Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

When a CD is seen in sunlight, rainbow like colours are seen. This can be explained on the basis of phenomenon of

  1. Reflection and diffraction

  2. Reflection and transmission

  3. Diffraction and transmission

  4. Refraction, diffraction and transmission

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The CD surface acts as a diffraction grating with microscopic tracks that split white light into component colors. As sunlight hits the surface, refraction occurs at the air-CD interface, diffraction happens at the pits/tracks, and transmission through the thin reflective layer combines to create rainbow patterns. This is why CDs show spectral colors like soap bubbles or oil films.