10

Wave Optics
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q. 1 Consider a light beam incident from air to a glass slab at Brewster’s
angle as shown in figure.
A polaroid is placed in the path of the emergent ray at point P and
rotated about an axis passing through the centre and perpendicular to
the plane of the polaroid.

P
(a) For a particular orientation, there shall be darkness as observed
through the polaroid
(b) The intensity of light as seen through the polaroid shall be
independent of the rotation
(c) The intensity of light as seen through the polaroid shall go through a
minimum but not zero for two orientations of the polaroid
(d) The intensity of light as seen through the polaroid shall go through a
minimum for four orientations of the polaroid
K Thinking Process
When the light beam incident at Brewster’s angle, the transmitted beam is unpolarised
and reflected beam is polarised.
Ans. (c) Consider the diagram the light beam incident from air to the glass slab at Brewster’s
angle (i p ). The incident ray is unpolarised and is represented by dot (.).
The reflected light is plane polarised represented by arrows.
 As the emergent ray is unpolarised, hence intensity cannot be zero when passes
through polaroid.
N
Polarised

θB

Polaroid
(P)

Q. 2 Consider sunlight incident on a slit of width 10 4 Å. The image seen

through the slit shall
(a) be a fine sharp slit white in colour at the centre
(b) a bright slit white at the centre diffusing to zero intensities at the edges
(c) a bright slit white at the centre diffusing to regions of different colours
(d) only be a diffused slit white in colour
Ans. (a) Given, width of the slit = 104 Å
= 104 × 10− 10 m = 10− 6 m = 1µ m
Wavelength of (visible) sunlight varies from 4000 Å to 8000 Å.
As the width of slit is comparable to that of wavelength, hence diffraction occurs with
maxima at centre. So, at the centre all colours appear i.e., mixing of colours form white
patch at the centre.

Q. 3 Consider a ray of light incident from air onto a slab of glass (refractive
index n) of width d, at an angle θ. The phase difference between the ray
reflected by the top surface of the glass and the bottom surface is
1/ 2 1/ 2
4 πd  1 2  4 πd  1 2 
(a) 1 − 2 sin θ +π (b) 1 − 2 sin θ
λ  n  λ  n 
1/ 2 1/ 2
4 πd  1 2  π 4 πd  1 2 
(c) 1 − 2 sin θ + (d) 1 − 2 sin θ + 2π
λ  n  2 λ  n 

Ans. (a) Consider the diagram, the ray (P) is incident at an angle θ and gets reflected in the
direction P ′ and refracted in the direction P ' ' . Due to reflection from the glass medium,
there is a phase change of π.
Time taken to travel along OP ′′
OP ' ' d / cos r nd
∆t = = =
v c/n c cos r
sin θ
From Snell’s law, n=
sin r
sin θ
⇒ sin r =
n
 sin2 θ
cos r = 1 − sin2 r = 1 −
n2
N
P P′

O
r r r′ d

P′′
− 1/ 2
nd n2d  sin2 θ 
∴ ∆t = =  1 − 
 sin2 θ 
1/ 2
c  n2 
c  1 − 
 n2 
−1/ 2
2π 2 π nd  sin2 θ 
Phase difference = ∆φ = × ∆t =  1 − 
T λ  n2 
So, net phase difference = ∆φ + π
−1/ 2
4 πd  1 2 
=  1 − 2 sin θ + π
λ  n 

Q. 4 In a Young’s double-slit experiment, the source is white light. One of the

holes is covered by a red filter and another by a blue filter. In this case,
(a) there shall be alternate interference patterns of red and blue
(b) there shall be an interference pattern for red distinct from that for blue
(c) there shall be no interference fringes
(d) there shall be an interference pattern for red mixing with one for blue
Ans. (c) For the interference pattern to be formed on the screen, the sources should be
coherent and emits lights of same frequency and wavelength.
In a Young’s double-slit experiment, when one of the holes is covered by a red filter and
another by a blue filter. In this case due to filteration only red and blue lights are
present. In YDSE monochromatic light is used for the formation of fringes on the
screen. Hence, in this case there shall be no interference fringes.

