(a) A 3-D view of a Glass Prism, (b) Principal Section of a Glass Prism
A prism is a transparent refracting medium bound by two plane surfaces inclined to each other at a certain angle (commonly 60° or 45°).
The incident ray suffers a deviation (or bending) through an angle d due to refraction through the prism. The angle d is called the angle of deviation.
Refraction through a Triangular Glass Prism
Note:
The prism is in the position of the minimum deviation when, angle of emergence = angle of incidence or ∠e = ∠i.
The refractive index of the material of prism is given as:
The process of splitting of white light into its seven constituent colours is called dispersion of white light.
The band of seven colours formed on a screen due to the dispersion of white light is called the spectrum of visible light or the spectrum of white light.
Dispersion of white light into seven colours occurs because the light of different colours has different wavelength.
The light of one single colour, or of one single wavelength is called monochromatic light (chrome means colour).
Recombination of the seven colours of the dispersed white light to get white light is called recomposing of the dispersed white light.
Rainbow is an example of the dispersion of white light.
The rainbow is seen when the sun is behind the observer.
Refraction of Sunlight by a Spherical Raindrop leading to the formation of the Rainbow
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1. How does a prism refract light? |
2. What causes the dispersion of white light by a prism? |
3. How does a rainbow form? |
4. What is the relationship between the dispersion of light and the formation of a rainbow? |
5. What is the importance of understanding the dispersion of light? |
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