Question

A thin layer of oil floats on a water puddle. An observer sees a colored pattern due to interference of light reflected from?

1) the oil/air interface AND the oil/water interface
2) ONLY the oil/air interface
3) ONLY the oil/water interface
4) the oil/air interface OR the oil/water interface, but not both

Answer 1

The colorful effects of thin-film interference on the surface of soap bubbles and oil are caused by interference between light reflected from different surfaces of a thin film.

Step-by-step explanation:

The colorful effects of thin-film interference on the surface of soap bubbles and oil are caused by interference between light reflected from different surfaces of a thin film. The interference occurs between the light reflected from both the oil/air interface and the oil/water interface.