Why are rainbows inan arc shaped?

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Why are rainbows inan arc shaped?

2006-12-08 10:57:09 · 2 answers · asked by Jessica T 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

2 answers

The prismatic spread of colors from raindrops is a function of the angular separation between the sun and the droplets, relative to the viewer. Therefore, rainbows form a cone relative to the axis between the viewer and the sun behind him/her. The viewer sees a circle, or a part of a circle.

2006-12-08 11:01:26 · answer #1 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

The arc shape that you see is caused by the curvature of the earth.

2006-12-08 19:04:43 · answer #2 · answered by gibsonpro70 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