Prisms and diffraction gratings can both
A) invert a light ray's frequency and wavelength
B) change sunlight into a single color.
C) slow down light to a few meters per second, if used back-to-back.
D) break the incoming light beam into its constituent colors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prisms and diffraction gratings both have the ability to refract light, which causes the light to separate into its different wavelengths (colors). This is known as dispersion, and it is what allows prisms and diffraction gratings to break light into its constituent colors. Therefore, the correct answer is D (break the incoming light beam into its constituent colors). A, B, and C are all incorrect as prisms and diffraction gratings do not have the ability to invert a light ray's frequency and wavelength, change sunlight into a single color, or slow down light to a few meters per second.

Prisms and Diffraction Gratings Can Both