A prism is a transparent optical element that has flat, polished surfaces. It is typically made of glass or plastic and is used to refract light, which means it bends the light rays as they pass through. This bending of light can separate white light into its component colors, creating a spectrum, which is often seen in rainbows. Prisms come in various shapes, but the most common type is the triangular prism. When light enters one face of the prism and exits through another, it creates a beautiful display of colors. Prisms are widely used in scientific instruments, such as spectrometers, and in everyday items like binoculars.