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A thin oil film on a water surface appears coloured because of:

  1. A
    reflection
  2. B
    refraction
  3. C
    interference
  4. D
    polarization

Solution & Step-by-step Explanation

The production of vibrant shifting colors in a thin oil film spread on a water surface is due to the phenomenon of thin-film interference. Light waves reflecting off the upper boundary of the oil layer interfere constructively or destructively with waves reflecting off the lower oil-water boundary, creating distinct wavelength-dependent patterns based on film thickness.

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Try it yourself before checking the explanation above.

A thin oil film on a water surface appears coloured because of:
A
reflection
B
refraction
C
interference
D
polarization

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Wave OpticsInterferenceThin Films

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