Formation of a rainbow: Which phenomena are essential? Sunlight falls on raindrops; identify the correct combination from the listed phenomena. Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Refraction and internal reflection
Diffusion only
Refraction only
Internal reflection only

Correct Answer: Refraction and internal reflection

Explanation:

Concept

A primary rainbow forms due to refraction at entry, internal reflection inside the drop, and dispersion (wavelength-dependent refraction).

Note
The list uses “diffusion”; the physically relevant term is dispersion. Among the listed choices, the best correct pair is refraction + internal reflection.

Final Answer
Refraction and internal reflection

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