Q211 / 240 · KCET 2026 · Physics

From the graph of angle of deviation versus angle of incidence for an equilateral prism, the refractive index of material of prism is
Figure

  • A
    $\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$
  • B
    $\dfrac{3}{2}$
  • Correct answer
    C
    $\sqrt{3}$
  • D
    $\sqrt{2}$

Solution

For an equilateral prism, the angle of the prism is $A = 60^\circ$.

From the given graph of angle of deviation ($\delta$) versus angle of incidence ($i$), the minimum angle of deviation is $\delta_m = 60^\circ$ which occurs at $i = 60^\circ$.

The refractive index ($\mu$) of the material of the prism is given by the formula:
$\mu = \dfrac{\sin\left(\dfrac{A + \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\dfrac{A}{2}\right)}$

Substituting the values of $A$ and $\delta_m$:
$\mu = \dfrac{\sin\left(\dfrac{60^\circ + 60^\circ}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\dfrac{60^\circ}{2}\right)}$

$\mu = \dfrac{\sin(60^\circ)}{\sin(30^\circ)}$

$\mu = \dfrac{\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{\dfrac{1}{2}}$

$\mu = \sqrt{3}$

Answer: $\sqrt{3}$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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