Question

A rainbow is produced due to which one of the following phenomena?
(a) Dispersion of light
(b) Interference of light
(c) Diffraction of light
(d) Scattering of light by atmosphere dust

Answer 1

We will apply the definition of each term and use their phenomena in changing rays coming from the sun into rainbow colors formation. As we will find that each one will form some portion of rainbow accept interference but we will choose the accurate one in the formation of rainbow will be the right answer.

Complete answer:
Dispersion of light: We can define dispersion of light by the separation of one light from one into many colors. This happens by keeping a glass prism which is made up of a structure which helps in the dispersion of white light coming from the sun into seven colors. The list of colors is: violet, Indigo, blue, green yellow, orange and red. Shortly we say these colors as VIBGYOR where each alphabet denotes each color. Each color has different refractive index and wavelengths.
Interference of light: This means the involvement of other forms of light in different light. This light is in the form of waves. So, basically, under interference of light two waves get superimposed on each other which create hindrance in that wave which we want to listen to. This usually happens in radio and televisions which under bad weather conditions let us listen to two different waves in which one tuning is what we want to listen and the other is hindrance.
Diffraction of light: This is a phenomenon in which there is a bend of a wave when it passes through a slit. This slit can also be taken as hindrance that is created for a wave for its modification. For example in a CD the diffraction can be seen by rainbow structure formation on its surface. Here, diffraction is taking part as grating.
Scattering of light by atmosphere dust: This clearly explains the scattering done by the particles and molecules present in the dust. Actually they are performing as a medium for the white light coming from the sun which after passing through these particles and molecules result in scattering of light giving a rainbow type portion. For example, when the light coming from the sun passes through clouds which are forming a median, it results in deflections of that light giving a scattered light.
We can clearly see that each of the above mentioned terms are forming a little content for rainbow accept interference but the correct formation of a light into VIBGYOR is done as dispersion.
Hence, the correct option is (a) Dispersion of light.

Note:
We can see dispersion of light by using a medium of prism. We only need to keep a prism on a white paper or a white surface and place it under the sun such that the rays of sun pass through the prism. This will form a dispersion of light into visible colors and that will accurately be the part of a rainbow. The colors that we will see are called VIBGYOR. Interference will only use a wave into a formation of overlapped waves out of which one creates hindrance for the other.