Answer by Previous for What causes this pattern of sunlight reflected off a...
I'm not convinced that variations in thickness are the cause. Variations in gloss (areas of specular reflection and areas of diffuse reflection) seem more likely: the "distribution requirements" are...
View ArticleAnswer by Guill for What causes this pattern of sunlight reflected off a...
This case is about reflection, not refraction. As the sun's light rays are reflected at different angles from the leg, some will interfere with each other constructively (forming light rings) and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Answer by user1306322 for What causes this pattern of sunlight reflected off...
This is a grossly exaggerated illustration of a strictly cylindrical metal tube compared to a cylindrical tube with external diameter variations, like the one you have in your case:Because of those...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Answer by Alec Teal for What causes this pattern of sunlight reflected off a...
These are because the leg isn't exactly cylindrical. Here's a way to think about it (slightly different but the gist is there)Imagine you have some pastry being squeezed through one (or two) rollers....
View ArticleAnswer by Daniel Griscom for What causes this pattern of sunlight reflected...
These are probably caused by minute, periodic variations in the diameter of the table leg, formed by drawing through a die. Any vibration in the process would end up being circumferential waves in the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What causes this pattern of sunlight reflected off a table leg?
My friend noticed an interference-like pattern around the table leg. However, we do know that interference patterns of sunlight produces rainbow colours. What seems to be happening here?
View Article
