Why Refractive Index Varies with Wavelength of Light

AI Thread Summary
The refractive index of light varies with wavelength due to the different energies associated with each wavelength, affecting their speed in a medium. This variation leads to dispersion when white light passes through a prism, causing different wavelengths to refract at different angles. Atoms in the medium interact differently with varying frequencies of light, resulting in this phenomenon. While textbooks like Eugene Hecht's "Optics" provide some insight, a simpler explanation is sought for better understanding. Ultimately, the relationship between light's wavelength and refractive index is crucial for explaining optical behaviors.
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Homework Statement



We learn from school that when we shine white light through a prism, dispersion occurs. This is because the light of varying wavelengths are refracted to a different extent due to how refractive index varies with the wavelength of light. So why does refractive index vary with wavelength?

Homework Equations



E = hf?

The Attempt at a Solution



Light of varying wavelengths have different amounts of energy. As such it is logical that they would travel at different speeds in a particular medium and be refracted to a different extent. However, it is not a very technical explanation and isn't entirely coherent. I read something about it in a textbook. However, I didn't quite understand ti. Is there any simple explanation for this phenomena?
 
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There's a brief chapter in Eugene Hecht book "Optics" which explain it. I hope it might help.

Best regards
 
because atoms respond differently to different frequencies.
 

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