Question

The phenomena of light involved in the formation of a rainbow in the sky are

• A. Refraction, dispersion and reflection
• B. Refraction, dispersion and total internal reflection
• C. Dispersion, scattering and reflection
• D. Dispersion, refraction and internal reflection

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Rainbow Formation Explained:
Rainbows form when sunlight encounters atmospheric water droplets. This interaction separates light into its constituent colors through dispersion, refraction, and internal reflection.

Step 2: Detailed Phenomenon Breakdown:
1. Dispersion:
White light entering a water droplet bends at varying angles for each color (wavelength), separating it into a spectrum.

2. Refraction:
Light bends upon entering the water droplet. This bending further separates colors, contributing to the spectrum.

3. Internal Reflection:
After refraction, light reflects internally off the droplet's surface. This reflection redirects the light at a new angle, enhancing color separation and forming the visible arc.

Step 3: Summary:
Rainbows are created by the combined effects of dispersion, refraction, and internal reflection, which together produce the characteristic spectrum of colors.