The Rainbow analysed - for iPod/iPhone

The Open University

For centuries the rainbow has been an object of wonder for scientists and mathematicians. It has taken 2000 years to discover many of its secrets. This five track album uses 3D imagery to explain exactly how light is deflected off rain droplets to form the bow like shape we see. This material forms part of The Open University course MU120 Open mathematics.

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The rainbow analysed introduction

Jul 18, 2009

38 sec

Transcript -- The rainbow analysed introduction

The rainbow analysed introduction

Jul 18, 2009

Aristotle's theory

In about 300BC Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a theory to why the rainbow has such a specific shape.

Jul 18, 2009

4 min

Transcript -- Aristotle's theory

In about 300BC Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a theory to why the rainbow has such a specific shape.

Jul 18, 2009

A full circle rainbow?

Aristotle's model also tells us that if we are high enough we can see the full rainbow circle. This is often witnessed from planes.

Jul 18, 2009

9 min

Transcript -- A full circle rainbow?

Aristotle's model also tells us that if we are high enough we can see the full rainbow circle. This is often witnessed from planes.

Jul 18, 2009

The colours of the rainbow

Why does a rainbow have so many colours? Find out how light reflect off raindrops.

Jul 18, 2009

3 min

Transcript -- The colours of the rainbow

Why does a rainbow have so many colours? Find out how light reflect off raindrops.

Jul 18, 2009

Secondary rainbow

If you're lucky enough to see the secondary fainter rainbow just above the first, you might wonder why it's colours are reversed?

Jul 18, 2009

3 min

Transcript -- Secondary rainbow

If you're lucky enough to see the secondary fainter rainbow just above the first, you might wonder why it's colours are reversed?

Jul 18, 2009