Question

    What is the phenomenon of light splitting into colors

    when passing through a prism?  
    A Reflection Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Refraction Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Dispersion Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Diffraction Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Dispersion is the phenomenon where light splits into its component colors (spectrum) when passing through a prism.   This happens because different colors of light have different wavelengths and refract by different amounts.   This is why a prism can produce a rainbow like spectrum.

    Practice Next