Question

Draw the ray diagram for refraction of light through a glass prism and mark angle of refraction and angle of deviation.

Hint:

Angle of deviation = Angle between incident and emergent rays.

Answer 1

Refraction of Light Through a Glass Prism

When a ray of light passes through a glass prism, it undergoes refraction at both surfaces of the prism. As a result, the ray deviates from its original path. The angle between the direction of the incident ray and the emergent ray is called the angle of deviation (δ).

Important Angles:
i = Angle of incidence
r = Angle of refraction inside the prism
e = Angle of emergence
δ = Angle of deviation

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Ray Diagram:

                 A
                / \
               /   \
              /     \
   Incident  /       \   Emergent
      Ray   /         \    Ray
            /    r      \ 
           /             \
          B---------------C

   i = Angle between incident ray and normal at first surface
   r = Angle of refraction inside prism
   e = Angle between emergent ray and normal at second surface
   δ = Angle between incident ray produced and emergent ray
  

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Explanation of the Diagram:

1. A ray of light strikes one face of the prism at angle i.
2. It bends towards the normal inside the prism, forming angle r (angle of refraction).
3. The ray travels through the prism and strikes the second surface.
4. It bends away from the normal and emerges making angle e.
5. The angle between the direction of the incident ray (produced forward) and the emergent ray is called the angle of deviation (δ).

Conclusion:
In a glass prism, light undergoes refraction at both surfaces, resulting in deviation. The angle of refraction (r) occurs inside the prism, and the angle of deviation (δ) is the overall bending of light from its original path.