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Rainbows
Why do we see rainbows only after rainfall ?
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Have you ever wondered why we see a beautiful rainbow after rainfall? Rainbows are one of nature’s most enchanting and magical phenomena. They appear in the sky, showcasing a wide array of vibrant colors, captivating our imagination. In this essay, we will explore the scientific reasons behind the appearance of rainbows and understand why they only occur after rainfall.
<b style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>First of all, what is a Rainbow?
A rainbow is a stunning arc of colors that forms in the sky when sunlight interacts with raindrops in the air. It consists of seven distinct colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Rainbows can sometimes be seen in the form of a semicircle, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a double rainbow!
To understand how rainbows form, we need to know a little about sunlight and raindrops. Sunlight is composed of various colors, even though it appears white to our eyes. When sunlight passes through a raindrop, it gets refracted or bent. The different colors of light bend at slightly different angles, causing them to spread out and separate.
When the refracted light enters the raindrop, it undergoes reflection, bouncing off the inside surface of the drop. After reflection, the light exits the raindrop, but it also refracts again as it leaves. The refraction causes the light to bend further, leading to the separation of colors.
As the separated colors exit the raindrop, they create a circular arc of colors in the sky. This arc is a rainbow! The colors are arranged in a specific order, with red on the outer edge and violet on the inner edge. Each color merges seamlessly with the next, forming the beautiful spectrum we admire.
Now, why do rainbows only appear after rainfall? Raindrops act as tiny prisms that refract and reflect sunlight. During rainfall, there are countless raindrops in the air. When sunlight passes through these raindrops, it causes the conditions necessary for a rainbow to form. Therefore, rainbows are most commonly seen after rain showers.
Rainbows are nature’s way of delighting us with a spectacular display of colors after rainfall. They are a remarkable example of how light interacts with water droplets in the atmosphere. So, the next time you spot a rainbow, take a moment to appreciate the magic behind it and remember the science that creates this wondrous phenomenon!
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