TEAS 7 science study guide free Related

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Which phenomenon describes the separation of light into its component colors when passing through a prism?

  • A. Refraction
  • B. Diffraction
  • C. Dispersion
  • D. Reflection
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dispersion is the phenomenon that describes the separation of light into its component colors when passing through a prism. When white light enters a prism, it is refracted at different angles depending on its wavelength, causing the colors to spread out. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, not the separation of colors. Diffraction is the bending of light around obstacles, not the separation of colors. Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface, not the separation of colors. In the context of a prism, dispersion plays a key role in the creation of a spectrum of colors by separating the different wavelengths present in white light.