Reflected rings from the chair leg

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The discussion centers on the phenomenon of reflected rings observed on the floor from the metallic leg of a chair, attributed to sunlight passing through a square window. Participants suggest that these rings may be due to interference patterns, specifically Newton's Rings, which occur when light waves reflect off surfaces with varying thicknesses. One contributor notes the absence of color separation in the rings, despite the potential for rainbow patterns with white light. The smooth surface of the chair's leg and the possibility of a wax coating are also mentioned as factors influencing the reflection. Overall, the conversation explores the optical effects of light on smooth, reflective surfaces.
Adel Makram
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This is a pic of sun rays
IMAG1447.jpg
shining on the metallic leg of the chair. The reflection comes on the floor of my room as rings. The source is just a square window. No other light sources in the room aside from reflection from the walls. The leg of the chair is cylinder in shape with smooth surface.
I am wondering what causes those rings?
 

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I suspect magnification of small ripples in the surface of the tubes.
 
Yes, cool picture. :smile:
anorlunda said:
When viewed with white light, it forms a concentric ring pattern of rainbow colors, because the different wavelengths of light interfere at different thicknesses of the air layer between the surfaces.
@Adel Makram -- It's hard to see in your picture, but if you look closely, do you see the color separation that the Wikipedia article mentions?
 
berkeman said:
Yes, cool picture. :smile:@Adel Makram -- It's hard to see in your picture, but if you look closely, do you see the color separation that the Wikipedia article mentions?
The color of the carpet is blue but I could not see any colors at all. Also, to be honest, this is not the separation distance seen in the soap bubbles described in Newton lines assuming the interference pattern. Also, the surface of the chair tubes is entirely smooth with no ripples.
 
There could be a coating of wax on the metal leg. This would cause rings due to interference between the two reflections.
 
'Pears to be "centered" on the "bend" in the leg.
 
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