Question

We use flint glass prism to disperse polychromatic light because light of different colors:

• A. Travel with same speed
• B. Travel with same speed but deviate differently due to the shape of the prism
• C. Have different anisotropic properties while travelling through prism
• D. Travel with different speeds

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Have different anisotropic properties while travelling through prism

Polychromatic light:

1. It is a source of light that produces light of several wavelengths and hence produces several colours.
2. For example White light is called polychromatic because it is a combination of different wavelengths.

Flint glass prism:

1. It has high refractive index.
2. There is high dispersion of light through it.

The explanation for the correct option:

1. To disperse polychromatic light, a flint glass prism is generally used.
2. It is because the light of different colours has different anisotropic properties while travelling through a prism.

Hence, the correct option is an option (C).

The explanation for the incorrect option:

1. Lights of different colours have different wavelengths and hence different speeds
2. In flint glass prism, light travels at different speeds but they deviate due to its high refractive index.

Hence, option (A), (B), and (D) is incorrect.