Which terms best describe what happened to the light in the image below? Select all that apply. A. dispersion B. reflection C. diffraction D. refraction
Which terms best describe what happened to the light in the image below? Select all that apply. A. dispersion B. reflection C. diffraction D. refraction
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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Concept explainers
Applications Of Reflection Of Light
When a light ray (termed as the incident ray) hits a surface and bounces back (forms a reflected ray), the process of reflection of light has taken place.
Sign Convention for Mirrors
A mirror is made of glass that is coated with a metal amalgam on one side due to which the light ray incident on the surface undergoes reflection and not refraction.
Question
Which terms best describe what happened to the light in the image below?
Select all that apply.
A. dispersion
B. reflection
C. diffraction
D. refraction

Transcribed Image Text:### The Formation and Appearance of Rainbows
#### Image Description
The image depicts a vibrant rainbow arcing over a seascape. The rainbow displays a spectrum of colors, making it visually striking against a backdrop of cloudy skies and a relatively calm ocean. The rainbow appears to reach down into the sea, creating a beautiful natural phenomenon.
#### Explanation of Rainbows
**What is a Rainbow?**
A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicoloured circular arc.
**How Do Rainbows Form?**
1. **Reflection**: When a light ray enters a water droplet, it is reflected off the inside surface of the droplet.
2. **Refraction**: The light is bent, or refracted, at the surface of the water droplet.
3. **Dispersion**: Different wavelengths (colors) of light are refracted by different amounts. This separates the light into different colors.
4. **Re-reaction and Exit**: The light is refracted again as it exits the droplet, further separating the colors.
**Colors of the Rainbow**
The traditional rainbow is made of the following colors in order from the outside to the inside of the arc:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Indigo
- Violet
A way to remember the colors is through the mnemonic "ROYGBIV," which stands for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.
**Why are Rainbows Curved?**
Rainbows are curved because the light is bent in a circular pattern. The center of this circle is located at the point directly opposite the sun. Since most of the time the ground gets in the way, we only see a semi-circular arc. In rare cases, when the rain droplets are very high in the sky, or if you are viewing from a high elevation with a clear horizon, it may be possible to see a full circular rainbow.
**Conditions for Viewing Rainbows**
Rainbows typically occur when it is raining in one part of the sky, and the sun is shining from another. This usually happens in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.
#### Conclusion
Rainbows are a fascinating demonstration of light physics and atmospheric conditions, showcasing the beauty of natural phenomena. Observing a rainbow can
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