Refraction Through a Prism
Refraction through a prism occurs when light passes through the prism and bends due to the
change in the medium's optical density.
This bending happens at the surfaces of the prism because of the principle of refraction, described
by Snell's Law.
1. Entry of Light into the Prism (First Refraction):
- When light enters the prism at an angle, it moves from a less dense medium (air) to a denser
medium (glass or any other transparent material of the prism).
- According to Snell's Law, n1 * sin(theta1) = n2 * sin(theta2), where n1 and n2 are the refractive
indices of air and the prism material, respectively, and theta1 and theta2 are the angles of incidence
and refraction.
- The light bends toward the normal because the prism material is optically denser than air.
2. Inside the Prism:
- Once inside, the light travels in a straight line until it reaches the second surface of the prism.
- The direction of the light ray within the prism depends on the angle of incidence and the shape of
the prism.
3. Exit of Light from the Prism (Second Refraction):
- When the light ray exits the prism, it moves from the denser medium (glass) back into the less
dense medium (air).
- At this point, the light bends away from the normal as it transitions to a less dense medium.
Refraction through a prism occurs when light passes through the prism and bends due to the
change in the medium's optical density.
This bending happens at the surfaces of the prism because of the principle of refraction, described
by Snell's Law.
1. Entry of Light into the Prism (First Refraction):
- When light enters the prism at an angle, it moves from a less dense medium (air) to a denser
medium (glass or any other transparent material of the prism).
- According to Snell's Law, n1 * sin(theta1) = n2 * sin(theta2), where n1 and n2 are the refractive
indices of air and the prism material, respectively, and theta1 and theta2 are the angles of incidence
and refraction.
- The light bends toward the normal because the prism material is optically denser than air.
2. Inside the Prism:
- Once inside, the light travels in a straight line until it reaches the second surface of the prism.
- The direction of the light ray within the prism depends on the angle of incidence and the shape of
the prism.
3. Exit of Light from the Prism (Second Refraction):
- When the light ray exits the prism, it moves from the denser medium (glass) back into the less
dense medium (air).
- At this point, the light bends away from the normal as it transitions to a less dense medium.
