How does a prism primarily affect light passing through it?

A prism primarily bends and disperses light due to its geometric shape and the properties of the materials from which it is made. When light enters a prism, it encounters a boundary between air and the prism material, which causes the light to change speed and direction—a phenomenon known as refraction. This bending of light occurs because different wavelengths (colors) of light travel at different speeds in transparent materials, leading to dispersion, where the light separates into its constituent colors (like in a rainbow) as it exits the prism.

The unique angles of the prism also enhance this effect, allowing for a distinct separation of colors rather than merely a simple bending of light. This principle is foundational in optics and is responsible for the rainbow effect seen when sunlight passes through a prism. Thus, the correct choice accurately captures the behavior of light as it interacts with a prism, emphasizing both bending and dispersion.