In a thin film of soap, why do we see different colors?
Practice Questions
Q1
In a thin film of soap, why do we see different colors?
Different wavelengths interfere constructively at different angles
Different wavelengths are absorbed
Different wavelengths reflect differently
Different wavelengths travel at different speeds
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a thin film of soap, why do we see different colors?
Step 1: Light is made up of different colors, which correspond to different wavelengths.
Step 2: When light hits the thin film of soap, some of it reflects off the top surface and some goes through the film and reflects off the bottom surface.
Step 3: The light that reflects off the top and bottom surfaces can interfere with each other.
Step 4: Depending on the thickness of the soap film, certain wavelengths (colors) of light will combine in a way that makes them brighter (constructive interference) or cancel each other out (destructive interference).
Step 5: As you look at the soap film from different angles, the thickness of the film changes, causing different colors to be seen.
