Which factor influences the dispersion of light the most?

Which factor influences the dispersion of light the most?

• A. The distance the light travels
• B. The refractive index of the medium
• C. The color of the light source
• D. The source of the light

Answer: (B)

The refractive index of the medium is the most significant factor influencing the dispersion of light. Dispersion occurs because different wavelengths (colors) of light travel at different speeds in a medium, which leads to them refracting at varying angles when passing from one medium to another, such as from air into glass. The refractive index is a measure of how much light is slowed down when it enters a specific medium. Each color of light has a slightly different refractive index. For instance, blue light typically has a higher refractive index than red light in glass, causing blue light to bend more than red light when entering the material. This differential bending of various colors results in the spectrum of colors seen in phenomena like rainbows or when white light passes through a prism. While the distance light travels and the source of the light can affect how dispersion is perceived, they are not the core reasons behind the dispersion process. The color of the light source can also determine which wavelengths are present, but it does not fundamentally alter how those wavelengths will disperse once they interact with materials. Therefore, the refractive index remains the paramount factor determining how light disperses in various media.

The refractive index of the medium is the most significant factor influencing the dispersion of light. Dispersion occurs because different wavelengths (colors) of light travel at different speeds in a medium, which leads to them refracting at varying angles when passing from one medium to another, such as from air into glass.

The refractive index is a measure of how much light is slowed down when it enters a specific medium. Each color of light has a slightly different refractive index. For instance, blue light typically has a higher refractive index than red light in glass, causing blue light to bend more than red light when entering the material. This differential bending of various colors results in the spectrum of colors seen in phenomena like rainbows or when white light passes through a prism.

While the distance light travels and the source of the light can affect how dispersion is perceived, they are not the core reasons behind the dispersion process. The color of the light source can also determine which wavelengths are present, but it does not fundamentally alter how those wavelengths will disperse once they interact with materials. Therefore, the refractive index remains the paramount factor determining how light disperses in various media.