Question

Through which phenomenon can we separate different light waves into their respective colors?

• A. Refraction
• B. Reflection
• C. Dispersion
• D. Absorption

Hint:

When light passes through a prism, dispersion separates the different colors, which is why we see a rainbow-like spectrum.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Dispersion is the phenomenon where white light splits into its constituent colors (spectrum) when it passes through a prism or any medium with varying refractive indices for different wavelengths. This occurs because different colors (wavelengths) of light refract by different amounts; shorter wavelengths (violet) bend more than longer wavelengths (red). 

• Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another but does not necessarily separate colors unless dispersion occurs.
• Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface. 
• Absorption is when light energy is taken up by a material and converted into other forms of energy.