Question

While contemplating the food value of a slice of ham, you notice a rainbow of color reflected from its moist surface. Explain its origin.

Short answer

Because the ham's surface is moist, there is a thin layer of fluid present, resulting in thin-film interference.

Step-by-step solution

Define reflection

The change in direction of a wavefront at the interface between two distinct media, bouncing the wavefront back into the original medium, is known as reflection.

Explanation

There will be a tiny layer of water on the wet surface that behaves like a thin film. As a result, depending on how thick the water layer is, some colors may interact constructively while others would interfere destructively. We notice a rainbow color because the thickness of the water fluctuates due to the rough surface of the ham.