Interactive Prism Lab

Discover how a prism splits white light into a rainbow through dispersion.

What is Dispersion?

Dispersion is the splitting of light. This happens because the refractive index ($n$) of a material is slightly different for each color. Violet light bends more than red light, and a prism's angles make this difference obvious.

What to look for

Violet light bends the most and red the least: that is dispersion.
The Analysis panel will explain what's happening in real time.
Observe the Normal lines and labeled angles to understand refraction.

Controls

Prism Angle: 60°

Prism Material (Avg. n): 1.52

Flint Glass (~1.65), Crown Glass (~1.52), Water (~1.33)

Analysis

Drag the light source to aim it at the prism.