Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain. Which of the

Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain. Which of the following physical phenomena are responsible for this?

1. Dispersion
2. Refraction
3. Internal reflection

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2013

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Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain, and the phenomena responsible are dispersion, refraction, and internal reflection.

When sunlight enters a raindrop, it is refracted (bent). As the light enters, it also undergoes dispersion, splitting into its constituent colours because different wavelengths of light are refracted at slightly different angles. The dispersed light then reflects off the back inner surface of the raindrop (internal reflection). Finally, the light is refracted again as it exits the raindrop towards the observer. All three processes are essential for the formation of a rainbow.

Primary rainbows are formed by light undergoing one internal reflection. Secondary rainbows, which are fainter and appear above the primary rainbow with the colours reversed, are formed by light undergoing two internal reflections. In both cases, refraction and dispersion occur at the air-water interfaces.

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