Question

If the wavelength of the light passing through the prism decreases by a factor of 2, what happens to the index of refraction (n).

a. Decreases by a factor of 4

b. Increases by a factor of 4

c. Decreases by a factor of 2

d. Increases by a factor of 2

e. Stays the same

Answer 1

The index of refraction increases as the wavelength of light passing through a prism decreases, but the exact factor of the increase depends on the specific material of the prism, which isn’t provided.The correct option is option e.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the wavelength of light passing through a prism decreases, the index of refraction changes in response to this new wavelength. According to the provided figures and statements, the index of refraction for light increases with decreasing wavelength. Therefore, if the wavelength decreases by a factor of 2, we would expect the index of refraction to increase.

However, the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction is not a simple multiplication factor, so while we can conclusively say the index increases, we cannot determine without additional information that it increases by any specific factor like 2 or 4. The correct answer is not directly given in the options, but based on the provided information that the index of refraction increases steadily with decreasing wavelength, the most applicable and correct choice related to the trend would be that the index of refraction increases (Option E).