What term describes the separation of white light into its spectral colors?

The term that describes the separation of white light into its spectral colors is "Dispersion." This phenomenon occurs when light passes through a medium, such as a prism, which causes the different wavelengths of light to bend at different angles. Because each color in the spectrum has a unique wavelength, this bending results in the distinct separation into a continuum of colors, commonly represented as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Dispersion is key in understanding how diamonds and other gemstones exhibit their beautiful colors and flashes of light, often referred to as their "fire." When white light enters a diamond, it experiences dispersion, allowing for the vibrant colors seen when the light exits the stone.

The other terms relate to different processes involving light:

• Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another at an angle, but does not specifically address the separation into colors.

• Reflection involves light bouncing off a surface, which does not lead to the separation of colors.

• Transmission pertains to light passing through a material without being absorbed, but does not necessarily involve the separation into spectral colors.

Understanding dispersion is crucial for appreciating how light interacts with gemstones and contributes to their overall visual appeal.