Prism & Dispersion
Interactive simulation — adjust parameters and watch the visualization update in real time.
How it works
White light is modeled as discrete spectral samples. Cauchy’s relation n(λ) = n₀ + B/λ² captures normal dispersion: shorter wavelengths have a higher refractive index, so each color refracts by a slightly different amount at the two prism surfaces, separating into a spectrum.
Key equations
n(λ) ≈ n₀ + B/λ² (Cauchy, λ in µm)
Snell: n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ at each interface