3.4.2

Triangular Prisms 1

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Triangular Prisms

A triangular prism can also be used to create a spectrum.

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Different frequencies travel at different speeds

  • The incident ray of white light enters the prism.
  • The different frequencies of the colours travel at different speeds through the prism.
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Different colours are refracted by different amounts

  • The different colours (frequencies) are refracted by a different amount when they enter the prism.
  • Therefore, the emergent ray (coming out of the medium) is red on one side and violet on the other.
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Different speeds of light

  • Red light’s speed changes the least when entering the prism, so its direction changes the least.
  • Violet light’s speed changes the most (slows down) in the prism, so its direction changes the most.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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