Reflected rings from the chair leg

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In summary, the conversation discussed a picture of sun rays shining on a chair's metallic leg, causing reflection rings on the room's floor. The source of the light was a square window, and the chair's leg was cylindrical with a smooth surface. The cause of the rings was believed to be interference from small ripples on the leg's surface, also known as Newton's Rings. The conversation also mentioned the possibility of a wax coating on the leg causing the rings.
  • #1
Adel Makram
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This is a pic of sun rays
IMAG1447.jpg
shining on the metallic leg of the chair. The reflection comes on the floor of my room as rings. The source is just a square window. No other light sources in the room aside from reflection from the walls. The leg of the chair is cylinder in shape with smooth surface.
I am wondering what causes those rings?
 

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  • #2
I suspect magnification of small ripples in the surface of the tubes.
 
  • #4
Yes, cool picture. :smile:
anorlunda said:
When viewed with white light, it forms a concentric ring pattern of rainbow colors, because the different wavelengths of light interfere at different thicknesses of the air layer between the surfaces.
@Adel Makram -- It's hard to see in your picture, but if you look closely, do you see the color separation that the Wikipedia article mentions?
 
  • #5
berkeman said:
Yes, cool picture. :smile:@Adel Makram -- It's hard to see in your picture, but if you look closely, do you see the color separation that the Wikipedia article mentions?
The color of the carpet is blue but I could not see any colors at all. Also, to be honest, this is not the separation distance seen in the soap bubbles described in Newton lines assuming the interference pattern. Also, the surface of the chair tubes is entirely smooth with no ripples.
 
  • #6
There could be a coating of wax on the metal leg. This would cause rings due to interference between the two reflections.
 
  • #7
'Pears to be "centered" on the "bend" in the leg.
 

Related to Reflected rings from the chair leg

1. What causes the reflected rings from the chair leg?

The reflected rings from a chair leg are caused by light reflecting off of the surface of the leg and creating a circular pattern on the floor or nearby surfaces.

2. Do all chair legs create these reflected rings?

No, not all chair legs will create the same reflected rings. The material, shape, and angle of the leg can all affect the pattern of the reflected rings.

3. Can the reflected rings be used to measure the height of the chair?

Yes, the size of the reflected rings can be used to estimate the height of the chair. By measuring the diameter of the rings and using basic geometry, the height of the chair can be calculated.

4. How can the reflected rings be prevented?

To reduce or eliminate the reflected rings from chair legs, the surface of the legs can be treated with a matte or textured finish. This will reduce the amount of light that is reflected off the surface.

5. Are there any practical applications for the reflected rings from chair legs?

The reflected rings from chair legs can be used in photography, art, and even interior design for their unique and interesting patterns. They can also serve as a fun and educational experiment for understanding light and reflection.

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