Q. 5 Figure shows a standard two slit arrangement with slits S 1 , S2 , P1 , P2 are

the two minima points on either side of P (figure).
Screen
S1 P1

S
P
S3
S2 P2 Second
S4
screen

At P2 on the screen, there is a hole and behind P2 is a second 2-slit

arrangement with slits S 3 , S 4 and a second screen behind them.
 (a) There would be no interference pattern on the second screen but it would be
lighted
(b) The second screen would be totally dark
(c) There would be a single bright point on the second screen
(d) There would be a regular two slit pattern on the second screen
Ans. (d) According to question, there is a hole at point P2 . From Huygen’s principle, wave will
propagates from the sources S1 and S 2 . Each point on the screen will acts as
secondary sources of wavelets.
Now, there is a hole at point P2 (minima). The hole will act as a source of fresh light for
the slits S 3 and S 4 .
Therefore, there will be a regular two slit pattern on the second screen.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

Q. 6 Two sources S 1 and S2 of intensity I 1 and I 2 are placed in front of a
screen [Fig. (a)]. The pattern of intensity distribution seen in the
central portion is given by Fig. (b).

S1
x
S2
(a) (b) x

In this case, which of the following statements are true?

(a) S1 and S 2 have the same intensities
(b) S1 and S 2 have a constant phase difference
(c) S1 and S 2 have the same phase
(d) S1 and S 2 have the same wavelength
Ans. (a, b, d)
Consider the pattern of the intensity shown in the figure
(i) As intensities of all successive minima is zero, hence we can say that two sources S1
and S 2 are having same intensities.
(ii) As width of the successive maxima (pulses) increases in continuous manner, we can
say that the path difference (x) or phase difference varies in continuous manner.
(iii) We are using monochromatic light in YDSE to avoid overlapping and to have very clear
pattern on the screen.

Q. 7 Consider sunlight incident on a pinhole of width 10 3 Å. The image of the

pinhole seen on a screen shall be
(a) a sharp white ring
(b) different from a geometrical image
(c) a diffused central spot, white in colour
(d) diffused coloured region around a sharp central white spot
Ans. (b, d)
Given, width of pinhole = 103 Å = 1000 Å
We know that wavelength of sunlight ranges from 4000 Å to 8000 Å.
Clearly, wavelength λ < width of the slit.
Hence, light is diffracted from the hole. Due to diffraction from the slight the image formed
on the screen will be different from the geometrical image.

Q. 8 Consider the diffraction pattern for a small pinhole. As the size of the
hole is increased
(a) the size decreases (b) the intensity increases
(c) the size increases (d) the intensity decreases
Ans. (a, b)
(a) When a decreases w increases.
So, size decreases.
1
(b) Now, light energy is distributed over a small area and intensity ∝ as area is
area
decreasing so intensity increases.

Q. 9 For light diverging from a point source,

(a) the wavefront is spherical
(b) the intensity decreases in proportion to the distance squared
(c) the wavefront is parabolic
(d) the intensity at the wavefront does not depend on the distance
Ans. (a, b)
Consider the diagram in which light diverges from a point source (O).

O
r

Spherical
Due to the point source light propagates in all directions symmetrically and hence,
wavefront will be spherical as shown in the diagram.
If power of the source is P, then intensity of the source will be
P
I=
4 πr 2
where, r is radius of the wavefront at any time.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q. 10Is Huygen’s principle valid for longitudinal sound waves?
Ans. When we are considering a point source of sound wave. The disturbance due to the
source propagates in spherical symmetry that is in all directions. The formation of
wavefront is in accordance with Huygen’s principle.

Wavefront
So, Huygen’s principle is valid for longitudinal sound waves also.

Q. 11 Consider a point at the focal point of a convergent lens. Another

convergent lens of short focal length is placed on the other side. What is
the nature of the wavefronts emerging from the final image?
Ans. Consider the ray diagram shown below

Wavefront
(spherical)

O1 I1 O2 I

L2
L1
The point image I1, due to L1 is at the focal point. Now, due to the converging lense L2 , let
final image formed is I which is point image, hence the wavefront for this image will be of
spherical symmetry.

Q. 12What is the shape of the wavefront on earth for sunlight?

Ans. We know that the sun is at very large distance from the earth. Assuming sun as spherical, it
can be considered as point source situated at infinity.
Due to the large distance the radius of wavefront can be considered as large (infinity) and
hence, wavefront is almost plane.

