What term describes the phenomenon where different wavelengths of light refract at different angles?

What term describes the phenomenon where different wavelengths of light refract at different angles?

• A. Polarization
• B. Transmission
• C. Chromatic dispersion
• D. Diffraction

Answer: (C)

The term that describes the phenomenon where different wavelengths of light refract at different angles is chromatic dispersion. This occurs because the refractive index of a medium varies with wavelength, meaning that each color of light (or wavelength) is bent by a different amount as it passes through the medium. In practical terms, this is why a prism can separate white light into its component colors, creating a spectrum. Shorter wavelengths (like blue and violet light) are refracted at steeper angles compared to longer wavelengths (like red light), leading to the characteristic spread of colors. Chromatic dispersion plays a significant role in optics, especially in the design of lenses and optical instruments, as it affects the clarity and quality of images produced. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for applications that require precise control of light behavior.

The term that describes the phenomenon where different wavelengths of light refract at different angles is chromatic dispersion. This occurs because the refractive index of a medium varies with wavelength, meaning that each color of light (or wavelength) is bent by a different amount as it passes through the medium.

In practical terms, this is why a prism can separate white light into its component colors, creating a spectrum. Shorter wavelengths (like blue and violet light) are refracted at steeper angles compared to longer wavelengths (like red light), leading to the characteristic spread of colors. Chromatic dispersion plays a significant role in optics, especially in the design of lenses and optical instruments, as it affects the clarity and quality of images produced. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for applications that require precise control of light behavior.