Surface colours of a Soap Bubble C016 / 6366
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Surface colours of a Soap Bubble C016 / 6366
Soap bubble colours. The movement in the thin film is due to the interaction between gravity and buoyancy in the liquid. The colours are produced by the interference of light waves reflected from the upper and lower surfaces of the film. As the thickness of the film is of a similar magnitude to the wavelength of visible light, the interference patterns appear as bands of colour, related to the thickness of the film. Thicker walls cause interference at longer (redder) wavelengths, so appear bluer and greener. As the film thins through evaporation or other processes, the reflected light cancels out yellow then green then blue light, appearing blue, magenta and golden yellow, before becoming too thin to support itself, and popping. Research into film behaviour has increased understanding of the fluid dynamics, for instance of movements of cloud bands in the atmosphere of Jupiter and Saturn
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9239679
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Atmosphere Blue Bubble Color Colour Film Fluid Dynamics Gravity Interference Jupiter Light Liquid Magenta Reflected Light Saturn Soap Spectrum Wavelength Yellow Light Waves
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Surface colours of a Soap Bubble C016 / 6366" showcases the mesmerizing world within a soap bubble. The movement observed in the thin film is a result of the delicate interplay between gravity and buoyancy in the liquid. What makes this image truly enchanting are the vibrant colors that adorn the bubble's surface. These stunning hues are created through light wave interference, as they reflect from both the upper and lower surfaces of the film. The thickness of this film is comparable to that of visible light wavelengths, giving rise to intricate bands of color that correspond to its thickness. Thicker walls generate interference at longer (redder) wavelengths, resulting in shades leaning towards blue and green. However, as evaporation or other processes cause the film to thin out, an intriguing transformation occurs. Reflected light gradually cancels out yellow, then green, and finally blue tones emerge - creating an ethereal display ranging from blues to magentas and golden yellows. Interestingly, research into soap bubble behavior has contributed significantly to our understanding of fluid dynamics. This knowledge has even shed light on phenomena such as cloud band movements in Jupiter's and Saturn's atmospheres. The photograph was captured by DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY – an exquisite piece showcasing not only beauty but also scientific wonderment found within nature itself.
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