O Earth
Sun
Almost
plane
wavefront
Q. 13 Why is the diffraction of sound waves more evident in daily experience
than that of light wave?
Ans. As we know that the frequencies of sound waves lie between 20 Hz to 20 kHz so that their
wavelength ranges between 15 m to 15 mm. The diffraction occur if the wavelength of
waves is nearly equal to slit width.
As the wavelength of light waves is 7000 × 10− 10 m to 4000 × 10− 10 m. The slit width is very
near to the wavelength of sound waves as compared to light waves. Thus, the diffraction of
sound waves is more evident in daily life than that of light waves.

Q. 14 The human eye has an approximate angular resolution of φ = 5.8 × 10 − 4

rad and a typical photoprinter prints a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per
inch, 1 inch = 2.54 cm). At what minimal distance z should a printed
page be held so that one does not see the individual dots.
Ans. Given, angular resolution of human eye, φ = 5.8 × 10−4 rad.
and printer prints 300 dots per inch.
2.54
The linear distance between two dots is l = cm = 0.84 × 10−2 cm.
300
l
At a distance of z cm, this subtends an angle, φ =
z
l 0.84 × 10−2 cm
∴ z= = = 14.5 cm.
φ 5.8 × 10−4

Q. 15 A polaroid (I) is placed infront of a monochromatic source. Another

polariod (II) is placed in front of this polaroid (I) and rotated till no
light passes. A third polaroid (III) is now placed in between (I) and (II).
In this case, will light emerge from (II). Explain.
K Thinking Process
Natural light e.g., from the sun is unpolariser. This means the electric vector takes all
possible direction in the transverse plane, rapidly.
Ans. In the diagram shown, a monochromatic light is placed infront of polaroid (I) as shown
below.

Monochromatic Polaroid I Polaroid II

source
As per the given question, monochromatic light emerging from polaroid (I) is plane
polarised. When polaroid (II) is placed infront of this polaroid (I), and rotated till no light
passes through polaroid (II), then (I) and (II) are set in crossed positions, i.e., pass axes of I
and II are at 90°.

Monochromatic
source Polaroid I Polaroid III Polaroid II
 Consider the above diagram where a third polaroid (III) is placed between polaroid (I) and
polaroid II.
When a third polaroid (III) is placed in between (I) and (II), no light will emerge from (II), if
pass axis of (III) is parallel to pass axis of (I) or (II). In all other cases, light will emerge from
(II), as pass axis of (II) will no longer be at 90° to the pass axis of (III).

Short Answer Type Questions

Q. 16 Can reflection result in plane polarised light if the light is incident on
the interface from the side with higher refractive index?
Ans. When angle of incidence is equal to Brewster’s angle, the Plane
transmitted light is unpolarised and reflected light is plane polarised
polarised.
iB
Consider the diagram in which unpolarised light is µ1
represented by dot and plane polarised light is represented
by arrows. µ2
Polarisation by reflection occurs when the angle of incidence
is the Brewster’s angle Unpolarised
µ
i.e., tan i B = 1µ 2 = 2 where µ 2 < µ 1
µ1

when the light rays travels in such a medium, the critical angle is
µ
sin ic = 2
µ1
where, µ 2 < µ 1
As tan i B > sin iC for large angles i B < iC .
Thus, the polarisation by reflection occurs definitely.

Q. 17For the same objective, find the ratio of the least separation between two
points to be distinguished by a microscope for light of 5000 Å and
electrons accelerated through 100V used as the illuminating substance.
K Thinking Process
2 sinβ
Resolving power of a microscope is calculated by , with µ as refractive index of the
1.22 λ
medium and β is the angle subtented by the objective at the object.
Ans. We know that
1 2 sin β . λ
122
Resolving power = = ⇒ dmin =
d 1.22 λ 2 sin β
where, λ is the wavelength of light and β is the angle subtended by the objective at the
object.
For the light of wavelength 5500 Å,
1.22 × 5500 × 10−10
dmin = ... (i)
2 sin β
 For electrons accelerated through 100 V, the de-Broglie wavelength
12. 27 12.27
λ= = . × 10−9 m
= 012
V 100
. × 10−9
. × 012
122
dmin =
2 sin β
Ratio of the least separation
′
dmin . × 10−9
012
∴ = . × 10−3
= 02
dmin 5500 × 10−10

Q. 18Consider a two slit interference arrangements (figure) such that the

distance of the screen from the slits is half the distance between the
slits. Obtain the value of D in terms of λ such that the first minima on
the screen falls at a distance D from the centre O.

