Dispersion

Dispersion is the phenomenon in which white light is separated into its component colors when it passes through a prism. This process occurs due to the different wavelengths of light being refracted at different angles as they pass through the prism.

Refraction of Light

When light passes through a medium, such as a prism, it undergoes the process of refraction. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, due to the change in its speed. The speed of light is different in different mediums, and this change in speed causes the light to change direction.

Prism and Refraction

A prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that can refract light. It is typically made of glass or plastic and has a triangular shape. When light enters a prism, it undergoes multiple refractions at each surface of the prism.

Dispersion and White Light

White light is composed of a combination of all the visible colors of light. Each color of light has a different wavelength, with red light having the longest wavelength and violet light having the shortest wavelength. When white light passes through a prism, the different colors of light are refracted at different angles. This causes the light to spread out and form a spectrum of colors.

The Spectrum

The spectrum is the band of colors that are visible when white light is dispersed by a prism. It consists of the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, arranged in order of increasing wavelength. This arrangement of colors is often referred to as the rainbow spectrum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when light passes through a prism, it undergoes the process of dispersion. Dispersion is the phenomenon in which white light is separated into its component colors due to the different wavelengths of light being refracted at different angles. This creates a spectrum of colors, ranging from red to violet.