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what makes a rainbow?

Update:

I saw a double rainbow outside my house after it rained. I thought it was so pretty, thats why I asked the question. Thanks =)

8 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    White light is a combination of many wavelengths of the visible light spectrum. As these wavelengths pass through water droplets suspended in the air, they are refracted at different angles. Because of the angle of refraction, and because each wavelength of light is bent at a different, specific angle, the result is the division or sorting of light into wavelengths, which the human eye then perceives as color.

    :) Hope this helps!

  • 1 decade ago

    a rainbow is formed by sunlight shining through the water in the air after it rains. each individual water droplet acts like a prism breaking the light into its individual colors. when the water in the air combines with the sun shining down, you see a beautiful rainbow. (note) rainbows are actually complete circles the reason you usually see a bow is the other have of the circle is cut off by the horizon of the earth if you are on a plane flying in the air you will occasionally see a whole rainbow that is an entire circle)

  • 1 decade ago

    The rainbow is the reflection of the sunlight off the water/moisture. the reason there sometimes is a double rainbow is b/c thats the reflection of the 1st rainbow :)

  • dano
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    The moisture in the air acts as a prism which bends the different wave lengths of light thereby separating them into bands which form a rainbow. You can see this affect also by using a glass prism and shing light through it.

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  • Refraction of the sunlight off the misty dew of the sky after a rain shower. It's pretty.

  • 1 decade ago

    this site has everything about rainbows

    http://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/

  • 1 decade ago

    rain studit

  • 1 decade ago

    love and happiness

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