Prism — RefractionMediumQuestion 20217
Question
For a prism with apex angle A and minimum deviation D_m, the refractive index is:
- Asin(A/2)/sin((A+D_m)/2)
- Bsin((A+D_m)/2)/sin(A/2)Correct
- Csin(A)/sin(D_m)
- Dn = (A+D_m)/A
Correct answer
sin((A+D_m)/2)/sin(A/2)
Explanation
At minimum deviation (symmetric passage through prism): n = sin[(A+D_m)/2] / sin(A/2). This is the standard prism formula derived from Snell's law applied twice.