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To investigate the dependence of the angle of deviation on the angle of
incidence using a hollow prism filled, one by one, with different
transparent fluids
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Principle / Theory:
When a ray of light passes through a prism, it is refracted twice—once while
entering and once while emerging from the prism.
The angle of deviation (D) is the angle between the incident ray and the
emergent ray.
Mathematically,
� = Angle of incidence
� = Angle of emergence
� = Angle of the prism
At a certain angle of incidence, the deviation is minimum and is called the
angle of minimum deviation (Dₘ).
For that condition, the refracted ray passes symmetrically through the prism,
and
Different fluids have different refractive indices, so their deviation patterns
will also differ.
Construction (with labeled diagram):
A hollow prism made of glass is used. The sides of the prism can be filled
with different transparent liquids. The prism is placed on a drawing sheet
fixed on a board.
Labelled Diagram (Description):
Draw a prism ABC with angle A as the prism angle.
Incident ray PQ strikes face AB at angle of incidence
Refracted ray QR passes inside the prism.
Emergent ray RS comes out from face AC making an angle of emergence
Angle between incident and emergent ray is the deviation
(You can draw this easily with scale and protractor — typical prism diagram
with labels A, B, C, i, e, D.)
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Working:
Place the hollow prism on a drawing sheet and mark its outline (ABC).
Mark a line for the incident ray at an angle (e.g., 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, etc.).
Fill the prism with water using a dropper.
Fix two pins vertically along the incident ray.
Observe the emergent ray and fix two pins such that they appear to lie in a
straight line with the refracted ray emerging from the prism.
Remove the prism and join pin points to draw the refracted and emergent
rays.
Measure the angle of deviation (D) between the incident and emergent rays.
Repeat the same for other angles of incidence.
Repeat the experiment by filling kerosene and glycerine instead of water.
Observations:
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Calculations:
For each fluid, plot a graph between angle of incidence (i) and angle of
deviation (D).
From the graph, note the minimum deviation (Dₘ) for each fluid.
Then calculate refractive index using:
Example:
For Water, �, �
Similarly, find μ for kerosene and glycerine.
Results / Conclusions:
The angle of deviation first decreases with increasing angle of incidence,
reaches a minimum, and then increases again.
The minimum deviation depends on the refractive index of the liquid.
The refractive indices (approximate values):
Water ≈ 1.48
Kerosene ≈ 1.44
Glycerine ≈ 1.47
Hence, the deviation increases with increase in refractive index of the fluid.
Applications:
○ Used in designing prisms and lenses with specific refractive properties.
○ Helps determine refractive index of unknown transparent liquids.
○ Important in optical instruments like spectrometers, cameras, and
microscopes.
○ Helps understand refraction behavior in different media (used in
physics and chemistry labs).
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Graph:
Graph between Angle of Incidence (i) and Angle of Deviation (D)
X-axis → Angle of incidence (°)
Y-axis → Angle of deviation (°)
Curve shape → V-shaped (minimum point corresponds to Dₘ)
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References / Bibliography:
● NCERT Physics Textbook, Class XII – Part II
● Comprehensive Practical Physics – Laxmi Publications
● S.L. Arora: Modern’s ABC of Practical Physics
● [Link]
● CBSE Lab Manual, Class 12
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