Explain dispersive and non-dispersive medium.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) medium is called $dispersive$ if the refractive index of the medium depends on the wavelength of light. In such a medium,different colors (wavelengths) travel at different speeds,causing light to disperse into its constituent colors.
$A$ medium is called $non-dispersive$ if the refractive index of the medium is independent of the wavelength of light. In such a medium,all colors travel at the same speed.
$1$. $Non-dispersive$ medium: Vacuum (or air,approximately) is a $non-dispersive$ medium. This is why sunlight reaches us as white light rather than separated colors.
$2$. $Dispersive$ medium: Glass or water are examples of $dispersive$ media,as they cause the separation of white light into its spectrum (dispersion).

Explore More

Similar Questions

If the refractive indices of a prism for red,yellow,and violet colours are $1.61$,$1.63$,and $1.65$ respectively,then the dispersive power of the prism will be:

Explain the dispersion of white light.

$A$ convex lens,a glass slab,a glass prism,and a solid sphere are all made of the same glass. The dispersive power will be:

The refractive index of flint glass for blue light is $1.6333$ and for red light is $1.6161$. Calculate the dispersive power of the prism,assuming the mean refractive index is approximately the average of the two given values.

The angle of a prism is $10^o$. The refractive indices for red and violet colours are $1.51$ and $1.52$ respectively. Find the dispersive power.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo