The Rainbow analysed - for iPod/iPhone

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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.

Episodes

  1. 07/18/2009

    The rainbow analysed introduction

    The rainbow analysed introduction

    1 min

  2. 07/18/2009

    Transcript -- The rainbow analysed introduction

    Transcript -- The rainbow analysed introduction

  3. 07/18/2009 · VIDEO

    Aristotle's theory

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

    5 min

  4. 07/18/2009

    Transcript -- Aristotle's theory

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

  5. 07/18/2009 · VIDEO

    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.

    9 min

  6. 07/18/2009

    Transcript -- A full circle rainbow?

    Transcript -- 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.

  7. 07/18/2009 · VIDEO

    The colours of the rainbow

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

    4 min

  8. 07/18/2009

    Transcript -- The colours of the rainbow

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

  9. 07/18/2009 · VIDEO

    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?

    4 min

  10. 07/18/2009

    Transcript -- Secondary rainbow

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

  • 10 Episodes

About

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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