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Two beams of light, red and blue, enter a prism as shown above. Which of the following statements is true concerning the light as it passes through the prism?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Blue light is refracted more than red light as it passes through a prism due to differences in wavelength, causing the light to disperse into a continuous spectrum.

Step-by-step explanation:

When red and blue beams of light enter a prism, they are subjected to a phenomenon called dispersion. Dispersion occurs because light is refracted, or bent, as it passes through the prism, and this bending varies depending on the light's wavelength. As explained by the provided information, blue light (shorter wavelength) is bent more than red light (longer wavelength). The material of the prism further influences this bending, leading each color to follow a slightly different path, resulting in a spectrum of colors upon exiting the prism—similar to what is seen in Newton's rainbow experiment. Hence, the correct statement concerning the light as it passes through the prism would be that blue light is refracted more than red light, causing the colors to separate and disperse into a continuous spectrum.