A Prism Splits White Light

In the picture

1. 1Incoming white light: a mix of every colour travelling together
2. 2Glass prism: bends the light at both faces, each colour by a different amount
3. 3Red light: smallest refractive index, bent the least
4. 4Violet light: largest refractive index, bent the most

Examples

• A rainbow forms when raindrops split sunlight into colours like tiny prisms
• The cut faces of a diamond or a glass chandelier throw small rainbows onto the walls

Quiz: A Prism Splits White Light (Age 15)

1. 1

   What is white light made of?

   • A single colour that glass turns into other colours
   • A mix of all the colours travelling together
   • Only red, green and blue light
2. 2

   Why does a glass prism spread white light into a spectrum?

   • The glass bends each colour by a slightly different amount
   • Each colour is already travelling in a different direction before it reaches the prism
   • The glass adds new colours to the light as it passes through
3. 3

   How does violet light compare with red light inside glass?

   • Violet has a smaller refractive index, so it bends more
   • Violet has a larger refractive index, so it bends more
   • Violet has a larger refractive index, so it bends less

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.