Which colour is most affected by a prism during dispersion?

Study for the Key Stage 3 (KS3) Physics Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare to ace your exam!

In the phenomenon of dispersion, a prism separates white light into its constituent colors. This separation occurs because different colors of light have different wavelengths, and the prism refracts each color at a different angle. Violet light has a shorter wavelength compared to the other colors of the visible spectrum.

As light passes through a prism, the shorter wavelengths of light (like violet and blue) are bent more than the longer wavelengths (like red and yellow). Consequently, violet light is refracted the most as it passes through the prism, leading to a greater angular separation from the other colors.

Therefore, the reason violet is most affected during the dispersion process is due to its higher level of refraction compared to other colors, making it spread out more distinctly when white light is passed through a prism.

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