How does light dispersion occur in a prism?

How does light dispersion occur in a prism?

• A. By reflecting light through a mirror
• B. By absorbing different wavelengths of light
• C. By refracting different wavelengths of light at varying amounts
• D. By scattering light in all directions

Answer: (C)

Light dispersion in a prism occurs through the phenomenon of refraction, where different wavelengths of light are bent by varying amounts as they pass through the prism's material. When light enters the prism, it slows down and changes direction depending on its wavelength. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet light, are refracted more than longer wavelengths, like red light. This varying degree of refraction causes the light to spread out into a spectrum of colors, known as dispersion. In summary, the unique shape and refractive index of the prism ensure that light of different colors emerges separated, creating the visual effect of a rainbow. The specific bending of each wavelength is the fundamental mechanism behind the separation of light in this context.

Light dispersion in a prism occurs through the phenomenon of refraction, where different wavelengths of light are bent by varying amounts as they pass through the prism's material. When light enters the prism, it slows down and changes direction depending on its wavelength. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet light, are refracted more than longer wavelengths, like red light. This varying degree of refraction causes the light to spread out into a spectrum of colors, known as dispersion.

In summary, the unique shape and refractive index of the prism ensure that light of different colors emerges separated, creating the visual effect of a rainbow. The specific bending of each wavelength is the fundamental mechanism behind the separation of light in this context.