Spectrum observed on heated vessel

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of a color spectrum on a heated bowl, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of iridescence and the factors influencing its appearance. Participants explore the scientific explanations behind the observed colors and the conditions under which they manifest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the observed colors as a thin film effect known as iridescence, suggesting that it is due to a thin layer of corrosion, potentially chromium oxide, on the bowl.
  • Another participant questions why the iridescence did not occur when heating the bowl at a lower flame intensity, proposing a possible connection to oxidation and temperature effects.
  • A response indicates that the reaction rate increases exponentially with temperature, implying that higher temperatures may enhance the oxidation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the relationship between temperature and the appearance of iridescence, with some suggesting a direct connection to oxidation while others focus on the thin film properties. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific mechanisms at play.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established the exact material composition of the bowl, which may influence the observed effects. There are also unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which the iridescence appears.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in optics, materials science, and the effects of temperature on chemical reactions may find this discussion relevant.

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Today i was heating a bowl of soup..the intensity of the flame of the gas stove was quite high..
i observed that the bowl got burnt and when it cooled down a bit, i observed a band of colours..blue was the most prominent..i noticed the presence of violet, yellow and orange too..
I wish to know the reason behind this..and the scientific view of what happened..
Thankyou :)

P.S - I don't know anything about the material of the bowl..And i have attached a picture of it too..
 

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Science news on Phys.org
This is a thin film effect, called iridescence. The material is some thin layer of corrosion, maybe chromium oxide. It doesn't really matter what the material is, as long as the material is thin and refractive. Light which penetrates the material and reflects off the metal will interfere with light which reflects off the material, either constructively or destructively, depending on the thickness of the film and the color of the light.
 
thankyou :)
also, why didn't this happen when i heated a similar bowl on a low intensity flame?
is it related to the oxidation?
 
Yeah. The reaction rate increases approximately exponentially with increasing temperature.
 

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