gen-define-dispersion-in-a-prism-and-give-one-short-worked-examp-a4bb

Define dispersion in a prism and give one short worked example.

# Dispersion in a Prism ## Definition **Dispersion** is the phenomenon where white light separates into its constituent colors when passing through a prism. This occurs because the refractive index of the prism material varies with wavelength—shorter wavelengths (violet/blue) are refracted more than longer wavelengths (red). The amount of dispersion is measured by the **dispersive power**: $$\omega = \frac{n_V - n_R}{n_Y - 1}$$ where n_V, n_R, and n_Y are refractive indices for violet, red, and yellow light respectively. --- ## Worked Example **Problem:** A glass prism has refractive indices: n_R = 1.514 (red), n_Y = 1.517 (yellow), and n_V = 1.523 (violet). Calculate the dispersive power of the prism. **Solution:** Using the dispersive power formula: $$\omega = \frac{n_V - n_R}{n_Y - 1}$$ $$\omega = \frac{1.523 - 1.514}{1.517 - 1}$$ $$\omega = \frac{0.009}{0.517}$$ $$\omega = 0.0174$$ **Answer:** The dispersive power is **0.0174** (or 1.74%) This means violet light is deviated approximately 1.74% more than red light relative to the mean deviation.