Physics
Physics
Problem
When passing through a glass prism, violet light bends more than red light. Which statement best explains this observation? a) Violet light carries more energy than red light, so the additional energy causes it to change direction more in the prism. b) Violet light has a shorter wavelength than red light, so its speed in glass is reduced more, causing greater refraction. c) Violet light interacts more strongly with the prism’s edges, producing greater diffraction that appears as additional bending. d) Violet light has a lower frequency than red light, making it slower in glass and therefore bend more.Intuitive explanation
Violet light has a shorter wavelength than red light, and shorter wavelengths travel more slowly through glass. Since the refractive index is larger for violet light, it bends more sharply when entering the prism—the key is that the amount of bending depends on how much the light slows down relative to its speed in vacuum, which varies by color.
Intuitive explanation
Violet light has a shorter wavelength than red light, and shorter wavelengths travel more slowly through glass. Since the refractive index is larger for violet light, it bends more sharply when entering the prism—the key is that the amount of bending depends on how much the light slows down relative to its speed in vacuum, which varies by color.