Re: Why spectrum of rainbow and that of prism r not identica
The order of the colors depends upon the number of times the light is reflected before you see it. In a secondary rainbow, where the light is reflected a second time within the rain droplet, the colours are reversed from the usual ROYGBIV sequence.
Re: Why spectrum of rainbow and that of prism r not identica
Yes, that's true, also the refraction index and i's dispersion are different, compared to glass prism. But a mirrored view and different width shouldn't be regarded as a different spectrum!?
Re: Why spectrum of rainbow and that of prism r not identica
This coul be due to the transfer characteristic of the material of the prism.
It has different absorption at different frequencies and the reflection factor is diffent, depending on the wavelenght.
The prisms are instruments to duplicate the natural phenomenon of refraction. Both produce the same spectrum. But as droplets of water vary widely in size, surface area and composition the natural rainbow appears to be without some colors. I say it only appears.
Added after 55 seconds:
The spectra when analyzed will give you the same pattern.