Question 34
Dispersion of Light and ColoursA narrow beam of white light can be split up into different colours by a glass prism. The correct explanation is that
- A.white light is an electromagnetic wave
- B.the prism has all the colours of the white light
- C.white light has undergone total internal reflection in the prism
- D.different colours of white light travel with different speeds in glass
- E.white light consists of yellow, green and red colours.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (different colours of white light travel with different speeds in glass)
Explanation
Each colour travels at a different speed in glass, so each is refracted by a different amount and the colours spread out.