Rainbow formation is as a result of the combination of which of the following phenomena?
(i) Reflection
(ii) Dispersion
(iii) Total internal reflection
(iv) Refraction
A.
(ii) and (iv) only
B.
(i), (iii) and (iv) only
C.
(ii), (iii) and (iv) only
D.
(i), (ii) and (iv) only
Correct answer is C
As light ray enters a drop of water the light is refracted at the surface and at the end of the drop, it is totally internally reflected in which the reflected light returns to the front surface, where it again undergoes refraction as it moves from water to air. The result of this is a dispersed light of colours of different wavelengths.
