Physics of a Rainbow

For simplicity purposes, let’s consider the raindrop round and the sun is emitting only one ray.

A sunray is really made up of many colors!

Those we can see are called the visible spectrum

REFRACTION

(Snell’s Law)

The white light is separating because as light enters, it slows down. Different colors refract differently

REFLECTION

REFRACTION AGAIN!!!

Incoming Ray of Sunlight

Refraction

Reflection and Magnification off

interior wall of rain

<40° Violet

42°Red

Angles are crucial (Snell’s Law)

Ta-Da!!!

QUESTION

• Why does the rainbow “disappear” when you get closer to it, making it impossible to find the pot of gold????

θ between 42 and 40

θ between 42 and 40