Colors seen when gasoline forms a thin film on water are a demonstration of
A) reflection.
B) refraction.
C) polarization.
D) interference.
E) dispersion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These colors are due to interference, a phenomenon that occurs when waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern. In the case of a thin film of gasoline on water, different wavelengths (colors) of light are reflected at different angles due to the varying path lengths through the gasoline, leading to a colorful pattern.

Colors Seen When Gasoline Forms a Thin Film on Water