Chapter 35, Problem 78P

A thin film of liquid is held in a horizontal circular ring, with air on both sides of the film. A beam of light at wavelength 550 nm is directed perpendicularly onto the film, and the intensity I of its reflection is monitored. Figure 35-47 gives intensity I as a function of time t; the horizontal scale is set by t_s = 20.0 s. The intensity changes because of evaporation from the two sides of the film. Assume that the film is flat and has parallel sides, a radius of 1.80 cm, and an index of refraction of 1.40. Also assume that the films volume decreases at a constant rate. Find that rate.

Figure 35-47 Problem 78.