Prism (Physics)
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A prism is a transparent solid block with a triangular base.
About Prisms
- Prisms show how white light is made of many different colours.
- The different colours all refract by a different amount, causing them to split.
When white light enters a prism it is split into a spectrum of 7 colours:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Indigo
- Violet
 |
| A diagram of a prism showing how white light is made of the 7 colours of the spectrum. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A prism is a transparent solid block with a triangular base.
About Prisms
- Prisms show how white light is made of many different colours.
- Prisms can be used in spectroscope to perform a chemical analysis.
- The different colours all refract by a different amount, causing them to split.
When white light enters a prism it is split into a spectrum of 7 colours:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Indigo
- Violet
|
| A diagram of a prism showing how white light is made of the 7 colours of the spectrum. |
References
AQA
- Prism, page 226, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Prisms, pages 26, 205, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Prisms, splitting of white light, pages 207-8, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA