Scribd
Upload
7 views1 page

Rainbow Formation

A rainbow is formed when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the air, undergoing refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection. The curvature of a rainbow results from the spherical shape of water droplets and the consistent angles of light refraction and reflection. Ultimately, this process creates a beautiful, colorful arc in the sky.

Uploaded by

kusiimakelly32
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views1 page

Rainbow Formation

A rainbow is formed when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the air, undergoing refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection. The curvature of a rainbow results from the spherical shape of water droplets and the consistent angles of light refraction and reflection. Ultimately, this process creates a beautiful, colorful arc in the sky.

Uploaded by

kusiimakelly32
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

A rainbow is a beautiful natural phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with water

droplets in the air.

Formation of a Rainbow:

1. *Sunlight*: Sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere and hits water droplets in the air, such as after
a rain shower or near a waterfall.

2. *Refraction*: The sunlight is refracted, or bent, as it passes through the water droplets.

3. *Dispersion*: The refracted light is split into its individual colors, a process known as dispersion.

4. *Internal Reflection*: The light is reflected off the back of the water droplet and passes through
the droplet again.

5. *Refraction (again)*: The light is refracted again as it exits the water droplet.

Curvature of a Rainbow:

1. *Circular Arc*: A rainbow appears as a circular arc because the water droplets are typically
spherical and the sunlight is refracted and reflected in a circular pattern.

2. *Angle of Deviation*: The angle at which the sunlight enters the water droplet and is refracted
determines the position of the color in the rainbow.

3. *Circular Shape*: The combination of refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection creates the
colorful, curved shape of a rainbow.

Why Rainbows Appear Curved:

1. *Geometry of Refraction*: The curvature of a rainbow is a result of the geometry of refraction and
reflection within the water droplets.

2. *Consistent Angle*: The consistent angle of refraction and reflection creates the circular shape of
the rainbow.

In summary, a rainbow is formed through the interaction of sunlight, water droplets, and air,
resulting in a beautiful, curved display of colors.

You might also like