What is Dispersion in the context of light?

Dispersion in the context of light specifically refers to the phenomenon where white light is separated into its constituent colors when it passes through a prism. This occurs because different wavelengths of light travel at different speeds when entering a new medium, such as glass. As the light bends upon entering and exiting the prism, the varied wavelengths are refracted at different angles, resulting in a spectrum of colors ranging from red to violet.

This process is fundamental to various optical applications and is often observed in nature, such as in rainbows, where sunlight is dispersed through water droplets in the atmosphere. Understanding dispersion is key in fields involving optics, physics, and even in medical imaging technologies where manipulation of light is essential.