Question

Two monochromatic rays of light are incident normally on the face AB of an isosceles right-angled prism ABC. The refractive indices of the glass prism for the two rays '1' and '2' are respectively 1.35 and 1.45. Trace the path of these rays after entering the prism.

Answer 1

Critical angle of ray 1:

`sin(c_1)=1/mu_1=1/1.35`

`=>c_1=sin^(-1)(1/1.35)=47.73^@`

Similarly, critical angle of ray 2:

`sin(c_2)=1/mu_1=1/1.45`

`=>c_2=sin^(-1)(1/1.45)=43.6^@`

Both the rays will fall on the side AC with angle of incidence (i) equal to 45°. Critical angle of ray 1 is greater than that of i. Hence, it will emerge from the prism, as shown in the figure. Critical angle of ray 2 is less than that of i. Hence, it will be internally reflected, as shown in the figure.