MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Subject: The size of a rainbow

Date: Thu Jul 16 16:40:08 2009
Posted by Andrew DeLong
Grade level: undergrad School: Plattsburgh State University
City: Plattsburgh State/Province: New York Country: United States
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1247787608.Ph
Message:

I was just looking at a rainbow and got the thought "what factors go into the
actual size and magnitude of a rainbow?"  I already know how a rainbow is
formed, but I now need to know what makes rainbows the size they are.  Is it the
angle of the sun to the earth at a particular time of day (ie after sunrise or
before sunset).  I know a bit about angles and rotation, but have never learned
about light being cast in such a manor as to create the specific size of
rainbows.  My math ed goes just below calc, so I should be able to understand
any angle jargon, but please just stay away from derivatives in your answer (if
possible).  In any case, just wondering....and thank you.

~Andrew~


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