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White light enters a glass prism, but the color components of the light are obse

ID: 1649360 • Letter: W

Question

White light enters a glass prism, but the color components of the light are observed to emerge from the prism. Which one of the following statements best explains this observation?

Some of the color components of the white light are absorbed by the glass and only the remaining components are observed.

The index of refraction of the glass depends on the wavelength, so the color components are refracted at different angles.

The separation of white light into its color components is due to the increase in the speed of light within the glass.

Only some of the color components are refracted by the glass; and these are the ones that are observed.

White light is separated into its color components by total internal reflection within the prism.

a.

Some of the color components of the white light are absorbed by the glass and only the remaining components are observed.

b.

The index of refraction of the glass depends on the wavelength, so the color components are refracted at different angles.

c.

The separation of white light into its color components is due to the increase in the speed of light within the glass.

d.

Only some of the color components are refracted by the glass; and these are the ones that are observed.

e.

White light is separated into its color components by total internal reflection within the prism.

Explanation / Answer

In this case option (b) is correct:

The index of refraction of the glass depend on the wavelength, so the color component are refracted on the angle,

Basically according the law,

Higher the wavelength, lower will be the angle of refraction, that is why in VIBGYOR - red reflect less in comparison to red.