A Michelson Interferometer Is Used to Measure the Index of Refraction

question 32

Multiple Choice

A Michelson interferometer is used to measure the index of refraction of a gas by counting interference fringes as the gas is slowly leaked into a transparent vessel placed in one arm of the interferometer. The vessel initially contains a vacuum, and as the gas is let in, 397 bright fringes are counted. That is, the central region of the screen changes from bright to dark and back to bright 397 times. If the wavelength of light used is 560 nm, and the vessel containing the gas is 25.0 cm long, what is the index of refraction of the gas?

• A) 1.000111
• B) 1.000222
• C) 1.000445
• D) 1.000889
• E) 1.00178

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Definitions:

Research Hypothesis

A statement proposing a potential outcome or relationship, to be tested through scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis encompasses the methods and techniques used to process and interpret data to discover patterns, relationships, and trends, often leading to informed decision-making.

T-test

A statistical test used to compare the means of two groups and determine if there are statistically significant differences between them.

Null Hypothesis

A statement used in hypothesis testing that posits there is no statistical significance in a set of given observations, aiming to be either rejected or not rejected.