Q144 / 180 · COMEDK 2019 · Physics

Rainbow is formed due to

A
refiaction
Correct answer
B
dispersion and total internal reflection
C
total internal reflection
D
scattering

Solution

Tiny water droplets suspended in air have greater density than air. The sunlight when changes medium, undergoes total internal reflection through these droplets thereby splitting in its component colours (since wavelength of each colour is different) and hence, results in rainbow formation. Thus, dispersion and total internal reflection together results in rainbow formation.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

Relevant Questions

The ratio of the angle of deviation produced by a thin prism, when it is placed in air to the angle of deviation produced when it is immerse09 May, 2026 (S2)Prism and Dispersion of Light
An incident ray is incident at an angle on one face of a prism. It emerges at an angle of . The ray suffers a deviation of . The refractive 25 May, 2025 (Shift)Prism and Dispersion of Light
A hollow prism is filled with water and placed in air. It will deviate the incident rays2024 (Evening Shift)Prism and Dispersion of Light
When angle of incidence on one face of the equilateral glass prism is of the angle of prism, the ray of light undergoes minimum deviation. I2023 (Evening Shift)Prism and Dispersion of Light
Suppose refractive index is given as , where and are constants and is wavelength, then dimensions of are same as that of2020Prism and Dispersion of Light
A ray of light suffers minimum deviation in equilateral prism . Additional prisms and of identical shape and of same material as that of are2020Prism and Dispersion of Light