prism

A prism is a transparent optical object, typically made of glass or plastic, that refracts light. It usually has two triangular bases and rectangular sides. When light passes through a prism, it bends and splits into its component colors, creating a spectrum, like a rainbow. This phenomenon occurs because different colors of light travel at different speeds in the prism material. Prisms are commonly used in tools like spectroscopes, which study light, and in various optical devices, enhancing our understanding of light and color in science and technology.