Asked by TJ
A prism disperses white light, forming a spectrum. Which of the following is the best explanation for this phenomenon?
Different frequencies of visible light are absorbed at different rates inside the prism.
The white light undergoes partial absorption inside the prism.
The white light undergoes partial reflection inside the prism.
Different frequencies of visible light move at different speeds in the prism.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Different frequencies of visible light move at different speeds in the prism.
Brief explanation: the prism's refractive index depends on wavelength (dispersion), so different colors travel at different speeds in the glass and are bent by different amounts at the surfaces (Snell's law). That produces the separated spectrum. Absorption or reflection are not the primary causes.
Brief explanation: the prism's refractive index depends on wavelength (dispersion), so different colors travel at different speeds in the glass and are bent by different amounts at the surfaces (Snell's law). That produces the separated spectrum. Absorption or reflection are not the primary causes.
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