The Magical Order of Colors Through a Prism!

What is the order of the seven colors (from most deviated to least deviated) that we see after dispersion through a glass prism?

a. Violet, indigo, red, green, blue, orange, yellow
b. Violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red
c. Red, orange, yellow, violet, indigo, blue, green
d. Red, yellow, indigo, blue, violet, green, orange

Final answer:

The order of colors after dispersion through a glass prism, from most deviated to least deviated or from shortest to longest wavelength, is Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red. The mnemonic ROY G BIV can help in remembering this order. The shorter the wavelength, the more it is deviated. Therefore, the correct option is B.

Explanation:

When white light passes through a prism, it undergoes a process known as dispersion. During dispersion, the white light is broken down into its constituent wavelengths or colors. This happens because different wavelengths of light are refracted, or bent, at different angles as they pass through the prism.

The order of colors from the most deviated to the least deviated (or from shortest to longest wavelength) is: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red. This order can be remembered using the mnemonic ROY G BIV, as in the question's option b. Therefore, the answer is b. Violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red.

It's important to mention that the color violet (shortest wavelength) represents the most deviation, while the color red (longest wavelength) represents the least deviation. This is because the amount a ray of light is bent or refracted is directly related to its wavelength, with shorter wavelengths being bent more than longer ones.

← The importance of specific gravity in minerals Relief valve keeping propane cylinders safe →