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Summary: Measuring soap bubble thickness with color matching
Y. D. Afanasyev*
, G. T. Andrews, C. G. Deacon
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
*)
Corresponding author:
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography,
St. John's, NL, Canada
Email: afanai@mun.ca
Abstract
This paper describes a laboratory experiment designed to measure the variation of
thickness across a soap bubble. The experiment uses the phenomenon of thin film
interference and the principles of color perception to measure the thickness of the soap
film at various points across the surface of the bubble. The students review the classical
theory of interference and use a digital camera to make the measurements. The apparatus
required for the experiment is inexpensive and easy to construct. This experiment is
suitable for a senior undergraduate course, and can potentially be used to study
hydrodynamic effects in soap films.
1. INTRODUCTION
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