Angular Dispersion of Prisms – Rankers Physics

Refraction by Prism: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): Consider a prism A of refracting angle \(5^0\), and another prism B of refracting angle \(10^0\), . Both prisms are made of crown glass. If white light is incident on each prism, angular dispersion caused by prism B will be more. Reason (R): Dispersive power depends on the nature material.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

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:

Angular dispersion is given by \(\delta = (\mu_v - \mu_r)A\), . Since both prisms are of the same material, \((\mu_v - \mu_r\),), is constant. Prism B has a larger angle (A), \((10^\circ\), vs \(5^\circ\),), so it will cause more angular dispersion, making A true. Dispersive power is indeed a property of the material, so R is true. However, R does not explain why prism B has more dispersion than A, which is due to its larger refracting angle.

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