Science glossary film: Prism

A transparent object with flat surfaces that refracts light. Prisms are often used to split light into its constituent wavelengths, for example to analyze the emission spectra of stars and galaxies. They are also used in various optical devices to direct light rays around a tight space.

Prisms are often used to split light into its constituent wavelengths, for example to analyze the emission spectra of stars and galaxies. They are also used in various optical devices to direct light rays around a tight space.