How to Detect Wavelengths

The electromagnetic spectum consists of radiation at different wavelengths. Within this spectrum, well-known types of waves can be found, such as radio waves, microwaves and light. Light takes up only a small amount of the electromagnetic spectrum, at wavelengths between 0.4 and 0.7 micrometers. Each of the wavelengths within this region of the spectrum consists of a different color. For example, the color red has a wavelength of 0.7 micrometers. White light consists of a mixture of these wavelengths, and it can be broken down into its constituent wavelengths (colors), and detected using a prism.

Things You'll Need

• White light source
• Prism
• Optical bench

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Plug the white light source into a power socket and place it on to the optical bench.

   • 2

     Place the prism onto the optical bench. Orient the prism so that one of its sides faces the white light source.

   • 3

     Switch on the white light source. The white light should travel through the prism and be broken down into its constituent wavelengths. On the other side of the prism a range of different colors that resembles a rainbow should be seen. Each color represents an individual wavelength within the visible spectrum.