S1 T1
Source P
O
S C
S2 T2
Screen

K Thinking Process
For nth minima to be formed on the screen path difference between the rays coming
λ
from S1 and S2 must be (2 n − 1) .
2
Ans. From the given figure of two slit interference arrangements, we can write
T2 P = T2 O + OP = D + x
and T1P = TO
1 − OP = D − x

S1P = (S1T1 )2 + (PT1 )2 = D2 + (D − x )2

and S 2 P = (S 2T2 )2 + (T2 P)2 = D2 + (D + x )2
λ
The minima will occur when S 2 P − S1P = (2 n − 1)
2
λ
i.e., [D2 + (D + x )2 ]1/ 2 − [D2 + (D − x )2 ]1/ 2 = [for first minima n = 1]
2
If x=D
λ
we can write [D + 4D ] − [D + 0] =
2 2 1/ 2 2 1/ 2
2
λ
⇒ [5D2 ]1/ 2 − [D2 ]1/ 2 =
2
λ
⇒ 5D − D =
2
λ
⇒ D ( 5 − 1) = λ / 2 or D =
2 ( 5 − 1)
Putting 5 = 2 . 236
⇒ 5 − 1 = 2 . 236 − 1 = 1. 236
λ
D= = 0.404 λ
2 (1.236)
Long Answer Type Questions
Q. 19 Figure shown a two slit arrangement with a source
S1
which emits unpolarised light. P is a polariser with 1
axis whose direction is not given. If I 0 is the intensity S
of the principal maxima when no polariser is present, 2
calculate in the present case, the intensity of the P
S2
principal maxima as well as of the first minima.
K Thinking Process
The resultant amplitude will be the sum of amplitude of either beam in perpendicular
and parallel polarisation.
Ans. A = Resultant amplitude
= A parallel (A||) + A perpendicular (A⊥ )
⇒ A = A⊥ + A||
Without P A = A⊥ + A||
A1 = A1⊥ + A⊥2 = A⊥0 sin (kx − ωt ) + A⊥0 sin (kx − ωt + φ)
A|| = A|(|1) + A|(|2 )
A|| = A||0 [sin (kx − ω t ) + sin (kx − ω t + φ )]
where A⊥0 , A||0 are the amplitudes of either of the beam in perpendicular and parallel
polarisations.
2 2
∴Intensity = { A⊥0 + A||0 } [sin2 (kx − ω t ) (1 + cos 2 φ + 2 sin φ ) + sin2 (kx − ω t ) sin2 φ ]

+ A||0 }   . 2 (1 + cos φ)
2 2 1
= { A⊥0
2
2
= 2 A⊥0 (1 + cos φ), since, A⊥0 = A||0
av av
With P
Assume A⊥2 is blocked
Intensity = ( A|1| + A||2 )2 + ( A1⊥ )2
2 2 1
= A⊥0 (1 + cos φ) + A⊥0 .
2
2
Given, I 0 = 4 A⊥0 = Intensity without polariser at principal maxima.
Intensity at principal maxima with polariser
= A⊥0
2
2 + 1  = 5 I
 
 2 8
0

Intensity at first minima with polariser

2
2 A⊥0 I0
= A⊥0 (1 − 1) + = .
2 8
Q. 20 S1
P1
θ
A O
C

L = d/4 S2
Screen

AC = CO = D, S 1C = S2C = d << D
A small transparent slab containing material of µ = 1.5 is placed along
AS2 (figure). What will be the distance from O of the principal maxima
and of the first minima on either side of the principal maxima obtained
in the absence of the glass slab?
K Thinking Process
Whenever a transparent slab of refractive index µ and thickness t is inserted in the path
of the ray the fringes on the screen shifts by ( µ −1 ) t towards the slab.
Ans. In case of transparent glass slab of refractive index µ, the path difference will be calculated
as ∆x = 2d sin θ + ( µ − 1) L.
In case of transparent glass slab of refractive index µ,
the path difference = 2d sin θ + (µ − 1) L.
For the principal maxima, (path difference is zero)
i.e., 2d sin θ0 + (µ − 1) L = 0
L (µ − 1) − L (0.5)
or sin θ0 = − = [QL = d / 4]
2d 2d
−1
or sin θ0 =
16
−D
∴ OP = D tan θ0 ≈ D sin θ0 =
16
λ
For the first minima, the path difference is ±
2
λ
∴ 2d sin θ1 + 0.5L = ±
2
± λ / 2 − 0.5L ± λ / 2 − d / 8
or sin θ1 = =
2d 2d
± λ /2 − λ / 8 1 1
= =± −
2λ 4 16
[Q The diffraction occurs if the wavelength of waves is nearly equal to the side width (d)]
1 1 3
On the positive side sin θ′1+ = + − =
4 16 16
1 1 5
On the negative side sin θ′′1− = − − =−
4 16 16
The first principal maxima on the positive side is at distance
sin θ′1+ 3 3D
D tan θ′1+ = D =D = above point O
1 − sin θ′
2
16 − 3
2 2 247
1
The first principal minima on the negative side is at distance
5D 5D
D tanθ′′1 = = below point O.
162 − 52 231
Wave Optics 175

