The distinctiveness of each color in the spectrum is determined by the fact that different colors of light bend through different angles as they pass through a prism. The variation in bending angles causes the rays of each color to follow different paths, resulting in the separation of colors in the spectrum.
What determines the distinctiveness of each color in the band of colors observed in a spectrum formed by a prism?
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The distinctiveness of each color in a spectrum formed by a prism is determined by the wavelength of light. Each color corresponds to a specific wavelength within the electromagnetic spectrum. Shorter wavelengths, such as violet and blue, are bent more sharply than longer wavelengths like red and orange. This dispersion results in the spatial separation of colors, creating the distinct bands in the spectrum. The unique wavelength of each color contributes to its characteristic position in the spectrum, allowing for the visual representation of the continuous range of colors present in white light.