In this project, students will create rainbows to explore how light refracts through water. By using a glass of water and a flashlight, students will study how different angles make different rainbow patterns.
If the angle of light entering the water changes, then the position and size of the rainbow will change due to varying refraction angles.
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Fill a glass with water almost to the top.
Tape a piece of white paper to a wall to serve as the screen.
Shine a flashlight at the glass of water at a 45-degree angle.
Look for a rainbow pattern on the paper.
Mark the rainbow's position with a marker.
Change the angle of the light with a protractor.
Observe and mark changes in the rainbow's position.
Record observations and note any differences.
Repeat with different angles to see a variety of patterns.
Analyze changes in rainbow size and position.
Clean up after completing the experiment.
Different light angles will create varied rainbow patterns, demonstrating how refraction angles affect light dispersion. A noticeable change in the size and position of rainbows is expected with different angles.
Angle of light entering the water
Rainbow position and size
Water level in glass, Distance from paper, Light intensity
Avoid shining the flashlight directly into anyone's eyes and handle the glass with care.
Use diagrams to explain how light refraction creates rainbows.
Show before and after images of different light angles.
Include a video clip of the rainbow formation process.
Different angles change how light refracts and disperses.
Yes, a flashlight can replicate sunlight to create a rainbow.
Adjust the flashlight angle or intensity for a clearer rainbow.
