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 [ Return to question menu ] 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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