📚 Topic Summary
Rainbows are formed when sunlight passes through raindrops. The light bends (refracts) and separates into different colors because each color has a different wavelength. This separation of colors creates the beautiful arc we see in the sky. You can recreate this effect using simple materials like water, a prism, or even a garden hose!
Creating your own rainbow is a fun way to explore the concepts of light, refraction, and color separation. By understanding how rainbows form naturally, you can appreciate the science behind this stunning natural phenomenon.
🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
| Term |
Definition |
| A. Refraction |
1. The set of colors visible when light is dispersed |
| B. Spectrum |
2. The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another |
| C. Wavelength |
3. A substance that light can travel through |
| D. Medium |
4. The distance between successive crests of a wave |
| E. Dispersion |
5. The separation of light into its constituent wavelengths |
Match the term to its definition.
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
A rainbow appears when __________ shines through __________. The light is __________ and separated into its different __________. The colors of the rainbow are __________, __________, __________, green, __________, indigo, and __________. This creates a beautiful __________ in the sky.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Why do rainbows usually appear after it rains, and why are they often seen in an arc shape?