Statement Analysis: Rainbow Formation

This question asks about the formation and observation of primary and secondary rainbows.

Statement I Evaluation: Observation of Double Rainbows

• Statement I correctly observes that sometimes two rainbows are visible: a brighter primary rainbow and a fainter secondary rainbow.
• It also accurately notes that the secondary rainbow appears roughly 10 degrees away from the primary one. The actual angular separation is about 9 degrees.
• Therefore, Statement I is true.

Statement II Evaluation: Cause of Secondary Rainbow

• Statement II claims the secondary rainbow appears due to refraction after *a* reflection of sunlight from water droplets.
• While refraction and reflection are involved, the secondary rainbow specifically forms due to *two* internal reflections of sunlight within the water droplets, followed by refraction upon exiting.
• The primary rainbow, in contrast, is formed by only *one* internal reflection.
• Because Statement II omits the crucial detail of *two* reflections required for the secondary rainbow and only mentions "a reflection", it does not accurately describe the specific mechanism causing the secondary rainbow.
• Therefore, Statement II, while containing elements of truth about optical processes, is not a correct or complete explanation for the secondary rainbow's specific formation. It's considered false in the context of being a correct explanation.

Conclusion

Both statements describe aspects related to rainbows. Statement I is factually correct about the observation. Statement II describes optical processes involved but fails to capture the specific mechanism (two reflections) that distinguishes the secondary rainbow. Thus, Statement II is not the correct explanation for why the phenomenon described in Statement I occurs.

Correct Answer: Both statements are individually true, but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I.