Rainbow

A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets, resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicolored circular arc. Rainbows caused by sunlight always appear in the section of sky directly opposite the sun.

Formation of a Rainbow

When sunlight enters a raindrop, it is refracted, or bent, and then reflected off the inside surface of the drop. The light is then refracted again as it exits the drop, creating a spectrum of colors. This spectrum forms the familiar arc of colors that we see as a rainbow.

Study Guide

1. What causes a rainbow to form?
   A rainbow is formed by the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets.
2. Where does a rainbow appear in relation to the sun?
   A rainbow always appears in the section of the sky directly opposite the sun.
3. What happens to sunlight when it enters a raindrop?
   Sunlight is refracted, then reflected, and finally refracted again as it exits the raindrop, creating a spectrum of colors.
4. What is the shape of a rainbow?
   A rainbow takes the form of a multicolored circular arc.

Understanding the formation of rainbows can help us appreciate the beauty of this natural phenomenon and the science behind it. It also provides insights into the behavior of light and the properties of water droplets.

[Rainbow] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Light and OpticsPhysics • High School