Q. 21Four identical monochromatic sources A, B, C, D as shown in the (figure)

produce waves of the same wavelength λ and are coherent. Two receiver
R 1 and R2 are at great but equal distances from B.
(i) Which of the two receivers picks up the larger signal?
(ii) Which of the two receivers picks up the larger signal when B is turned
off?
(iii) Which of the two receivers picks up the larger signal when D is turned
off?
(iv) Which of the two receivers can distinguish which of the sources B or D
has been turned off?
R2

λ/2 λ/2
R1 A B C

λ/2

D
R 1 B = d = R2 B
AB = BC = BD = λ /2
K Thinking Process
The resultant disturbance at a point will be calculated by some of disturbances due to
individual sources.
Ans. Consider the disturbances at the receiver R1 which is at a distance d from B.
Let the wave at R1 because of A be YA = a cos ωt . The path difference of the signal from A
with that from B is λ /2 and hence, the phase difference is π.
Thus, the wave at R1 because of B is
yB = a cos (ωt − π) = − a cos ωt .
The path difference of the signal from C with that from A is λ and hence the phase difference
is 2 π.
Thus, the wave at R1 because of C is Yc = a cos (ωt − 2 π) = a cos ωt
R2

λ/2 λ/2
R1 A B C

λ/2

D
 The path difference between the signal from D with that of A is
1/ 2
λ
2
 λ  λ
d 2 +   − (d − λ / 2 ) = d  1 +  −d +
2  4d 2  2
1/ 2
 λ2  λ λ
= d  1 +  −d + ≈ (Qd >> λ)
 8d 2  2 2
Therefore, phase difference is π.
∴ YD = a cos (ωt − π) = − a cos ωt
Thus, the signal picked up at R1 from all the four sources is YR1 = yA + yB + yC + yD
= a cos ωt − a cos ωt + a cos ωt − a cos ωt = 0
(i) Let the signal picked up at R 2 from B be yB = a1 cos ωt .
The path difference between signal at D and that at B is λ /2.
∴ yD = − a1 cos ωt
The path difference between signal at A and that at B is
1/ 2
λ
2
 λ2  1λ 2
(d )2 +   − d = d  1 +  −d~
−
2  4d 2  8 d2
As d >> λ, therefore this path difference → 0
2π  1 λ2 
and phase difference =  2
→0
λ 8 d 
Hence, yA = a1 cos (ωt − φ)
Similarly, yC = a1 cos (ωt − φ)
∴Signal picked up by R 2 is
yA + yB + yC + yD = y = 2 a1 cos (ωt − φ)
2
∴ y = 4a12 cos 2 (ωt − φ)
∴ < I > = 2 a12
Thus, R1 picks up the larger signal.
(ii) If B is switched off,
R1 picks up y = a cos ωt
1
∴ I R1 = a2
2
R 2 picks up y = a cos ωt
a2
∴ I R 2 = a2 < cos 2 ωt > =
2
(iii) Thus, R1 and R 2 pick up the same signal.
If D is switched off.
R1 picks up y = a cos ωt
1
∴ I R1 = a2
2
R 2 picks up y = 3 a cos ωt
9a2
∴ I R 2 = 9 a2 < cos 2 ωt > =
2
Thus, R 2 picks up larger signal compared to R1.
(iv) Thus, a signal at R1 indicates B has been switched off and an enhanced signal at R 2
indicates D has been switched off.
Q. 22 The optical properties of a medium are governed by the relative
permittivity (ε r ) and relative permeability (µ r ) . The refractive index is
defined as µ r ε r = n. For ordinary material, ε r > 0 and µ r > 0 and the
positive sign is taken for the square root.
In 1964, a Russian scientist V. Veselago postulated the existence of
material with ε r < 0 and µ r < 0. Since, then such metamaterials have
been produced in the laboratories and their optical properties studied.
For such materials n = − µ r ε r . As light enters a medium of such
refractive index the phases travel away from the direction of
propagation.
(i) According to the description above show that if rays of light enter
such a medium from air (refractive index = 1) at an angle θ in 2nd
quadrant, then the refracted beam is in the 3rd quadrant.
(ii) Prove that Snell’s law holds for such a medium.
Ans. Let us assume that the given postulate is true, then two parallel rays would proceed as
shown in the figure below

