Water Drop Rainbow

This demonstration simulates light passing through a water droplet. As the white light enters the drop it is refracted which separates the colors. It is then reflected off the other surface of the drop. From there the light passes through the drop, then leaves the drop entering the air. This again causes refraction which separates the colors even further into a visible rainbow.

Setup:

Set up a white screen on the demo table and behind it.

Place the lamp in stand with power supply on the screen. Place the round bottom flask filled with water in front of the lamp.

Turn on the lamp and adjust the flask so that a rainbow appears on the screen behind it.

Notes:

The rainbow is most prominent with the room lights off.

Be careful, the lamp gets warm after prolonged use.

Courses Used In:

Coming Soon

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

• Two White Screens

• Short Stand

• Right Angle Clamp

• Burette Clamp

• Lamp with Power Supply

• Round Bottom Flask Filled with Water