Isaac Newton is credited with being the first to discover that white light is made up of the colors of the spectrum visible to the eye. He also showed that white light could be split into several different colors through a process called refraction. To refract light, Newton used a glass prism. However, water can also be used to refract light. The result of refraction of white light is a rainbow, which you can also see in the sky.
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Method 1 of 3: Refracting Light Through a Prism
Step 1. Prepare the prism
There are different types of prisms and each type manipulates light in a different way. To make a rainbow, you need a refracting prism. This type of prism bends light based on wavelength. In other words, the shorter the wavelength of light, the easier it is to bend, while the longer the wavelength of light, the harder it is to bend. As a result, when light comes out of the prism, a rainbow is formed.
These prisms can be purchased at science supply stores, stationery stores, or online. The price of a simple prism is usually relatively cheap
Step 2. Find a sunny spot
Prisms work by breaking white light into its component colors. To see these colors, you need a high-intensity light source. So, the best way to see how it works is to place the prism in a sunny window or outdoors when the sky is clear and the sun is shining.
Step 3. Direct the light through the prism
Make sure nothing is blocking light from entering the prism. When passing through a prism, light bends and breaks to form a rainbow. You'll find it easier to see when you point the prism at a white wall or white paper.
Method 2 of 3: Directing Light Through the Fog
Step 1. Find a water source
Usually rainbows are seen when it rains. Drops of water falling from the sky refract the sunlight. You can mimic how it works by using a movable water source. A water hose or spray bottle is an equally perfect choice.
Step 2. Create a mist
A shower of water is not an ideal choice for making a rainbow. Instead, you have to create fog for the sun to pass through. This kind of mist can be created by pressing on the nozzle with your thumb or by adjusting the nozzle to a position where it creates a mist.
Step 3. Aim your artificial mist so that it catches the light
After successfully creating fog, immediately point it towards the sun. Sunlight will be refracted by water droplets. You will see a rainbow forming in the fog.
Method 3 of 3: Shining Light on Still Water
Step 1. Fill a clear glass with water
Prepare a glass with a smooth and clear mouth. Patterned, colored or textured cups will spoil the result. Fill up to the mouth of the glass, but try not to spill any water.
In addition to using a glass, you can also use a tub or container. However, you must submerge half the mirror in the container until it forms a 45-degree angle
Step 2. Direct the light so that it passes through the glass
The light must go to the mouth of the glass and directly hit the surface of the water. The light will penetrate the glass and at that time a rainbow is formed. Like prisms, water is able to refract light.
Step 3. Use a background to make the rainbow more visible
If you're having trouble seeing the rainbow, place a glass against a white wall or a white sheet of paper up straight. This background will make it easier for you to catch the rainbow. You can also use other colors, but the results are not as effective as white.
