Single correct option
The formation of a rainbow involves which of the following phenomena in water droplets?
- A. Only diffraction and interference
- B. Only scattering and polarisation
- C. Refraction, dispersion and internal reflection
- D. Only reflection from the droplet surface
Show answer and solution
Answer: (C) Refraction, dispersion and internal reflection
Sunlight enters a raindrop and refracts, splits into colours by dispersion because each colour bends differently, undergoes internal reflection at the back of the drop, and refracts again while leaving. Diffraction and polarisation play no main role. A simple surface reflection would not separate the colours.
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