dwise1 writes:
2. Physics question. There's a rotating exhaust vent which is very shiny, highly reflective. At night it seems to have a prismatic effect as it takes yellow and white street light light and generates a rainbow of colors -- mainly we see glints of red and blue along with white. Is there an explanation for that effect?
If you are talking about the metal itself then this is caused by an oxide layer on the surface of the metal. As you heat metals they can oxidize, especially on the surface. Light refracts differently off of the two substances causing refraction in the same way that gasoline in water causes the same rainbow effect.
Edited by Taq, : No reason given.
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