Question

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

Answer 1

Light waves are reflected from front and back surfaces of the thin films and constructive interference between the two reflected waves occurs in different places for different wavelengths. Light shining on the upper surface of the thin film with thickness t is partly reflected at the upper surface . Light transmitted from the upper surface is partly reflected at the lower surface . The two reflected waves come together at point on the retina of the eye. Depending on the phase relationship, they may interfere constructively or destructively. Different colors have different wavelengths, so the interference may be constructive for some colors and destructive for others