RAINBOW EXPLORATION

Amy Cunningham

Go to this site: http://www.geom.umn.edu/apps/

Select "Build a Rainbow."

Select "Circles of Light."

Read all of the following and follow directions for the experiments:

• Objects of the lab
• How does light travel?
• Reflection
• Refraction

After you have read all of the above, select "Rainbows Exploration."

Try two different combinations besides the example provided for you. Record your data in the charts below.

Ray at height _____ wavelength _____nm, bent by ____ degrees

Ray at height _____ wavelength _____nm, bent by ____ degrees

Ray at height _____ wavelength _____nm, bent by ____ degrees

Ray at height _____ wavelength _____nm, bent by ____ degrees

Ray at height _____ wavelength _____nm, bent by ____ degrees

Ray at height _____ wavelength _____nm, bent by ____ degrees

Read and follow directions for Rainbows: Analysis."

Of the sets of impact parameters that you have marked, which is the longest?

Read and follow directions for "Conclusions."

Why does a rainbow appear as part of a circle?

Why is red on top of the rainbow, and violet appears on the bottom?