Physics Review Question

Unit: optics
Year: 1993 Question#: 93
Question: The diagram below shows the refraction of the blue and red components of white light beam.










(1 ) total internal reflection
(2 ) critical angle reflection
(3 ) spherical aberration
(4 ) chromatic aberration
What is this question really asking?




Explanation by: JM
[ Return to question menu ]













Answer 1
total internal reflection

incorrect

total internal reflection dose not change colors when light travels through. return to top





Answer 2
critical angle reflection

incorrect

this is not a diagram for critical angle. return to top



























Answer 3
spherical aberration

incorrect

Spherical aberration does occur with lenses, but it does not occur because of color. Rays that strike the outer points of a lens do not quite refract to the same point as other rays. return to top


























Answer 4
chromatic aberration

correct

Remember that "chroma" has to do with light. White light disperses (breaks into colors) whenever it refracts. return to top


























What's this question really asking?

Why does white light become blue and red when it travels through the lens?
return to top

[Physics Lessons]  [Physics Review]  [Physics Links]

This web site is designed and maintained by Science Joy Wagon and may not be reproduced or redistributed without written permission from Science Joy Wagon.
Contact with comments.