During a cloudy day, a primary and a secondary rainbow may be created, then the :
- secondary rainbow is due to single internal reflection and is formed above the primary one.
- primary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the secondary one.
- primary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed below the secondary one.
- secondary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the primary one.
Answer
(4) secondary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the primary one.
Solution
Primary rainbow: refraction, one internal reflection and refraction in each drop; red on the outside; it is the brighter, lower bow.
Secondary rainbow: refraction, two internal reflections and refraction; colours reversed; it is fainter and is formed above the primary rainbow.
∴ The secondary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the primary one.
Answer: (4)