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: Understanding the Formation of a Rainbow:
A rainbow is formed when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the atmosphere, resulting in the separation of light into its constituent colors. The phenomena involved in this process are dispersion, refraction, and internal reflection.

Step 2: Explanation of the Phenomena:
1. Dispersion:
Dispersion occurs when white light (such as sunlight) enters a water droplet. As the light passes through the droplet, the different colors (wavelengths) of light bend by different amounts. This separation of light into its constituent colors forms the spectrum of the rainbow.

2. Refraction:
When sunlight enters the water droplet, it is refracted (bent) at the surface of the droplet. The bending of light causes the different colors to spread out and form a spectrum.

3. Internal Reflection:
After refraction, the light reflects off the inside surface of the droplet. This internal reflection causes the light to exit the droplet at a different angle, further separating the colors. The light exits the droplet at various angles, creating a circular arc of colors in the sky.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The phenomena of light involved in the formation of a rainbow are dispersion, refraction, and internal reflection. These processes work together to produce the spectrum of colors seen in a rainbow.