Spectrum observed on heated vessel

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SUMMARY

The observed spectrum of colors on the heated bowl of soup is a result of iridescence, a thin film effect caused by light interference. The bowl likely has a thin layer of corrosion, possibly chromium oxide, which reflects and refracts light. The intensity of the flame affects the oxidation process, leading to the formation of this thin film, which is why similar bowls heated at lower temperatures did not exhibit the same effect. The phenomenon is scientifically explained by the interference of light waves reflecting off different surfaces of the thin material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thin film interference
  • Knowledge of light reflection and refraction
  • Familiarity with oxidation processes
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of thin film interference in optics
  • Study the chemical processes involved in oxidation at varying temperatures
  • Explore the properties of chromium oxide and its applications
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on material properties and reactions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, chemistry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the optical properties of materials and the effects of heat on chemical reactions.

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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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