prism
Different wavelengths refract by different amounts. This topic is part of Optics within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 11 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
prism trivia questions
A prism can split white light into a band of colors called what?
Answer: Spectrum
Bonus fact: Different wavelengths refract by different amounts.
What optical effect causes different colors to separate in a prism?
Answer: Dispersion
Bonus fact: Dispersion occurs because refractive index varies with wavelength.
What does a triangular prism do to a light ray when it passes from air into glass?
Answer: Refracts it
Bonus fact: Light changes direction when it crosses between materials with different refractive indices.
Which type of prism arrangement gives many traditional binoculars their offset, zigzag-shaped optical path?
Answer: Porro prism
Bonus fact: Porro-prism binoculars use paired prisms to fold the light path and erect the image.
A glass prism can separate white light into what?
Answer: Spectrum of colors
Bonus fact: Different wavelengths refract by different amounts.
Which visible color is usually bent the most by a glass prism?
Answer: Violet
Bonus fact: Violet light generally has a higher refractive index in glass.
Which scientist famously used prisms to show that white light contains many colors?
Answer: Isaac Newton
Bonus fact: Newton's prism experiments changed understanding of color.
What device lets a submerged submarine view above the surface?
Answer: Periscope
Bonus fact: Traditional periscopes use mirrors or prisms.
Which album by Pink Floyd includes the song "Money"?
Answer: The Dark Side of the Moon
Bonus fact: Its prism cover was designed by Hipgnosis and has become one of rock's most recognizable album images.
In what year was "The Dark Side of the Moon" released?
Answer: 1973
Bonus fact: Its prism cover was designed by Hipgnosis and has become one of rock's most recognizable album images.
What simple optical components are commonly used in basic periscopes?
Answer: Mirrors or prisms
Bonus fact: Two angled reflectors redirect the view.