Spectra refers to the range of different colors produced when light is dispersed, such as through a prism. This phenomenon occurs because different wavelengths of light are bent by varying amounts, creating a spectrum that includes colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. In scientific contexts, spectra can also refer to the analysis of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by substances. This is commonly used in fields like astronomy and chemistry to identify materials and understand their properties based on their unique spectral signatures.