For a prism of prism angle θ=60∘, the refractive indices of the left half and the right half are, respectively, n1 and n2(n2≥n1) as shown in the figure. The angle of incidence i is chosen such that the incident light rays will have minimum deviation if n1=n2=n=1.5. For the case of unequal refractive indices, n1=n and n2=n+Δn (where Δn≪n ), the angle of emergence e=i+Δe. Which of the following statement(s) is (are) correct ?
(A)The value of Δe (in radians) is greater than that of Δn
(B)Δe is proportional to Δn✓ Correct
(C)Δe lies between 2.0 and 3.0 milliradians, if Δn=2.8×10−3✓ Correct
(D)Δe lies between 1.0 and 1.6 milliradians, if Δn=2.8×10−3
Answer: (B), (C)
Solution
At minimum deviation for a symmetric prism with A=60∘, the ray passes symmetrically:
sini=nsin(A/2)=1.5×sin30∘=1.5×0.5=0.75
i=sin−1(0.75)
At the exit face, applying Snell's law:
n1sin30∘=1×sine
sine=2n1
Differentiating:
dnsin30∘=decose
de=2cosedn
For n=1.5, sine=0.75, so cose=1−0.752=7/4
de=2×7/4dn=72dn
Since 72≈0.756<1, we have de<dn, so (A) is incorrect.