Dispersion

Dispersion is the process of separating light into its different wavelengths, also known as colors. This happens because each wavelength of light bends by a different amount when it passes through a material, such as a prism or a droplet of water.

Causes of Dispersion

Dispersion occurs due to the phenomenon of refraction, where light waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another. Different wavelengths of light bend by different amounts, causing the separation of colors.

Examples of Dispersion

One common example of dispersion is the formation of a rainbow when sunlight passes through raindrops in the atmosphere, causing the light to separate into its component colors. Another example is the use of prisms to produce a spectrum of colors from white light.

Study Guide

Key Concepts

• Dispersion: The process of separating light into its component colors.
• Refraction: The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
• Wavelength: The distance between successive peaks of a light wave, which determines its color.

Factors Affecting Dispersion

Dispersion can be affected by the angle of incidence, the type of material the light passes through, and the wavelength of the light.

Practical Applications

Dispersion is utilized in various optical instruments, such as spectrometers and prism-based devices, for analyzing and separating light into its component wavelengths.

Review Questions

1. What is dispersion and how does it occur?
2. Give an example of natural dispersion in the environment.
3. Explain how different wavelengths of light contribute to the phenomenon of dispersion.