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The Calculus of Rainbows: Understanding the Formation of Colors

Rainbows have captivated human beings for centuries, not just for their beauty but also for their intriguing physics. This article delves into the mathematical principles behind rainbow formation, exploring how light interacts with raindrops to create this mesmerizing phenomenon.

The Basics of Rainbow Formation

Rainbows are created through a combination of refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light. When sunlight encounters a raindrop, it does not merely pass through; instead, it undergoes multiple processes that ultimately lead to the colorful arcs we observe in the sky.