Colour dispersion with a prism

Principle

The aim of this experiment is to investigate the dispersion of light. In the course of this, the students' understanding of the refraction of light on crossing from air to glass or glass to air, respectively, is revised with reference to the dependence of refraction on the colour (wavelength) of light.
In an additional part of the experiment, the question of whether spectral colours can be further split with a prism is investigated. In this way, the physico-historical aspect of the finding of colour dispersion is touched upon.

For elucidation, the following two attempts at explanation should be given:
J.W.v Goethe (1749-1832) "Colours arise from the influence which has been added to the the glass body, so to say, by a pollution of the glass".
Isaac New ton (1663-1729) "Light which produces an impression of white in the eye is put together from many sorts of light which - separately, considered - arouse the sensation of different colours". In this way, it is possible to evaluate the experiment under consideration of the role of experiment in the development of understanding in the natural sciences and for leading to conclusions about the possibility of re-uniting spectral colours.

Benefits

• Multifunctional light box - All-in-one: Can be used for geometric optics on the table, colour mixing and on an optical bench
• Extension with others sets at anytime, no additional light sources needed, recognition value for students

Tasks

White light is made of many colours. Investigate the colour splitting (dispersion) of white light following refraction at a prism.