The phenomenon of rainbow formation by water droplets involves :

single refraction of sunlight

one internal reflection of sunlight

two internal reflections of sunlight

both refraction and internal reflection of sunlight

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2024

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The phenomenon of rainbow formation by water droplets involves both refraction and internal reflection of sunlight.

A rainbow is formed when sunlight interacts with raindrops. Sunlight is first refracted (bent) as it enters the water droplet. It is then internally reflected off the back inner surface of the droplet. Finally, it is refracted again as it exits the droplet. The different wavelengths (colors) of light are refracted at slightly different angles (dispersion), separating the white light into the spectrum of colors observed in a rainbow.

A primary rainbow involves one internal reflection and results in the colors ordered from red on the outside to violet on the inside. A secondary rainbow involves two internal reflections, reversing the color order (violet on the outside, red on the inside), and is typically fainter than the primary rainbow.

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