A prism disperses white light, forming a spectrum. Which of the following is the best explanation for this phenomenon? Responses Different frequencies of visible light are absorbed at different rates inside the prism. 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 absorption inside the prism. The white light undergoes partial reflection inside the prism. The white light undergoes partial reflection inside the prism. Different frequencies of visible light move at different speeds in the prism. Different frequencies of visible light move at different speeds in the prism.

Answer 1

Different frequencies of visible light move at different speeds in the prism.

This phenomenon is known as dispersion, where different wavelengths of light are refracted at slightly different angles as they pass through the prism, resulting in the separation of white light into its component colors. This occurs because the speed of light depends on the medium through which it is traveling, and different frequencies of light interact differently with the atoms of the prism material, causing them to slow down at different rates.