Wave Dispersion
The phenomenon where wave phase velocity depends on wave frequency or wavelength in a medium.
Governing formula
v_p = f(λ), d²ω/dk² ≠ 0
SI unit
N/A
In depth
In dispersive media, different frequency components travel at different speeds, causing sharp initial wave pulses to spread out and broaden as they travel.
Examples in the real world
Prisms separating white light into rainbow colors because violet light travels slower in glass than red light.