Consider the following statements about white light: 1. Sunlight is referred to as monochromatic light. 2. White light consists of seven colors. 3. A prism can be used to split white light into its constituent colors. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation White light is a form of polychromatic light, meaning it is composed of multiple wavelengths across the visible spectrum. The separation of visible light into its different colors is known as dispersion. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The term "monochromatic" (mono = single, chroma = color) refers to light consisting of a single wavelength or frequency. Sunlight is polychromatic because it contains a mixture of all visible wavelengths. - Statement 2 is Correct: White light is a combination of seven primary spectral colors: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red (VIBGYOR). This composite nature was famously demonstrated by Isaac Newton. - Statement 3 is Correct: A prism splits white light into its constituent colors through the process of dispersion. This occurs because the refractive index of the glass prism varies for different wavelengths; violet light (shorter wavelength) bends the most, while red light (longer wavelength) bends the least. Key Takeaway: White light is not monochromatic but a mixture of seven colors. Dispersion occurs in a prism because different colors travel at different speeds within the medium, causing them to refract at different angles.

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 2: Light

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements about white light:

Sunlight is referred to as monochromatic light.
White light consists of seven colors.
A prism can be used to split white light into its constituent colors.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2, and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

White light is a form of polychromatic light, meaning it is composed of multiple wavelengths across the visible spectrum. The separation of visible light into its different colors is known as dispersion.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The term "monochromatic" (mono = single, chroma = color) refers to light consisting of a single wavelength or frequency. Sunlight is polychromatic because it contains a mixture of all visible wavelengths.
Statement 2 is Correct: White light is a combination of seven primary spectral colors: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red (VIBGYOR). This composite nature was famously demonstrated by Isaac Newton.
Statement 3 is Correct: A prism splits white light into its constituent colors through the process of dispersion. This occurs because the refractive index of the glass prism varies for different wavelengths; violet light (shorter wavelength) bends the most, while red light (longer wavelength) bends the least.

Key Takeaway: White light is not monochromatic but a mixture of seven colors. Dispersion occurs in a prism because different colors travel at different speeds within the medium, causing them to refract at different angles.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Light

Consider the following statements regarding the reflection of light: 1. Only glass surfaces can change the direction of light falling on them. 2. A polished or shiny surface can act as a mirror. 3. The surface of water absorbs all light and cannot act as a mirror. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the distance of an image in a plane mirror: 1. The image is formed at the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it. 2. If an object is moved closer to the mirror, the image moves farther away from the mirror. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The optical phenomenon where the left side of an object appears as the right side in a plane mirror is known as:

easy

Consider the following statements about spherical mirrors: 1. If the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is concave, it is called a concave mirror. 2. The outer surface of a steel spoon acts as a concave mirror. 3. The inner surface of a cut rubber ball represents a concave surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the image formed by a concave mirror: 1. A concave mirror can only form real images and never virtual images. 2. When the object is placed very close to the mirror, the image formed is erect and magnified. 3. It forms a real image when the object is placed at a large distance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The term "monochromatic" (mono = single, chroma = color) refers to light consisting of a single wavelength or frequency. Sunlight is polychromatic because it contains a mixture of all visible wavelengths.
Statement 2 is Correct: White light is a combination of seven primary spectral colors: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red (VIBGYOR). This composite nature was famously demonstrated by Isaac Newton.
Statement 3 is Correct: A prism splits white light into its constituent colors through the process of dispersion. This occurs because the refractive index of the glass prism varies for different wavelengths; violet light (shorter wavelength) bends the most, while red light (longer wavelength) bends the least.