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NEET PHYSICSMedium

During a cloudy day, a primary and a secondary rainbow may be created. Which of the following statement is correct?

A

primary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the secondary one.

B

primary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed below the secondary one.

C

secondary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the primary one.

D

secondary rainbow is due to a single internal reflection and is formed above the primary one.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Primary Rainbow: It is formed due to one refraction, one total internal reflection, and another refraction of sunlight inside the water droplets. It is brighter and forms below the secondary rainbow.
  2. Secondary Rainbow: It is formed by two total internal reflections (double internal reflection) and two refractions of sunlight inside the water droplets. Because of the extra reflection, it is fainter and appears above the primary rainbow with a reversed color sequence.
  3. Conclusion: Therefore, the statement 'secondary rainbow is due to double internal reflection and is formed above the primary one' is factually correct.
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