Introduction

Newtons rings
1. Are interference patterns
http://www.animations.physics.unsw.edu.au/jw/light/Newton's-rings.html

2. To create the Newtons rings a plano-convex lens is placed above a flat glass plate
http://physicsed.buffalostate.edu/pubs/StudentIndepStudy/EURP09/Ring/rings.htm
l
http://www.citycollegiate.com/newtons_rings.htm

3. This causes a thin air film to form between the lens and the plate, the
thickness of the air gradually increases outwards, where the thickness of
the air at the point of contact between the lens and the plate is zero
http://vlab.amrita.edu/?sub=1&brch=189&sim=335&cnt=1
http://www.citycollegiate.com/newtons_rings.htm
4. With the monochromatic laser light that is used, concentric rings are formed on
the screen with alternate bright and dark fringe patterns due to interference.

Interference
1. Definition: - the interaction of two or more wave motions affecting the
same part of a medium so that the instantaneous disturbances in the
resultant wave are the vector sum of the instantaneous disturbances in
the interfering waves. Rennie R. A Dictionary of Physics (Dictionary of Physics)
2. This can lead to constructive interference or destructive interference,
3. Where there are bright concentric rings constructive interference is taking
place, this is where two interfering waves have a displacement in the
same direction
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/light/Lesson-1/Two-Point-SourceInterference

4. Constructive interference occurs when two waves are in phase, this is

when there path difference is

5. In places where there are dark concentric rings destructive interference is

occurring, this is where two interfering waves have a displacement in
opposite directions
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/light/Lesson-1/Two-Point-SourceInterference

6. Destructive interference occurs when two waves are out of phase, this is
when there path difference is

Equation stuff

m +

Robert Hooke (little bit)

Isacc Newton