Question

The splitting up of white light into seven components as it enters a glass prism is called?

• A. scattering of light
• B. reflection of light
• C. refraction of light
• D. dispersion of light

Answer 1

Answer:

D. dispersion of light

• The splitting of white light into its seven constituent colours (VIBGYOR) when it passes through a prism is called dispersion of light.

• The dispersion of white light through a prism is the phenomenon where white light, upon passing through the prism, splits into its constituent seven colours, which we know as VIBGYOR (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red).

• This happens because the different colours of light have different wavelengths.

• When light enters the prism, it refracts (bends) at the first surface.

• The amount of bending depends on the wavelength of the light and the refractive index of the prism material for that wavelength.

• Since each colour has a unique wavelength, each colour bends at a slightly different angle.

• Violet light, having the shortest wavelength, bends the most, while red light, with the longest wavelength, bends the least.

• This differential bending causes the separation of the white light into its spectrum of colours. A second refraction occurs as the light exits the prism, further separating the colours.