Interference that occurs when light interacts with a film of thickness comparable to the wavelength of light.

The passage of light through a medium.

The bouncing back of light from a boundary between two media.

The process where light energy is taken in by a medium and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat.

A measure of how much the speed of light is reduced inside a medium compared to its speed in a vacuum.

When two waves are in phase, their amplitudes add to create a larger amplitude.

When two waves are out of phase, their amplitudes subtract, potentially canceling each other out.

Higher to lower: No phase change. Lower to higher: 180-degree phase change.

Constructive: Waves in phase, amplitudes add. Destructive: Waves out of phase, amplitudes subtract.

Reflection: May cause a phase change, depending on refractive indices. Refraction: Does not cause a phase change.

It can lead to destructive interference if the path length difference is also considered.

Thicker regions tend to reflect longer wavelengths (reds, oranges).

It minimizes unwanted reflections by causing destructive interference of reflected light.

Maximizes interference effects due to the maximized path length difference.

Reduces the path length difference, affecting the interference pattern.