Question
Assertion Thin films such as soap bubble or a thin layer of oil on water show beautiful colours when illuminated by white light. Reason It happens due to the interference of light reflected from the upper surface of the thin film.
Step 1
This can occur when light waves from two sources combine to form a new wave. This new wave can have a larger amplitude (constructive interference) or a smaller amplitude (destructive interference) depending on the phase difference between the two waves. Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Varsha Aggarwal and 57 other Physics 103 educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
For each of the following examples, indicate whether the color is produced by thin-film interference, refraction, or the presence of pigments. a. soap bubbles b. rose petals c. oil films d. a rainbow
Interference and Diffraction
Diffraction
Suppose that white light is reflected from a thin soap film. If the thickness is such that destructive interference is occurring for red light, what color will the film appear to be when viewed in reflected light? Explain.
An oil film $(n=1.45)$ floating on water is illuminated by white light at normal incidence. The film is 280 $\mathrm{nm}$ thick. Find (a) the color of the light in the visible spectrum most strongly reflected and (b) the color of the light in the spectrum most strongly transmitted. Explain your reasoning.
Transcript
18,000,000+
Students on Numerade
Trusted by students at 8,000+ universities
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD