Rainbows are classic example of the phenomenon of

Options

A. Interference
B. Diffraction
C. Polarization
D. Absorption

Answer

To solve the question regarding rainbows and their relation to wave optics, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Phenomenon**:
- A rainbow is formed when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the atmosphere. This interaction involves both refraction and dispersion of light.

2. **Refraction of Light**:
- When light enters a water droplet, it slows down because water is denser than air. This change in speed causes the light to bend, a phenomenon known as refraction.

3. **Dispersion of Light**:
- Different colors of light have different wavelengths. As light refracts, the different wavelengths (colors) bend at slightly different angles. This separation of colors is called dispersion.

4. **Internal Reflection**:
- After dispersion, the light reflects off the inside surface of the water droplet. This internal reflection allows the light to exit the droplet.

5. **Formation of the Rainbow**:
- As the light exits the droplet, it refracts again, further separating the colors. The combined effect of refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection results in the formation of a circular arc of colors, which we observe as a rainbow.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the rainbow is a classic example of the phenomenon of light refraction and dispersion, which are fundamental concepts in wave optics.

### Final Answer:
Rainbows are classic examples of the phenomenon of **refraction and dispersion of light**.

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