In a rainbow, why is the top colour red and violet on bottom even though red emerges farther (42 degrees) than violet (40) when seen in a single drop?

Question

I don't understand this image or why primary rainbow has red at the top even though in a single drop red is deviated most.

Refraction for the blue (violet) light must be stronger than for the red. Where did you get these numbers (40-42 deg) from? — sleepy, Jun 11 '21 at 08:20
No, (40-42) are the angles at which the light emerges after second refraction wrt incoming white light. I realize the wording in the question isn't proper. — adamantane, Jun 12 '21 at 08:34

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 11 '21 at 06:48

2

You only see the color that aims at you. From the higher drops that is red. From the lower drops that is violet.

answered Jun 11 '21 at 06:48

geshel

Thanks got it, that is also why rainbows are curved right? – adamantane Jun 12 '21 at 08:30
Yes that’s right. You see a given color only from drops that are at a specific angle to you relative to the sun’s position. – geshel Jun 13 '21 at 00:12

1 Answers1