Dispersion in a prism
Dispersion in a prism is an interactive experiment in Ray Optics, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.
The refractive index of glass depends on the wavelength: by Cauchy’s formula n(λ) = A + B/λ², violet light has a higher index than red. A prism therefore bends each colour by a different amount and white light fans out into a spectrum. The deviation δ = θ₁ + θ₂ − A is largest for violet.
Try this: Rotate the prism and look for the smallest deviation — then the beam inside runs parallel to the base.
Frequently asked questions
What does the “Dispersion in a prism” experiment show?
The refractive index of glass depends on the wavelength: by Cauchy’s formula n(λ) = A + B/λ², violet light has a higher index than red. A prism therefore bends each colour by a different amount and white light fans out into a spectrum. The deviation δ = θ₁ + θ₂ − A is largest for violet.
How do I try “Dispersion in a prism”?
Rotate the prism and look for the smallest deviation — then the beam inside runs parallel to the base.
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