Does light refraction play a role in bubble iridescence?

In summary, light refraction does play a role in bubble iridescence as the light wave travels into the soap bubble surface and refracts into a different matter. The thinness of the soap bubble film limits the separation of colors. The angle of refraction determines the optical path length and the wavelength of the light that undergoes constructive interference. This information was shared in response to a question about the cause of colors on soap bubbles and the role of light refraction.
  • #1
Karagoz
We know interference of waves play a role in causing "colors" on soap bubbles.

But does light refraction play a role in bubble iridescence?

When the light wave travels into the soap bubble surface, won't it refract since the wave is into a different matter (what matter the soap bubble surface is made of)?
 
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  • #2
What do you mean by "break"?

Refraction will occur but a soap bubble film is quite thin so the colours aren't separated very much.
 
  • #3
Karagoz said:
When the light wave travels into the soap bubble surface, won't it refract since the wave is into a different matter (what matter the soap bubble surface is made of)?

Yes. Then it internally reflects off the second soap bubble surface, refracts back into air and interferes with the light that reflected off the first bubble surface. The angle of refraction will determine the optical path length of the light in the bubble material and therefore the wavelength of the light that undergoes constructively interference.

Just curious why you are asking this.
 

Related to Does light refraction play a role in bubble iridescence?

1. What is light refraction?

Light refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air, water, or glass. This occurs because light travels at different speeds in different mediums, causing it to change direction.

2. How does light refraction create iridescence in bubbles?

When light passes through the thin film of soap in a bubble, it is refracted and reflected multiple times. This causes the different wavelengths of light to interfere with each other, creating the rainbow-like colors that we see in iridescent bubbles.

3. Is light refraction the only factor in creating bubble iridescence?

No, light refraction is not the only factor in creating bubble iridescence. The surface tension of the soap film and the thickness of the film also play a role in determining the colors we see.

4. Can different angles of light affect bubble iridescence?

Yes, the angle at which light hits the bubble can affect the colors we see. When light hits the bubble at a steeper angle, it travels through a thicker part of the film, resulting in a different interference pattern and potentially different colors.

5. Why do some bubbles appear more iridescent than others?

The colors we see in bubbles are dependent on the thickness of the soap film and the angle at which light hits the bubble. So, bubbles with thicker films or bubbles that are viewed at a certain angle may appear more iridescent than others.

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