Brilliant colours in thin oil films on water: Identify the cause. Small oil films on water on a rainy day show vivid colours due to a wave-optics effect. Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AInterference of light in thin films (with reflection)
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BDiffraction from edges
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CScattering by droplets (Tyndall effect)
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DPolarization by reflection
Answer
Correct Answer: Interference of light in thin films (with reflection)
Explanation
Concept
- Varying film thickness causes path difference between rays reflected from the top and bottom interfaces.
- Constructive/destructive interference at different wavelengths produces colours.
Final AnswerInterference of light in thin films (with reflection)