Prisms and refraction

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XOT

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Hi all,

My question is about how light with decreased wavelength (violet) is said to "refract more" than light with increased wavelength (red). The way I understand it, is that decreased wavelength leads to increased n (index of refraction),which in turn leads to decreased angle of refraction. So how is a decreased angle of refraction (less bend from the normal surface) equal to "more refraction" inside the prism?

Thanks for your help.

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Hi all,

My question is about how light with decreased wavelength (violet) is said to "refract more" than light with increased wavelength (red). The way I understand it, is that decreased wavelength leads to increased n (index of refraction),which in turn leads to decreased angle of refraction. So how is a decreased angle of refraction (less bend from the normal surface) equal to "more refraction" inside the prism?

Thanks for your help.

I think the incorrect part is in bold. Plus, my understanding is that n is a constant for a particular material.
 
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