How Do Rainbows Form?

How Do Rainbows Form?

Assessment

Interactive Video

Science, Physics

11th Grade - University

Practice Problem

Hard

Created by

Wayground Content

FREE Resource

The video explains how rainbows are formed using sunlight, water, and the observer's position. Sunlight, containing all visible colors, refracts when passing through water droplets, causing different colors to exit at varying angles. This dispersion allows us to see individual colors. Rainbows are visible when sunlight is behind the observer and low in the sky, with each raindrop refracting a specific color to the observer's eye. Although rainbows form a full circle, the ground usually obstructs the lower half, making only the arc visible. In rare conditions, a full circular rainbow can be seen from high altitudes.

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2 questions

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1.

OPEN ENDED QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

What conditions must be met for a rainbow to be visible?

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2.

OPEN ENDED QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Why do we typically only see the upper arc of a rainbow?

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OFF

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