What is a Rainbow? - Rainbow Formation

Rainbows form when the sun is low in the sky and there is water in the air. White light from the sun is split into different colors by water droplets through refraction. As light enters a droplet, it slows down, bends, and separates into colors. The light reflects off the back of the droplet and refracts again as it exits, with different colors bending by different amounts. This bending creates the rainbow's arched shape. Rainbows appear to move away as you approach them because new raindrops create the same light pattern further away.

What are the two essential conditions needed for a rainbow to form?

• The sun must be setting and the sky must be clear.

• The sun must be directly overhead and the air must be dry.

• The sun must be low in the sky and there must be water in the air.

• The sun must be high in the sky and there must be no clouds.

What happens to light when it enters a water droplet?

• It disappears.

• It remains unchanged.

• It slows down and bends.

• It speeds up and changes color.

Which process causes white light to separate into different colors?

• Reflection

• Diffusion

• Refraction

• Absorption

Why do the colors at the violet end of the rainbow bend more than those at the red end?

• Because violet light has a shorter wavelength.

• Because violet light has a longer wavelength.

• Because violet light is faster.

• Because violet light is slower.

Why is it impossible to get close to a rainbow?

• Because rainbows are illusions created by light.

• Because rainbows are too high in the sky.

• Because rainbows are made of solid material.

• Because rainbows are only visible from a distance.