θi θi B
θi θi
B
Air C C Air
Medium E A A
D Medium
θr θr E
D θr θr

(i) (ii)
(i) Let AB represent the incident wavefront and DE represent the refracted wavefront. All
points on a wavefront must be in same phase and in turn, must have the same optical
path length.
Thus − ε r µ r AE = BC − ε r µ r CD
or BC = εr µ r (CD − AE )
BC > 0, CD > AE
As showing that the postulate is reasonable. If however, the light proceeded in the sense
it does for ordinary material (viz. in the fourth quadrant, Fig. 2)
Then, − ε r µ r AE = BC − εr µ r CD
or BC = εr µ r (CD − AE )
If BC > 0, then CD > AE
which is obvious from Fig (i).
Hence, the postulate reasonable.
However, if the light proceeded in the sense it does for ordinary material, (going from 2nd
quadrant to 4th quadrant) as shown in Fig. (i)., then proceeding as above,
− ε r µ r AE = BC − εr µ r CD
or BC = εr µ r (CD − AE )
As AE > CD, therefore BC < 0 which is not possible. Hence, the given postulate is correct.
(ii) From Fig. (i)
 BC = AC sin θi
and CD − AE = AC sin θr
As BC = µ r εr [CD − AE = BC]
∴ AC sin θi = εr µ r AC sin θr
sin θi
or = εr µ r = n
sin θr
Which proves Snell’s law.

Q. 23 To ensure almost 100% transmittivity, photographic lenses are often

coated with a thin layer of dielectric material. The refractive index of
this material is intermediated between that of air and glass (which
makes the optical element of the lens). A typically used dielectric film is
MgF2 (n = 1.38). What should the thickness of the film be so that at the
centre of the visible spectrum (5500 Å) there is maximum transmission.
Ans. In this figure, we have shown a dielectric film of thickness d deposited on a glass lens.
r1
B
r2
i
Air, n = 1 E
C
r
Film, n = 1.38 d
r r

Glass, n = 1.5 D
Refractive index of film = 138
. and refractive index of glass = 15
. .
Given, λ = 5500 Å .
Consider a ray incident at an angle i. A part of this ray is reflected from the air-film interface
and a part refracted inside.
This is partly reflected at the film-glass interface and a part transmitted. A part of the
reflected ray is reflected at the film-air interface and a part transmitted as r2 parallel to r1. Of
course successive reflections and transmissions will keep on decreasing the amplitude of
the wave.
Hence, rays r1 and r2 shall dominate the behaviour. If incident light is to be transmitted
through the lens, r1 and r2 should interfere destructively. Both the reflections at A and D are
from lower to higher refractive index and hence, there is no phase change on reflection. The
optical path difference between r2 and r1 is
n ( AD + CD) − AB
If d is the thickness of the film, then
d
AD = CD =
cos r
AB = AC sin i
AC
= d tan r
2
∴ AC = 2d tan r
Hence, AB = 2d tan r sin i .
 2 nd
Thus, the optical path difference = − 2d tan r sin i
cos r
sin i d sin r
=2. − 2d sin i
sin r cos r cos r
 1 − sin2 r 
= 2d sin  
 sin r cos r 
= 2nd cos r
λ
For these waves to interfere destructively path difference = .
2
λ
⇒ 2 nd cos r =
2
λ
⇒ nd cos r = ... (i)
4
For photographic lenses, the sources are normally in vertical plane
∴ i = r = 0°
λ
From Eq. (i), nd cos 0° =
4
λ
⇒ d=
4n
5500 Å
= ≈ 1000 Å
4 × 1.38