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 multicoloured 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 internally reflected off the back of the drop and refracted again as it exits the drop. This process separates the sunlight into its component colors, creating a rainbow.

Study Guide

1. What causes a rainbow to form?
   - Reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets.
2. What is the shape of a rainbow?
   - It takes the form of a multicoloured circular arc.
3. Where do rainbows appear in the sky?
   - Opposite the sun in the sky.
4. How is sunlight separated into its component colors to create a rainbow?
   - Through the process of refraction, internal reflection, and dispersion in water droplets.
5. What are the colors of the rainbow in order?
   - Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet (ROYGBIV).

Understanding the formation and characteristics of rainbows can provide insight into the properties of light and the behavior of electromagnetic waves. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon that has captivated humans for centuries.

[Rainbow] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Light and OpticsPhysics • High School