Prism -- brightness of a ray of white light as it passes through a prism?

In summary, when a ray of white light passes through a prism, it is separated into a spectrum from red to violet, which has the same profile as the original white ray. The absorption and scattering of light in the glass may have a small influence on the result, but it is negligible in the visible region where there is no significant absorption.
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Judoliam
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What happens to the brightness of a ray of white light as it passes through a prism?
 
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  • #2
Each white ray contain the continuance spectrum with its profile. After it is passed through prism the result is a spectrum from red to violet. This spectrum has a curve, intensity against wave length which is same to white ray profile.
 
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  • #3
abbas_majidi said:
Each white ray contain the continuance spectrum with its profile. After it is passed through prism the result is a spectrum from red to violet. This spectrum has a curve, intensity against wave length which is same to white ray profile.

Yes, modified by the (wavelength dependent) absorption/scattering in the glass.
 
  • #4
Yes. good point. Glass absorption also has influence to result, in here it's negligible because in visible region glass have no important absorption.
 
  • #5
abbas_majidi said:
Yes. good point. Glass absorption also has influence to result, in here it's negligible because in visible region glass have no important absorption.

True enough, the OP did indicate they were talking about white light.
 

Related to Prism -- brightness of a ray of white light as it passes through a prism?

1. What is a prism?

A prism is a transparent optical element with flat faces and angles that refract light, splitting it into its component colors.

2. How does a prism affect the brightness of white light?

A prism disperses white light into its component colors, making the overall light appear less bright due to the separation of the wavelengths.

3. What causes the separation of colors in a prism?

The separation of colors in a prism is caused by the different wavelengths of light being refracted at different angles as they pass through the prism.

4. Can the brightness of a ray of white light be increased when passing through a prism?

No, the overall brightness of white light cannot be increased by passing through a prism because the light is being dispersed into its component colors rather than being amplified.

5. How is the brightness of a ray of white light measured after passing through a prism?

The brightness of a ray of white light can be measured using a photometer or a spectrometer to determine the intensity of each color component and then adding them together to determine the overall brightness.

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