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College Physics (Urone)
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College Physics (Urone)

College Physics (Urone)

Book edition 1st Edition
Author(s) Paul Peter Urone
Pages 1272 pages
ISBN 9781938168000

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Short Answer

A high-quality diamond may be quite clear and colourless, transmitting all visible wavelengths with little absorption. Explain how it can sparkle with flashes of brilliant colour when illuminated by white light

However, the cause of the brilliant color flashes observed in the diamond is due to the fact that the diamond refracts each color in white light differently; thus, refraction is the cause of those brilliant colors.

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Step by Step Solution

TABLE OF CONTENTS :
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step 1: Definition of wavelengths

The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave is defined as its wavelength. It is measured in the wave's direction.

Step 2: Explanation

The way the diamond is cut is what makes it sparkle; a mined diamond is a transparent rock that does not sparkle; the way the craftsman shapes the diamond is what makes it sparkle.

Whereas white is made up of many colors, each of which has a different refractive index inside the diamond. As a result, each of those colors is refracted at a different angle, and a perfectly cut diamond functions similarly to a prism, trapping those different colors and allowing you to see the sparkle.

However, the cause of the brilliant color flashes observed in the diamond is due to the fact that the diamond refracts each color in white light differently; thus, refraction is the cause of those brilliant colors.

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