Which of the following figures correctly represents the passage of white light through a prism?

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Answer

To determine which figure correctly represents the passage of white light through a prism, we need to understand the phenomenon of dispersion of light. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Dispersion
When white light passes through a prism, it undergoes a phenomenon known as dispersion. This occurs because different colors (wavelengths) of light refract at different angles when they enter and exit the prism.

**Hint:** Remember that dispersion separates white light into its constituent colors.

### Step 2: Identify the Colors of White Light
White light is made up of seven colors: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. These colors can be remembered using the acronym VIBGYOR.

**Hint:** Recall the order of colors in the visible spectrum.

### Step 3: Analyze the Refraction of Colors
When white light enters a prism, the shorter wavelengths (like violet) bend more than the longer wavelengths (like red). Thus, violet light will deviate the most, and red light will deviate the least.

**Hint:** Consider the relationship between wavelength and refractive index.

### Step 4: Determine the Correct Path of Light
In a correctly represented diagram, white light should enter the prism, split into its component colors, and emerge from the prism with violet at the bottom (most deviated) and red at the top (least deviated).

**Hint:** Visualize how light bends when it passes through different mediums.

### Step 5: Evaluate the Options
Now, we need to evaluate the given figures based on the principles discussed:
- **Option 1:** Shows white light entering the prism and splitting into colors with violet at the bottom and red at the top. This is correct.
- **Option 2:** Incorrectly places red at the bottom and violet at the top, which contradicts the dispersion principle.
- **Option 3:** Shows no dispersion, which is incorrect.
- **Option 4:** Incorrectly depicts the path of light and shows no spectrum.

**Hint:** Compare each option against the principles of dispersion and the expected order of colors.

### Conclusion
The first option correctly represents the passage of white light through a prism, showing the correct order of colors after dispersion.

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