When a beam of white light passes through a glass prism, the colour of

When a beam of white light passes through a glass prism, the colour of light beam that deviates the least is

Blue
Red
Green
Violet
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2019
The correct option is B) Red. When white light passes through a glass prism, red light deviates the least.
– When white light passes through a prism, it undergoes dispersion, splitting into its constituent colors because the refractive index of the prism material is different for different wavelengths (colors) of light.
– This phenomenon is called dispersion. The spectrum of white light in order of increasing wavelength (and decreasing frequency) is Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red (VIBGYOR).
– The deviation experienced by light passing through a prism is related to the refractive index of the material for that color. Generally, refractive index decreases with increasing wavelength.
– Longer wavelengths (like red) are refracted less, meaning they deviate less from their original path.
– Shorter wavelengths (like violet) are refracted more, meaning they deviate the most.
– Therefore, red light deviates the least, and violet light deviates the most.
The angle of deviation (δ) for a prism is related to the angle of incidence, angle of the prism (A), and the refractive index (μ) of the prism material by complex formulas, but generally, for a given prism angle and angle of incidence, a higher refractive index leads to a greater angle of deviation. Since μ is higher for shorter wavelengths (violet) and lower for longer wavelengths (red), violet deviates more than red. This is why the colors are separated when white light passes through a prism.