0
You visited us 0 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

A rainbow has circular shape because :
  1. the earth is spherical.
  2. rain drops are spherical
  3. the sun is spherical
  4. none of these

A
the earth is spherical.
B
rain drops are spherical
C
none of these
D
the sun is spherical
Solution
Verified by Toppr

The rainbow is formed by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays as they fall on drops of rain which act as prism to produce the different colours. The angle which the rain drop makes at the observer's eye is particularly important.
According to simple geometrical principles,the rain drops which lie at this angle and in a
direction opposite to the sun, lie in the form of a full circle or part of it(arc). Even if there are enough raindrops to form a full circle, it will look like an arc as it is limited by the horizon.If the observer is on a high and the sun is near the horizon,he will be able to see the whole circle of rainbow.
Hence, a rainbow has circular shape because rain drops are spherical.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Similar Questions
Q1
A rainbow has circular shape because :
View Solution
Q2

The day is longer on the earth by about 4 minutes because :
(a) the earth is round in shape (b) the earth rotates on its axis
(c) the earth revolves around the sun (d) the earth has atmosphere

View Solution
Q3
Rain drops are spherical in shape because of
View Solution
Q4
Shape of drops of liquid are spherical because of ______
View Solution
Q5
If the shape of the rainbow is circular, why are we unable to see the whole circle?
View Solution