University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 35 - Interference - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1180: Q35.14

Answer

See explanation.

Work Step by Step

This is explained using the principles on page 1172. In the case of the soap bubble, reflected light undergoes a phase change of $\pi$ rad at the air-water interface, and no phase change at the subsequent water-air interface. The 2 reflected beams destructively interfere, and the thin bubble looks black. When the soap is on glass, with a higher index of refraction than water, reflected light undergoes a phase change of $\pi$ rad at the air-water interface, and a phase change of $\pi$ rad at the subsequent water-glass interface. The 2 reflected beams constructively interfere, and the film looks shiny.
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