2.+Exploration

What is a soap bubble?
A soap bubble is a very thin sheet of water sandwiched between two layers of soap molecules. The film of soapy water surrounds a bubble of air.



Why are soap bubbles colored?
The thickness of the film determines whether iridescence is apparent. Light is reflected from both the inner and outer surface of the soap bubble.



The light rays that are reflected off the inner surface of the bubble travel further than the light rays that are reflected off the outer surface. Interference occurs when the two waves meet.

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There are two types of interference; constructive and destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when the wave amplitudes reinforce each other, building a wave of even greater amplitude.

Destructive interference occurs when the waves amplitudes cancel each other, building a wave of reduced amplitude.

But what are some factors affecting interference of light waves? Let's explore.

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