Correct Option
The correct option isRainbow
Explanation
A rainbow is a meteorological and optical phenomenon caused by the interaction of sunlight with water droplets in the atmosphere. It results in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky, typically in the form of a multicoloured circular arc.
Detailed Analysis
- Rainbow (Correct): This phenomenon occurs when sunlight undergoes refraction, dispersion, and internal reflection inside spherical water droplets.
- Dispersion: Sunlight is split into its constituent seven colours because different wavelengths refract at slightly different angles.
- Internal Reflection: The light reflects off the inner surface of the droplet.
- Conditions: It is visible only when the sun is behind the observer and water droplets (rain) are in front. A low sun angle allows the rainbow to be seen higher in the sky.
- Solar Eclipse (Incorrect): This occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. It is an astronomical event unrelated to atmospheric moisture.
- Aurora (Incorrect): Auroras (Borealis or Australis) are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere, typically visible in high-latitude regions.
- Mirage (Incorrect): A mirage is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric refraction due to temperature gradients in the air, commonly observed on hot roads or in deserts, not specifically after rain.
Key Takeaway: The formation of a rainbow involves three optical processes: refraction, dispersion, and total internal reflection of light within water droplets.