Dispersion has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some of the meanings of dispersion:
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Statistics: Dispersion in statistics refers to the extent to which numerical data is likely to vary about an average value. It helps to understand the distribution of the data and shows how squeezed or scattered the variable is. Measures of dispersion in statistics include range, variance, mean deviation, and standard deviation.
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Physics: Dispersion in physics refers to the separation of light into colors by refraction or diffraction with the formation of a spectrum. It can also refer to the separation of radiation into components in accordance with some varying characteristic such as energy.
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Chemistry: Dispersion in chemistry refers to a dispersed substance or a system consisting of a dispersed substance and the medium in which it is dispersed. A colloidal solution is a dispersion of a solid substance in a fluid medium.
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General: Dispersion can also refer to the process of distributing something over an area or the act of spreading something. For example, the dispersion of daffodils over a yard or the dispersion of sprinkles evenly over cupcakes.
In summary, dispersion refers to the extent of variation or spread of something, whether it is numerical data, light, radiation, or a substance.
