In Newton's rings experiment,
monochromatic light is typically used. This is light that consists of a single wavelength (or color), which helps in producing clear and distinct interference patterns.
A common light source for this experiment is a
sodium lamp, which emits light at a wavelength of around 589 nm (yellow light). Monochromatic light is essential because different wavelengths of light interfere differently, and using a single wavelength ensures the interference rings are sharp and well-defined.