When the index of refraction of a transparent material varies with wavelength, the material exhibits
A) density variation.
B) reflection.
C) polarization.
D) total internal reflection.
E) dispersion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dispersion occurs when the index of refraction of a material varies with the wavelength of light, causing different colors of light to bend at different angles as they pass through the material. This phenomenon is responsible for the splitting of white light into its constituent colors by a prism.

When the Index of Refraction of a Transparent Material Varies