A prism can be used to refract and disperse visible light. When the different wavelengths of light in visible light pass through a prism, they are bent at different angles (refracted). Dispersion occurs when we see the light separated into a display of colors: ROYGBV. Dispersion is the separation of light. Dispersion occurs with transparent surfaces that are not parallel to each other, such as a prism or gemstone facets. Light passes through some materials easily (transparent materials), through some materials partially (translucent materials), and through some not at all (opaque materials). The relative terms transparent, translucent, and opaque indicate the amount of light that passes through an object. Examples of transparent materials include clear glass, clear plastic food wrap, clean water, and air. Examples of translucent materials include wax paper, frosted glass, thin fabrics, some plastics, and thin paper. Examples of opaque materials include metal, wood, bricks, aluminum foil, and thick paper.
A prism can be used to refract and disperse visible light. When the different wavelengths of light in visible light pass through a prism, they are bent at different angles (refracted). Dispersion occurs when we see the light separated into a display of colors: ROYGBV. Dispersion is the separation of light. Dispersion occurs with transparent surfaces that are not parallel to each other, such as a prism or gemstone facets. Light passes through some materials easily (transparent materials), through some materials partially (translucent materials), and through some not at all (opaque materials). The relative terms transparent, translucent, and opaque indicate the amount of light that passes through an object. Examples of transparent materials include clear glass, clear plastic food wrap, clean water, and air. Examples of translucent materials include wax paper, frosted glass, thin fabrics, some plastics, and thin paper. Examples of opaque materials include metal, wood, bricks, aluminum foil, and thick paper.