Physics
How would the dispersion of light change if the prism is submerged in water instead of air ? Will the spread of the constituent colours remain the same ?
Spectrum
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Answer
When a prism is submerged in water instead of air, the dispersion of light decreases. This is because dispersion depends on the difference in refractive index between the prism material and the surrounding medium.
In air, the difference is large, so light bends more at the surfaces of the prism, causing greater dispersion. In water, the difference is smaller, so light bends less as it enters and exits the prism. As a result, the spread of the constituent colours is reduced.
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