Chapter 31, Problem 11A

To determine

To Explain: Iridescence and the phenomenon to which it is related.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Goniochromism is the other name for iridescence. It is the phenomenon of some surfaces that seems to slowly change its color as the angle of the illumination or sight changes.

Iridescence is caused when the light waves combine with one another due to the physical structure of the object. This phenomenon is called interference. In constructive interference, the waves of the light combine in such a way so that the troughs and crests counter up to support each other due to which the vibrance of the reflected color increases.