TEAS 7 practice test free science Related

Review TEAS 7 practice test free science related questions and content

Why does a prism separate white light into its constituent spectral components?

  • A. It absorbs certain colors
  • B. Different colors experience varying speeds within the prism
  • C. It bends all colors with the same magnitude
  • D. It reflects specific colors
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A prism separates white light into its constituent spectral components because different colors experience varying speeds within the prism due to their different wavelengths. This causes the light to refract at different angles, resulting in the separation of colors. When light enters the prism, it undergoes dispersion, where different colors are refracted at different angles due to their unique wavelengths. This phenomenon is known as chromatic dispersion. Choice A is incorrect because a prism does not absorb colors but refracts and disperses them. Choice C is incorrect because a prism refracts different colors at different angles, not with the same magnitude. Choice D is incorrect because a prism does not reflect colors but refracts and disperses them based on their wavelengths.