UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 40 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Rainbow Formation

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. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

A rainbow is formed due to the combined action of refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection of sunlight inside water droplets. When sunlight enters a raindrop, it gets refracted and dispersed into its constituent colours. The light then undergoes internal reflection inside the droplet and finally refracts again while emerging out, producing the visible spectrum. Therefore, all three phenomena are responsible for rainbow formation. Extra Point: Violet light bends the most while red light bends the least during dispersion.

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