Question

How many kinds of rainbows are there, generally?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 4

I got this question in an interview.

This intriguing question originated from Ray Optics in section Ray Optics and Optical Instruments of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

Right option is (b) 2

For explanation I would say: Generally, there are two kinds of rainbows, namely primary rainbow and secondary rainbow. The primary rainbow occurs due to one internal reflection and two refractions, whereas secondary rainbow occurs due to two internal reflections and two refractions, from the water drops suspended in the air.