Atmospheric optics: What physical effects produce a rainbow in the sky? Explain the formation mechanism in raindrops for primary rainbow appearance. Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Single refraction only
Diffraction by droplets
Refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection of sunlight in raindrops
Scattering only (Rayleigh scattering)

Correct Answer: Refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection of sunlight in raindrops

Explanation:

Mechanism
Sunlight refracts into a raindrop, disperses into colors, reflects internally (typically once for the primary bow), and refracts out, concentrating rays near ~42° for red.

Final Answer
Refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection of sunlight in raindrops

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