In the phenomenon of dispersion of light, the light wave of shortest ...
Short-wavelength is slowed down and refracted the most
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In the phenomenon of dispersion of light, the light wave of shortest ...
Dispersion of Light:
Dispersion of light is the phenomenon of splitting of white light into its constituent colours when passed through a prism. This happens due to the variation in the refractive index of different colours of light.
Effect on light wave of shortest wavelength:
The light wave of shortest wavelength is violet. It has the maximum frequency and the minimum wavelength in the visible spectrum. When white light passes through a prism, the violet colour is refracted the most. This means that it is deviated the most from its original path and its speed is decreased the most.
Explanation of the correct answer:
Option B, i.e., 'slowed down and refracted the most' is the correct answer. This is because of the following reasons:
- Refraction: When light enters a denser medium, it bends towards the normal. In case of a prism, the light bends towards the base of the prism. Since violet light has the shortest wavelength, it bends the most towards the base. Hence, it is refracted the most.
- Slowing down: The speed of light decreases when it enters a denser medium. Since violet light is refracted the most, it enters the prism at a more oblique angle than other colours. This causes it to pass through a thicker region of the prism, slowing it down the most.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer to the given question.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the phenomenon of dispersion of light causes white light to split into its constituent colours when passed through a prism. The light wave of shortest wavelength, which is violet, is refracted the most and slowed down the most.
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