Chapter 14, Problem 1TE

Solution

To detremine: The position of the shadow of the airplane if the rainbow viewed from the plane form a circle.

Answer:

The shadow formed by the air plane is at the center of the rainbow if the rainbow viewed from the plane form a circle.

Explanation:

A rainbow is produced in the sky due to the scattering of sunlight by water droplets in the atmosphere. The maximum size of a rainbow is seen if the sun is closer to our horizon. So, when the rainbow is viewed from an airplane, the sun is almost near to our horizon. There are enough droplets for reflection to occur and make the rainbow visible. Thus, the full circle of a rainbow from an airplane is visible.

Our horizon is in line with the center of the rainbow if we see the complete circular bow. Thus, the shadow of the airplane is at the center of the circular rainbow because the droplets below and above our horizon made the vision possible.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the shadow of an airplane is formed at the center of the rainbow, if the rainbow viewed from the plane form of circle.