Prism Minimum Deviation Angle – Rankers Physics

Refraction by Prism: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): A prism of refracting angle \(60^{\circ}\) is made of a material of refractive index \(\sqrt{2}\) for a certain wavelength. As light of this wavelength passes through the prism, the prism, angle of minimum deviation is \(30^{\circ}\). Reason (R): At minimum deviation, angle of refraction of the first face is \(r_1 = A/2 = 30^{\circ}\).  
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:

For a prism at minimum deviation, the angle of refraction at the first face is \(r_1 = A/2\), where \(A\) is the prism angle. Given \(A = 60^{\circ}\), \(r_1 = 30^{\circ}\). This makes Reason (R) true. Using the prism formula \(n = \frac{sin((A + \delta_m)/2)}{sin(A/2)}\), with \(n=\sqrt{2}\) and \(A=60^{\circ}\), we find \(\delta_m = 30^{\circ}\). Thus, Assertion (A) is also true. Reason (R) provides a key condition used in calculating the minimum deviation, hence it is the correct explanation for (A).

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