What phenomenon explains the formation of rainbows in the sky?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rainbows are formed due to the refraction and dispersion of sunlight by water droplets in the atmosphere. When sunlight enters a water droplet, it is refracted, then internally reflected, and finally refracted again as it exits the droplet. This dispersion of light into its component colors creates the beautiful rainbow we see in the sky. Choice A, diffraction, involves bending of light around obstacles or through narrow openings, not the splitting of light into colors as seen in rainbows. Choice B, interference, refers to the phenomenon where two or more light waves overlap and interact, producing a pattern of light and dark bands, which is not the case with rainbows. Choice D, reflection from clouds, does not accurately describe the process involved in the formation of rainbows through refraction and dispersion of light by water droplets.