Rainbow
A rainbow is a natural spectrum of sunlight seen in the sky after dispersion, refraction, and internal reflection in water droplets.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
When sunlight enters a raindrop, it refracts and splits into colors. The light then reflects inside the drop and refracts again when it comes out. Because many drops send different colors toward the eye at different angles, a curved band of colors is seen in the sky.
Example
After rain, if the sun is behind you and water droplets are in front, a rainbow may appear in the opposite direction of the Sun.
Simple analogy
Drop inside, colors outside.
Common confusion
Students often think a rainbow appears only because of rain and sunlight together. The important point is the specific path of light through water droplets.
Exam tip
In a 3-mark answer, mention refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection in water droplets.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of rainbow in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define rainbow and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain rainbow, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
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