In a thin film of oil on water, which color of light is most likely to be reflected? (2022)
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a thin film of oil on water, which color of light is most likely to be reflected? (2022)
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Due to the phenomenon of thin film interference, the color that is most prominently reflected depends on the thickness of the film and the wavelength of light. Typically, blue light is more likely to be reflected due to shorter wavelengths.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In a thin film of oil on water, which color of light is most likely to be reflected? (2022)
Solution: Due to the phenomenon of thin film interference, the color that is most prominently reflected depends on the thickness of the film and the wavelength of light. Typically, blue light is more likely to be reflected due to shorter wavelengths.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that a thin film of oil on water can create colorful patterns due to light interference.
Step 2: Know that different colors of light have different wavelengths. Blue light has a shorter wavelength compared to other colors.
Step 3: Recognize that when light hits the thin film, some light reflects off the top surface and some goes through and reflects off the bottom surface.
Step 4: Realize that the thickness of the oil film affects which colors are reflected more strongly.
Step 5: Conclude that shorter wavelengths, like blue light, are more likely to be reflected prominently in thin films.
