Chapter 35, Problem 10P

Figure 35-27a shows the cross section of a vertical thin film whose width increases downward because gravitation causes slumping. Figure 35-27b is a face-on view of the film, showing four bright (red) interference fringes that result when the film is illuminated with a perpendicular beam of red light. Points in the cross section corresponding to the bright fringes are labeled. In terms of the wavelength of the light inside the film, what is the difference in film thickness between (a) points a and b and (b) points b and d?

Figure 35-27 Question 10.