2. Drop nail polish onto the water. Use an (sacrificial) eyedropper for bigger drops and bigger artwork. The drop will float like oil and then spread out, but dry because it is nail polish. It forms a thin film of thickness on the order of light wavelength to produce thin film interference.
3. Lift the paper starting at one end to capture the delicate films.
4. Let dry for several hours and you'll have beautiful rainbows.
Celtic Mad Scientist here. I'm studying for my Ph.D. in computer engineering but I'm a science enthusiast too (physics, some chemisty, some astronomy). Optics and lasers are particular favorites of mine.
I'll especially be hoping to share some of my experiments with you over in the Amateur Science section.
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The Quick and Easy Experiments thread.
in Experiments
Ok, here's a quick one that's very safe.
I made an accopanying video: Rainbow Art - Thin Films.
Materials:
Black posterboard
Nail Polish
Pan of water
1. Submerge the posterboard in water.
2. Drop nail polish onto the water. Use an (sacrificial) eyedropper for bigger drops and bigger artwork. The drop will float like oil and then spread out, but dry because it is nail polish. It forms a thin film of thickness on the order of light wavelength to produce thin film interference.
3. Lift the paper starting at one end to capture the delicate films.
4. Let dry for several hours and you'll have beautiful rainbows.