Practice question
Question
Why does a prism disperse white light into a spectrum of colors?
Explanation
**Refraction through prism** deviation δ = i+e-A, minimum when i=e, symmetrical path, r₁=r₂=A/2, n = sin[(A+δ_m)/2]/sin(A/2). In water n_rel = n_prism/n_water =1.5/1.33=1.128, so δ_m reduces because relative index lower, new δ_m from formula with n_rel. A prism disperses white light because different wavelengths (colors) of light have different refractive indices in the prism material. Shorter wavelengths (e.g., violet) refract more than longer wavelengths (e.g., red), causing the light to split into a spectrum as it exits the prism. Substituting values gives Due to different refractive indices for different wavelengths, which matches expected image position and magnification from mirror/lens formula 1/f = 1/v - 1/u (lens)
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