Dispersion of Light

Most recent answer: 07/23/2011

Q:
What is the purpose of the dispersion of light. What is the purpose of studying the dispersion of light.
- Amino Nicky (age 27)
Benin, edo state Nigeria
A:
Amino- I've combined your two questions for convenience.

We have no idea what the purpose, if any, might be for any physical effect, including the dispersion of light.

There are many reasons, however, to study these effects. For example, by studying the dispersion of light in different materials one can find out how to build lenses which do a good job of focusing different colors of light to the same image plane.

Mike W.

(published on 07/23/2011)