Flashcards Understanding Rainbows

Front

What is a rainbow?

Back

A natural phenomenon that displays a spectrum of light appearing in the sky when sunlight interacts with water droplets.

Front

When do rainbows typically occur?

Back

They often occur after a rain shower when the sun starts shining again.

Front

What are the key steps in the formation of a rainbow?

Back

The process involves light refraction, reflection, and dispersion.

Front

What happens when sunlight encounters water droplets?

Back

The light is refracted, slowing down and bending as it enters the droplet.

Front

What occurs after light is refracted in a water droplet?

Back

The light strikes the back surface of the droplet and undergoes reflection.

Front

What is internal reflection in the context of rainbow formation?

Back

It occurs when light reflects off the inner surface of the droplet and travels back towards the front.

Front

What happens when light exits the droplet?

Back

It is refracted again, bending in a different direction and separating into various colors.

Front

What colors are typically seen in a rainbow?

Back

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

Front

What determines the order of colors in a rainbow?

Back

The angle at which light is refracted and reflected.

Front

How should an observer be positioned to see a rainbow?

Back

Facing away from the sun, with sunlight shining on the water droplets in front.