Thin Film Interference
The Thin Film Interference Video Tutorial describes what thin film interference is and explains how the wave model of light is used to explain the phenomenon. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How can a Wave Model of light be used to explain the iridescent colors observed in a soap film or oil film?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Science Reasoning Center, Light Waves: Models of Light
This interactive exercise probes the dual nature of light. The success and failure of the wave model of light and the particle model of light to explain reflection, diffraction, interference,and the photoelectric effect are explored.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Light Waves and Color: Thin Film Interference
This written tutorial page is the written companion to our video tutorial. When you need a quick reference, consider a trip to this page.
Teacher Resources
Science Reasoning Center, Light Waves: Models of Light
This interactive exercise probes the dual nature of light. The success and failure of the wave model of light and the particle model of light to explain reflection, diffraction, interference,and the photoelectric effect are explored. Use it with or without a Task Tracker account.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Light Waves and Color: Thin FIlm Interference
This written tutorial page is the written companion to our video tutorial. When your students need a quick reference, encourage them to visit this page.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.