You see a quarter at the bottom of a fountain. Using what you know about light waves and refraction, predict what will happen when you reach down to get it in the position you perceive it to be. How does this relate to how rainbows are produced?

Question

ian_sage015 · Answer

@Directrix

random231 · Answer

due to refraction of light the quarter appears to be in a different position than it actually is. So when you reach for it you wont be able to retrieve it. Rainbows are produced because of the same phenomenon.