Rankers Physics

Refraction by Prism: Practice Problem & Solution

A ray is incident at an angle of incidence i on one surface of a small angle prism (with angle of prism A) and emerges normally from the opposite surface. If the refractive index of the material of the prism is m, then the angle of incidence is nearly equal to : (2020)
$\frac{2A}{\mu}$
$\mu A$
$\frac{2A}{2}$
$\frac{A}{2\mu}$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Refraction by Prism. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Since the ray emerges normally, the angle of emergence $e = 0$, which implies $r_2 = 0$. For a prism, $r_1 + r_2 = A$, so $r_1 = A$. Using Snell's law for small angles, $i = \mu r_1$, which gives $i = \mu A$.

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