Rainbow Curvature: Why is it Curved?

In summary, the conversation discusses the phenomenon of rainbows and the reason for their curved shape. It is explained that rainbows occur at a particular angle from the light source and can be seen as a full circle from certain perspectives. The conversation also mentions other optical effects, such as the shadow of a head in mist and the way ice and water drops diffract light differently. Further information and examples of these effects can be found in the provided links.
  • #1
simon willetts
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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
 
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  • #2
The rainbow occurs at a particular angle from the light source (usually the sun). This makes it a circle.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #5
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.
 
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  • #6
If you want see a really beautiful effect look at the shadow of your head in mist
 
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  • #7
Andy SV said:
If you want see a really beautiful effect look at the shadow of your head in mist
Yep.

brockengespenst_mgrossmann.jpg
 
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  • #9
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.)
 

1. Why do rainbows appear curved?

Rainbows appear curved because they are formed by the refraction and reflection of light through water droplets in the atmosphere. The light is bent as it enters and leaves the water droplets, creating a curved shape.

2. Is the curvature of a rainbow always the same?

No, the curvature of a rainbow can vary depending on the size and shape of the water droplets in the air. It can also be affected by the angle at which the sunlight enters the droplets.

3. Can you see a full rainbow if you are standing on the ground?

No, a full rainbow is actually a complete circle, but since the ground usually obstructs the bottom half, we only see a semi-circle. However, if you are high enough, like on a mountain or in an airplane, you may be able to see a full rainbow.

4. Why do rainbows have different colors?

Rainbows have different colors because white light from the sun is made up of all the colors of the visible spectrum. When the light is refracted and reflected through the water droplets, it separates into its component colors, creating the rainbow.

5. Can a rainbow appear in any other shape besides a curve?

No, a rainbow can only appear in a curved shape because the light is always refracted and reflected at a specific angle. This angle determines the curvature of the rainbow, and it cannot form in any other shape.

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