2006-10-09 09:22:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Excellent Question and one of may favourite topics!!!
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I hope you enjoy!!
Light emerging after two internal reflections forms the secondary bow. Light reflected more than twice goes into higher order bows.
The second rainbow is always REVERSED!!
Why are the secondary colours reversed? Red light is refracted least and so its rays suffer the smallest deviation. But the total deviation is more than 180º and the least deviated rays appear at the inside of the bow.
See the link below for comprehensive information on rainbows and lots of other amazing atmospheric optics!
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2006-10-09 10:01:22 · answer #1 · answered by idkipper 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not really true that the 'second is a refection of the first'. It's due to internal reflections in the individual drops which make the incident rays come out at a different angle.
It's complicated to explain without a diagram. Fortunately Wikipedia does a reasonable job: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow
2006-10-09 09:28:54 · answer #2 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that's correct. And, if you happen to be in an F-15 at 75,000 feet over heavy cloud cover that 'tops out' at around 20,000 feet and the Sun is nearly overhead, you can see a rainbow pair that are both full circles. Very spectacular and very pretty (I've seen it a couple of times âº)
Doug
2006-10-09 09:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is because of the water molecules that are higher than the 1st rainbow refract light differently. They refract the sunlight twice, reversing the colors.
2006-10-09 09:27:31 · answer #4 · answered by spongedu04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The second is a reflection of the first.
2006-10-09 09:25:02 · answer #5 · answered by bequalming 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a reflection. .noitcelfer a s'tI
2006-10-09 22:22:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really? I will look out for that....and the pot of gold!
2006-10-09 09:25:12 · answer #7 · answered by Maxi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