Physics Demo Number: 058

Approximate Run Time: 5 min

Show that Laser Light is Not Broken Up Into A Spectrum With a Prism

Demo Description

Similar to experiment #57, but instead of a projector's white light being converted into a spectrum, this demo shows that laser light when passed through a prism cannot be further dispersed into a spectrum of different colors.
1
2

Scientific Principles

  • Dispersion Spectrum possible for White Light

  • Laser Light is One Wavelength Only

 

Equipment

  • Laser light

  • Metal Laser Stand

  • Prisms and stand from Kit (057)

 

Equipment Location

  • The Laser apparatus is stored in [C-2-4]

  • Kit (057) on [C-3-3]

Instructions

By substituting the laser source (picture 1) for the white light slit projector in experiment #57 (picture 2), one shows that single colors cannot be broken down further by the action of a prism.

 
Writeup created by David A. Burba
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