2006-09-25 20:32:30 · 9 answers · asked by pavan kumar NC 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The light from the sun travels through the first half of the waterdrop in the atmosphere and undergoes refraction.Then total internal reflection takes place at the other side.Then again refraction takes place and the light comes out through the second half of the drop.Thus refraction takes place once and reflection, twice.Thus the light splits into its component colors.This is how rainbow is formed.
There are so many drops in the atmosphere.Each drop makes a particular angle with our eyes.That's why the rainbow is seen in the form of an ARC.
2006-09-26 06:26:43 · answer #1 · answered by peter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the layers of air surround the earth in a sppherical manner, so the rainbow is bound to look like an arc.Further, refractiove index of water droplets in air split the sun rays into seven colours and these colours make a bend strip of colours, shown at a particular angle and distance . So, rainbow looks like an arc.
2006-09-25 21:59:10 · answer #2 · answered by gpsrathor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the scientific fact that light is bent when going through transparent surface.
2006-09-25 20:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by aahamed24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becouse light travels at same speed in all directions from its origin.
2006-09-25 21:14:32 · answer #4 · answered by orsel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
generally it is not arc in shape,it is round.we can check this through aeroplane.it is due to when the sunlight penetrates through raindrops.
2006-09-26 00:01:32 · answer #5 · answered by calliber120 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it is circular shape.I once happen to see from airplane.
2006-09-26 03:48:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its the way the light bends.
2006-09-25 20:39:32 · answer #7 · answered by psychpath64 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because it is a bow
2006-09-25 21:05:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an inverted smile:)
2006-09-25 20:35:25 · answer #9 · answered by Larra 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