WHAT IS DISPERSION OF LIGHT ?

 

Definition

Dispersion of light

The phenomenon of splitting of visible light into its component colours is called dispersion. Dispersion of light is caused by the change of speed of light ray (resulting in angle of deviation) of each wavelength by a different amount. 
Note: White light comprises of seven visible colours (VIBGYOR) whereas black (or dark) signifies the absence of light rays.

DIAGRAM

Dispersion by prism

                                 The dispersion of light wave by a prism.

When white light incident on a glass prism, the emergent light is seen to be consisting of several colors(violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red). The red light bends the least, while the violet light bends the most(as shown in figure).

The phenomenon of splitting of light into its component colours is known as dispersion. The pattern of colour components of light is called the spectrum of light.

DEFINITION

Basics Of Dispersion of White Light

When white light is passed through a glass prism it splits up into its component colors (in order Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red). This phenomena of white light splitting up into its constituent colors is termed as dispersion. 

Examples of dispersion in our daily lifes.

• After the rains  we see the rainbow in the sky which is due to the dispersion of the sunlight.
• When the petrol mixes with the water we can see different colors, which is due to dispersion of colors
• Dispersion of colors in soap bubbles.
• Dispersion of colors on CDs.

DEFINITION

Dispersion of light in Daily Life

Examples of dispersion in daily life:

• Rainbow formation
• Petrol poured on water will show different colours.
• Prism splits the light into different colours on passing through it.
• Dispersion of colours in soap bubbles.
• Dispersion of colours on CDs.
  
• Dispersion could be seen from plastic scales.