Why does a plane glass not separte light? (but a prism does)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences in how plane glass and prisms separate light. Participants explore the mechanisms of light refraction and the visibility of color separation in different optical elements, focusing on theoretical and conceptual aspects rather than practical applications or coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that plane glass separates light internally, but the rays return to their original angle upon exiting, making the separation invisible.
  • Another participant agrees with this reasoning, indicating that the shape of a prism allows for visible color separation due to the change in exit angles.
  • A different participant mentions that lenses also separate light but introduces the concept of chromatic aberration, implying that this may complicate the separation effect.
  • It is noted that a plane of glass can slightly shift the image, which may contribute to the discussion about its optical effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic premise that prisms visibly separate light due to their shape, while there is some uncertainty about the extent to which plane glass separates light and the implications of chromatic aberration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the nuances of how internal separation in plane glass compares to the visible effects in prisms, nor does it clarify the implications of chromatic aberration on lens performance.

physickkksss
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Hey guys, I think I know the answer but I wanted to confirm...

Is it that a plane glass also separates light (internally) but we can't see it because all the rays get refracted back to its original angle when it comes out

On the other hand, because the shape of a prism, light that exits a prism has been refracted from its original angle, thus we can see the different colors of different frequency

Here is a link that shows light rays going through plane vs prism
http://academic.greensboroday.org/~regesterj/potl/Waves/Refraction/RefractionA.htm


I just wanted to know whether this is the correct reason for why a PRISM is always used to show the separation of light

(not for any coursework, just wondering)

Thanks
 
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That's correct!:smile:
 
cool thanks

:)
 
A lens also separates white light, but it is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromatic_aberration" .

If you look closely at ray diagrams, you see that a plane of glass does shift the image slightly.
 
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