Chapter 1
The physics of bending light
Chapter 2
Rare and unusual rainbow types
Chapter 3
Rainbows in global mythology
Chapter 4
How we see color
YOUR GOAL
Master of The science of rainbows
Ch 1 · The physics of bending light
streetspirit The Physics of Refraction
When white light slows down in the glass—(it slows down!)—every single color takes a different path—(oh-oh, different path!)
streetspirit Sunlight bounces off the back wall of a raindrop to head back toward your eyes.
BETA
streetspirit Align the sun and water droplets to discover how a pocket rainbow halo forms.
Fun Fact
Rainbow shape: Rainbows are actually full circles, but the ground blocks the bottom half from view.
Glossary
refraction (noun)
The change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another of different density. Isaac Newton analyzed this phenomenon in 1704 to explain how raindrops split sunlight into distinct colors.
The change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another of different density. Isaac Newton analyzed this phenomenon in 1704 to explain how raindrops split sunlight into distinct colors.
Quiz
What is the scientific term for light bouncing off the back inside wall of a raindrop?
Quiz
At what maximum angle does red light reflect from a raindrop to form a primary rainbow?
Quiz
Why can two people standing next to each other never see the exact same rainbow?
Quiz
What shape is a natural rainbow when viewed from an airplane without the ground blocking it?
Quiz
Where must the sun be located in relation to an observer for a rainbow to be visible?