Question

When sunlight strikes oil on the surface of water, a variety of colors are observed. What is the best explanation for this observation?

A) Oil reflects the light and the lens of our eyes break it into component colors. B) Oil has a very high index of refraction, trapping and reflecting the visible spectrum.
C) The components of white light are refracted at different angles due to their various wavelengths.
D) The visible spectra of white light travel at different speeds, reaching the oil separately so we see the component colors.

Answer 1

option C would be the correct one

Answer 2

Answer: C) The components of white light are refracted at different angles due to their various wavelengths.

Explanation: As oil is denser than water, it floats over water. Both upper and lower layers of oil can reflect light and the two reflected rays undergo interference.

As the thickness of oil decreases on moving from center to periphery, the color of the reflected light differs. Moreover the angle of incidence of light also affects the color of light. Thus we see different colors corresponding to different wavelengths.