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.

How to Use the Lab

Click and drag the light source on the left to change the angle of the incoming beam.
Use the sliders to change the Prism's Angle and its Material.
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.