kids encyclopedia robot

Iridescence facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Soap Bubble - foliage background - iridescent colours - Traquair 040801
Iridescence in soap bubbles

Iridescence is a physical property of some surfaces. Their colour appears to change as the angle of view or illumination changes.

Examples of natural iridescence are common. It can be seen in soap bubbles, butterfly wings and sea shells, and certain minerals. These are structural colours caused by microstructures which interfere with light.

The physical process which causes iridescence is usually interference.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Iridiscencia para niños

kids search engine
Iridescence Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.