Concept explainers
A prism bends blue light more than red. Is the same true of a diffraction grating?
Answer to Problem 1FTD
Explanation of Solution
The prism works because of refraction while diffraction grating works on the principle of diffraction. In refraction lower wavelength bends more than higher wavelength lights.
This is the reason why prism bends blue light more than red. However, in diffraction higher wavelengths bend more than lower wavelengths. Thus in diffraction grating red lights bends more than blue light.
Conclusion:
In diffraction grating red lights bend more than blue light.
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