🧲ap physics 2 review

Thin Film Interference

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Thin film interference occurs when light waves reflecting off both surfaces of a thin film interfere with each other constructively or destructively. This interference creates colorful patterns or changes in brightness.

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