Answer: Interference of light reflected from two surfaces of an air wedge.
- A Interference of light reflected from two surfaces of an air wedge
- B Diffraction of light bending around the lens edge in the majority of cases studied
- C Polarization of light by the curved glass surface as widely reported
- D Scattering of light by the glass lens material in standard practice
Correct answer: A. Interference of light reflected from two surfaces of an air wedge
Explanation: Newton's rings: light reflected from the bottom of a lens and from a flat glass plate interfere, producing circular rings. The air gap between them forms a wedge-shaped film.
Two coherent slits S₁ and S₂ act as secondary sources; at each point on the screen, the path difference between light from S₁ and S₂ determines whether the waves arrive in phase (bright fringe) or out of phase (dark fringe), producing the characteristic alternating fringe pattern.
Concept context
Huygens principle, Young's double slit, diffraction, polarization. Essential for JEE.