Color Frequency in the Rainbow

Every time you see a rainbow, you are observing a marvel of physics in action.

This multicolored phenomenon results from both refraction and dispersion of light within minute water droplets present in the atmosphere.

However, did you know that the seemingly identical bands of colors you observe in a rainbow are not all spread out equally? The blue and violet light, due to their shorter wavelengths, undergo more refraction, hence occupy less space compared to red which has a longer wavelength.

Due to this differential dispersion, the blue and violet hues cover approximately 15% of the rainbow's diameter, whereas the red can spread out over an impressive 42%.

Additionally, the human eye is less receptive to violet light.

This is why often we primarily perceive a rainbow as comprising blue and red colors, even though it contains a myriad of shades spread across a broader spectrum..