What phenomenon does a prism demonstrate when light passes through it?

What phenomenon does a prism demonstrate when light passes through it?

• A. Refraction
• B. Dilation
• C. Reflection
• D. Annihilation

Answer: (A)

When light passes through a prism, it undergoes refraction, which is the bending of light as it transitions between different mediums, such as from air into glass and then back into air. This bending occurs because the speed of light changes depending on the density of the material it is traveling through. In the case of a prism, as light enters and exits, it is refracted at different angles depending on its wavelength. This results in the separation of white light into its constituent colors, creating a spectrum. The degree of bending is described by Snell's Law, which relates the angles of incidence and refraction to the indices of refraction of the two media. The phenomenon of refraction explained here is fundamental in optics and is responsible for various applications, including the design of lenses and optical instruments.

When light passes through a prism, it undergoes refraction, which is the bending of light as it transitions between different mediums, such as from air into glass and then back into air. This bending occurs because the speed of light changes depending on the density of the material it is traveling through.

In the case of a prism, as light enters and exits, it is refracted at different angles depending on its wavelength. This results in the separation of white light into its constituent colors, creating a spectrum. The degree of bending is described by Snell's Law, which relates the angles of incidence and refraction to the indices of refraction of the two media.

The phenomenon of refraction explained here is fundamental in optics and is responsible for various applications, including the design of lenses and optical instruments.