Dispersion
Dispersion is the splitting of white light into its constituent colors when it passes through a prism or similar transparent medium.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
White light contains many colors, and different colors bend by different amounts in a prism because each color travels with a slightly different speed in the medium. Violet deviates the most and red deviates the least. This separation of colors is called dispersion.
Example
When sunlight passes through a glass prism, a band of seven colors appears on the screen.
Simple analogy
Prism separates, it does not create.
Common confusion
Students sometimes say a prism creates colors from nothing. In reality, the colors were already present in white light and were only separated.
Exam tip
In board answers, mention unequal deviation of colors and the order red to violet.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of dispersion in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define dispersion and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain dispersion, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
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