Chapter 14, Problem 7TE

Solution

To determine: The physical principle does these ridges of the features of peacock and hummingbird produce colors.

Answer:

The colours shown by the feathers of hummingbird and peacock are due to the phenomenon of diffraction.

Explanation:

Diffraction introduces to multiple events that happen when a wave encounters an obstacle or a slit. Here the colors of peacocks and hummingbirds are the result of diffraction through the layers present in the feathers.

Due to this principle, the peacock and hummingbird showcase their colors and patterns of colors where the ridges in the surface of feathers layers act as a diffraction grating.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the colours shown by the feathers of hummingbird and peacock are due to the phenomenon of diffraction.