How far would the movable mirror in a Michelson interferometer need to be moved for 800 fringes to be counted using 633 nm light?
A)0.253 mm
B)0.506 mm
C)1.11 mm
D)0.760 mm
E)2.23 mm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance moved by the movable mirror for one fringe is given by:$$d = \frac{\lambda}{2} = \frac{633 	ext{ nm}}{2} = 316.5 	ext{ nm}$$For 800 fringes, the distance moved is:$$d = 800 	imes 316.5 	ext{ nm} = 253.2 \mu	ext{m} = 0.253 	ext{ mm}$$

How Far Would the Movable Mirror in a Michelson Interferometer