Question

prism - angle of minimum deviation (δm), angle of prism (a) and refractive index (n21)

Answer 1

In optics, a prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light.

As a ray of light enters the transparent and material, the ray's direction is deflected, based on the entrance angle (typically measured relative to the perpendicular to the surface), the material's refractive index, and according to Snell's law. A beam passing through an object like a prism or water drop is deflected twice: once entering, and again when exiting. The sum of these two deflections is called the deviation angle.

The deviation angle in a prism depends upon:

Refractive index of the prism: The refractive index depends on the material and the wave length of the light. The larger the refractive index, the larger the deviation angle.

Angle of the prism: The larger the prism angle, the larger the deviation angle.