Why is a rainbow color produced when oil mixes with water???

Answer 1

Stigmata!

Actually, The very thin (but still unequally thick) layer of oil on the water's surface refracts the light rays, separating the colors.

Answer 2

There must be a thin layer of oil floating on top of the water. The oil will try to spread out forming only a single layer of oil molecules but can produce layers one, two, three or more oil molecules thick. The thickness of the oil layers is close the the wavelengths of visible light and interfere with the light separating out colors depending upon whether the light passes through one, two, three or more layers of oil molecules. A similar rainbow can be seen on CD and DVD discs and even some seashells that break down light by diffraction.

Answer 3

The rays of light are distorted while the oil goes to the surface and the water to the bottom. Its a neat illusion and a great science fair project for kids, learning what mixes, etc.

My son used tons of solvents in his fair and had around 9 layers of liquids, all lined up in neat order in his jar.!

Answer 4

Because the light is refracted by the oil and split into separate wave lengths because it is passing through a denser medium

Answer 5

Refraction of the light rays. Just like a rainbow, you are seeing different bends of light at different points, causing you to see different colors.

Answer 6

refraction. Oil acts as a mirror and breaks up the light as it reflects off.

Answer 7

it's got a chemical coz.

Answer 8

im not sure but its really cool

Answer 9

smagic