Experiment - 03

AIM :- To determine angle of minimum deviation for a given prism by plotting a graph between angle
of incidence and angle of deviation.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:- Prism, drawing board, white paper, needles, protector, graph paper and
meter scale.
PRINCIPLE:- When a light ray falls on one face of a prism, then after refractions on two faces, it emerges
out of the prism.
The angle between the incident ray and the emergent ray is called the angle of deviation (𝛿). The
angle of deviation due to a prism depends upon the angle of incidence. On increasing the angle of
incidence, the angle of deviation first decreases, becomes minimum for some value of angle of incidence
and then begins to increase. The angle of minimum deviation (𝛿𝑚 ) is different for different prism
geometries, prism materials etc. In terms of prism angle (A) and angle of minimum deviation (𝛿𝑚 ), the
refractive index of prism material is given by
𝐴+𝛿
sin ( 2 𝑚 )
[𝑛 = ]
𝐴
sin ( 2 )
Observation :-
Table for angles of incidence (𝒊) and angles of deviation
(𝜹):
S. No. Angle of Incidence (i) Angle of Deviation (𝛿)
1. 𝟑𝟎°
2. 𝟑𝟓°
3. 𝟒𝟎°
4. 𝟒𝟓°
5. 𝟓𝟎°
6. 𝟓𝟓°
On the graph paper, draw the curve between the values of angles of incidence (30°, 35°, 40°, … )
and angles of deviations (𝛿1 , 𝛿2 , 𝛿3 , … ) determined above. The curve similar to that shown in fig. is
obtained. The minimum value of angle of deviation is read on the curve.
RESULT :- From the graph, angle of minimum deviation
(𝛿𝑚 )=
PRECAUTIONS:-
1. The needles must be inserted vertical and at distances of
80-10cm.
2. The angle of incidence should not kept less than 30°.
3. The faces of Prism must be properly clean so that the image
formed may be bright.
4. The refracting surfaces of prism should not be touched
with hands. Prism should be handled by the edges.