Which phenomenon explains why different colors can be seen in light after it passes through a prism?

Which phenomenon explains why different colors can be seen in light after it passes through a prism?

• A. Diffraction
• B. Dispersion
• C. Refraction
• D. Reflection

Answer: (B)

The phenomenon that explains why different colors can be seen in light after it passes through a prism is known as dispersion. When white light enters a prism, it encounters a change in medium, transitioning from air to glass. This change causes the light to bend, a process known as refraction. However, because different colors of light have different wavelengths, they bend by varying amounts. This results in the separation of the light into a spectrum of colors, ranging from red to violet. Dispersion occurs specifically due to the dependence of the refractive index of the glass on the wavelength of the light. Shorter wavelengths (like blue and violet) are refracted more strongly than longer wavelengths (like red). The cumulative effect of this differential refraction as light exits the prism leads to the beautiful array of colors we observe. Refraction, while a component of the phenomenon that takes place in the prism, does not fully account for the color separation. Diffraction involves the bending of light waves around obstacles and openings, and reflection pertains to light bouncing off surfaces. Neither of these accurately describes the process of color separation in a prism. Thus, dispersion is the most precise term that describes the phenomenon of different colors emerging from white light after passing through a prism.

The phenomenon that explains why different colors can be seen in light after it passes through a prism is known as dispersion. When white light enters a prism, it encounters a change in medium, transitioning from air to glass. This change causes the light to bend, a process known as refraction. However, because different colors of light have different wavelengths, they bend by varying amounts. This results in the separation of the light into a spectrum of colors, ranging from red to violet.

Dispersion occurs specifically due to the dependence of the refractive index of the glass on the wavelength of the light. Shorter wavelengths (like blue and violet) are refracted more strongly than longer wavelengths (like red). The cumulative effect of this differential refraction as light exits the prism leads to the beautiful array of colors we observe.

Refraction, while a component of the phenomenon that takes place in the prism, does not fully account for the color separation. Diffraction involves the bending of light waves around obstacles and openings, and reflection pertains to light bouncing off surfaces. Neither of these accurately describes the process of color separation in a prism. Thus, dispersion is the most precise term that describes the phenomenon of different colors emerging from white light after passing through a prism.