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For K-12 Students · Prism Dispersion

Prism Dispersion for a beam splitter

Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a beam splitter live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Prism DispersionLive

refraction varies with wavelength

Controls

A prism bends violet light more than red because the refractive index depends on wavelength — splitting white light into a rainbow, exactly as Newton showed.

Presets

Dispersion strength

Exit angle

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Colors7 (ROYGBIV)

Causen(λ) dispersion

Most bentviolet

Snell's law of refraction

n_{1} sin θ_{1} = n_{2} sin θ_{2} : 1.00 sin 3 5^{\circ} = 1.55 sin θ_{2} \Rightarrow θ_{2} = 21. 7^{\circ}

Reading this result: At 1× dispersion and a 35° exit angle, each wavelength refracts by a slightly different amount, splitting white light into an ordered ROYGBIV band.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for k-12 students?: Yes — this version of "Prism Dispersion for a beam splitter" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.