Chapter 29, Problem 23A

Why does blue light refract at greater angles than red light in transparent materials?

To determine

To Explain: The blue light refracts at greater angles than the red light in transparent materials. 

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: 

The wavelength of light is an important criterion to determine the amount of refraction through transparent materials. The light that has a low wavelength can refract more. 

Explanation: 

The amount of refraction of light depends on the wavelength of the light. More refraction occurs with a smaller wavelength. 

Generally, different colors of light have different wavelengths and they travel at different speeds in transparent materials. The blue light travels with the lower speed in the transparent materials as compared to that of the red light. So, blue light bends at sharp angles when passes through these materials. Therefore, the blue light gets refracted at greater angles than the red light. 

Conclusion: 

Due to the short wavelength of the blue light, it refracts at greater angles than the red light in transparent materials.