A student sees a rainbow just after rainfall. If he tries to move closer to the rainbow, what happens?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Rainbow appears at the same distance.
Explanation:
A rainbow is not a physical object that you can approach or touch; rather, it is an optical phenomenon caused by the refraction, total internal reflection, and dispersion of sunlight through water droplets in the atmosphere. Because a rainbow is entirely dependent on the relative position of the observer, the sun, and the water droplets, it shifts as the observer moves. Therefore, you can never get closer to a rainbow; it will always appear to maintain the same distance relative to your viewpoint.
Additional Points:
To observe a rainbow, the sun must always be positioned behind the observer, while the water droplets must be suspended in the air in front.
Important Questions and Answers:
Question: What primary optical phenomena are responsible for the formation of a rainbow?
Answer: Refraction, total internal reflection, and dispersion of light.
Question: Where must the sun be positioned relative to an observer viewing a rainbow?
Answer: Behind the observer.