How can the radius of a rainbow be measured?

Answer 1

The rays are not coming from a single surface.

To understand that view the web site given below.

It explains with so many pictures and you will understand that why we cant measure the radius of a rain bow.

One can specify the angular radius which is 42 degree for the rainbows caused by rain drops

Dont miss to press the arrow in the right top corner..

Answer 2

A radius is the half-way point through the center of a circle. So if you had a perfect rainbow that makes a half circle from the horizon, up, then back down, like an n, the radius would be from the center of the rainbow [the middle and top of its arch] to the ground.

Answer 3

Well... there is some calculus you can do if you are just given the numbers and don't have the actual rainbow (ie your distance from the rainbow, the angle of reflection etc).

I could look it up for you but if this is a homework problem it's probably in your book... I've seen it in every calculus book I've owned... (all 4 of them... yea i have problems with losing things).

Answer 4

you can't. the apparent radius of a rainbow is neural meaning that it happens in the brain. the apparent size is due to our perception in relation to what ever else we see at that given moment.

Answer 5

if you really wanteed to do it by eye then a saxsant would be the device to do it. it is a device that people on ship used to locate where they were by measuring the curve of the earth and the stars. so I do not see why it should not work for you on finding your answer

Answer 6

frist of all you have to make a rainbow.

Answer 7

subtended angles

Answer 8

you can't