lead to the specific pattern seen in Newton's rings, making interference the correct explanation.

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About Optics

Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.

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