Question

What is the colour that comes to the base of the prism if composite yellow light is passed through it ?

• A. red
• B. green
• C. blue
• D. violet

Answer 1

Answer:

B. green

• Composite Yellow Light: In the context of light (additive color mixing), yellow is generally composed of a mixture of Red and Green wavelengths.

• Dispersion by a Prism: A prism separates light because the refractive index of glass is different for different wavelengths (colors). Shorter wavelengths bend more (deviate more) than longer wavelengths.

• Wavelength Comparison:

  • Green light has a shorter wavelength than Red light.

• Bending: Because shorter wavelengths bend more, the green component of the yellow light will undergo the greatest deviation, meaning it will be refracted at a sharper angle and land closer to the base of the prism. The red component will bend less.