QuestionMay 13, 2025

How does a prism work? The light reverberates within the prism and that interference causes the colors to come out separated. Different wavelengths of light change their frequencies by a different amount within the prism so they come out different colors. Different wavelengths travel at different speeds through the glass, causing a difference in how much they refract.

How does a prism work? The light reverberates within the prism and that interference causes the colors to come out separated. Different wavelengths of light change their frequencies by a different amount within the prism so they come out different colors. Different wavelengths travel at different speeds through the glass, causing a difference in how much they refract.
How does a prism work?
The light reverberates within the prism and that interference causes the
colors to come out separated.
Different wavelengths of light change their frequencies by a different amount
within the prism so they come out different colors.
Different wavelengths travel at different speeds through the glass, causing a
difference in how much they refract.

Solution
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Answer

A prism separates light into its component colors by refraction and dispersion, with different wavelengths bending at different angles. Explanation 1. Understand Refraction Light changes direction when passing through different mediums due to refraction. **Snell's Law**: n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2) explains this. 2. Dispersion in Prism Different wavelengths (colors) of light refract at different angles because they travel at different speeds in the prism material, causing dispersion. 3. Separation of Colors Shorter wavelengths (blue/violet) refract more than longer wavelengths (red), leading to separation of colors as they exit the prism.

Explanation

1. Understand Refraction<br /> Light changes direction when passing through different mediums due to refraction. **Snell's Law**: $n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)$ explains this.<br /><br />2. Dispersion in Prism<br /> Different wavelengths (colors) of light refract at different angles because they travel at different speeds in the prism material, causing dispersion.<br /><br />3. Separation of Colors<br /> Shorter wavelengths (blue/violet) refract more than longer wavelengths (red), leading to separation of colors as they exit the prism.
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