Interference fringes — UPSC Physics Optional IFoS 2024 Paper I

(i) Distinguish between interference fringe pattern and diffraction fringe pattern. (ii) In an experiment using Newton's rings, the diameter of 5^{\text{th}} and 15^{\text{th}} rings were found to be 33.6 \times 10^{-4}\text{ m} and 59 \times 10^{-4}\text{ m} respectively. Calculate the radius of curvature of the plano-convex lens if the source of light is sodium light (\lambda = 589.0\text{ nm}). Mention any other applications of Newton's ring experiment.