Physics Review Question

Unit: waves
Year: 1996 Question#: 45
Question: A laser beam does not disperse as it passes through a prism because the laser beam is:
(1 ) Monochromatic
(2 ) Polychromatic
(3 ) Polarized
(4 ) Longitudinal

What is this question really asking?




Explanation by: Mike M

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Answer 1
Monochromatic

CORRECT

This is the correct answer because monochromatic means that the beam is made up of only one color. When passed through a prism, a normal beam of light seperates into the primary colors that it is made of. Since the laser beam does not disperse when it passes through the prism, it is monochromatic. return to top























Answer 2
Polychromatic

INCORRECT

This is an incorrect answer because polychromatic means that the beam is made up of many different colors, and if it were polychromatic, it would disperse when passed through a prism. return to top



























Answer 3
Polarized

INCORRECT

This is incorrect because polarization has to do with lenses blocking out certain orientations of light rays. It has nothing to do with the colors of rays and beams and their seperation. return to top


























Answer 4
Longitudinal

INCORRECT

This is incorrect because longitudinal has to do with the formation of the rays but not their colors and color seperation. return to top


























What's this question really asking?

It is really asking if I understand what the terms mean and how to apply them to situations. It is also asking if I understand the information on a laser beam and on a prism. return to top

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