Rainbow Curvature: Why is it Curved?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter simon willetts
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curvature Rainbow
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The curvature of rainbows is a result of light refraction occurring at specific angles from the light source, typically the sun, creating a circular arc. While the visible portion of a rainbow appears curved, it is actually part of a complete circle; this can be observed from an airplane. The phenomenon can be better understood by conceptualizing it as a cone of light rather than a simple circle. Additionally, different mediums, such as ice and water droplets, exhibit varying diffraction patterns, influencing the visual effects produced.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light refraction principles
  • Familiarity with geometric concepts related to circles and cones
  • Knowledge of diffraction and its effects in different mediums
  • Basic physics of light and color dispersion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of light refraction and its mathematical principles
  • Explore the concept of diffraction in various materials, including ice and water
  • Study the geometry of circles and cones in relation to optical phenomena
  • Investigate the visual effects of light in mist and fog, including related phenomena
USEFUL FOR

Anyone interested in optics, physics enthusiasts, educators explaining light phenomena, and individuals curious about the science behind rainbows and related visual effects.

simon willetts
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Jus a brief musing. I understand that light refracts showing the different colours when a rainbow is formed but have never known why they are curved rather than straight. Probably a simple explanation but not known to me. Can anyone explain please
 
Science news on Phys.org
The rainbow occurs at a particular angle from the light source (usually the sun). This makes it a circle.
 
Yeah, it's just a huge circle, you just can't see the bottom half. If you see a rainbow from a plane, you can actually see the whole circle.
 
I believe it is much better to think in terms of a cone than in terms of a circle. Final effect is the same though.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: sophiecentaur and fresh_42
If you want see a really beautiful effect look at the shadow of your head in mist
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: simon willetts
Andy SV said:
If you want see a really beautiful effect look at the shadow of your head in mist
Yep.

brockengespenst_mgrossmann.jpg
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: sophiecentaur, Borek and simon willetts
Andy SV said:
I think that is dust but it's still cool
Ice has a different way of diffraction than water drops
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7951736812208952/
No it's fog. The effect has even a special name and Wikipedia entry here.
(Same phenomenon as in your link.)
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Prism Spectrometer Objective: Optics Question
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
High School How does rainbow form? And Light Question
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
10K
High School What is the relationship between expansion and curvature?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
High School Scattering of light inside a room
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
High School Why are light waves depicted as lines, circles, and sinusoids?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
High School Can Curved Spacetime Enable Faster-Than-Light Travel?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
High School What Are Closed Timelike Curves and Common Misunderstandings About Them?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
High School Simple reasoning that the equivalence principle suggests curvature
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
5K
High School Mechanics behind curved time causing gravitation/geodesics
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
7K
High School Space Curvature & Potential Energy
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K