Refractive Index of Prism

Experiment No.1
Object: To determine the refractive index of a prism by using a spectrometer.
Apparatus Required: Spectrometer, prism, mercury vapour lamp, spirit level and reading lens.
Formula Used: The refractive index of the prism is given by the following formula:
sin
2

sin
2
Where A = angle of the prism, δm = angle of minimum deviation.
Procedure: The following initial adjustments of the spectrometer are made first.
• The spectrometer and the prism table are arranged in horizontal position by using the leveling
screws.
• The telescope is turned towards a distant object to receive a clear and sharp image.
• The slit is illuminated by a mercury vapour lamp and the slit and the collimator are suitably
adjusted to receive a narrow, vertical image of the slit.
• The telescope is turned to receive the direct ray, so that the vertical slit coincides with the
vertical crosswire.
(A) Measurement of the angle of the prism:
• Determine the least count of the spectrometer.
• Place the prism on the prism table with its refracting angle A towards the collimator and with
its refracting edge A at the centre. In this case some of the light falling on each face will be
reflected and can be received with the help of the telescope.
• The telescope is moved to one side to receive the light reflected from the face AB and the cross
wires are focused on the image of the slit. The readings of the two verniers are taken.
• The telescope is moved in other side to receive the light reflected from the face AC and again the
cross wires are focused on the image of the slit. The readings of the two verniers are taken.
• The angle through which the telescope is moved; or the difference in the two positions gives
twice of the refracting angle A of the prism. Therefore half of this angle gives the refracting
angle of the prism.
(B) Measurement of the angle of minimum deviations:
• Place the prism so that its centre coincides with the centre of the prism table and light falls on
one of the polished faces and emerges out of the other polished face, after refraction. In this
position the spectrum of light is obtained.
• The spectrum is seen through the telescope and the telescope is adjusted for minimum
deviation position for a particular colour (wavelength) in the following way: Set up telescope at
a particular colour and rotate the prism table in one direction, of course the telescope should be
moved in such a way to keep the spectral line in view. By doing so a position will come where a
spectral line recede in opposite direction although the rotation of the table is continued in the

same direction. The particular position where the spectral line begins to recede in opposite
direction is the minimum deviation position for that colour. Note the readings of two verniers.
• Remove the prism table and bring the telescope in the line of the collimator. See the slit directly
through telescope and coincide the image of slit with vertical crosswire. Note the readings of
the two verniers.
• The difference in minimum deviation position and direct position gives the angle of minimum
deviation for that colour.
• The same procedure is repeated to obtain the angles of minimum deviation for the other
colours.

Figure: Left: Arrangement to determine the angle of prim.
Right: Arrangement to determine the angle of minimum deviation.
Observations:
(i) Value of the one division of the main scale = ……… degrees
Total number of vernier divisions = ……….
Least count of the vernier = ………. degrees = ……… second
(ii) Table for the angle (A) of the prism.
S.No Vernier Telescope reading for reflection Difference Mean A Mean A

from first face from second face θ = a – b = 2A value degrees
MSR VSR TR (a) MSR VSR TR (b) of 2A
1 V1
V2 }
2 V1
V2 }
3 V1
V2 }
MSR = Main Scale Reading, VSR = Vernier Scale Reading, TR = MSR+VSR = Total Reading.

(iii) Table for the angle of minimum deviation (δm).
S.No Colour Vernier Telescope reading Telescope reading Difference Mean value

for minimum for direct image δm = a – b of δm
deviation
MSR VSR TR (a) MSR VSR TR (b)
1 Violet V1
V2 }
2 Yellow V1
V2 }
3 Red V1
V2 }
MSR = Main Scale Reading, VSR = Vernier Scale Reading, TR = MSR+VSR = Total Reading.
Calculations:
Angle of the prism = ………
Angle of minimum deviation for violet = ………..
Refractive index for violet = …………..
Angle of minimum deviation for blue = …………..
Refractive index for yellow = ………….
Angle of minimum deviation for red = ………..
Refractive index for red = …………..
Result: Refractive index for the material of the prism:
S.No Colour Calculated refractive index Standard refractive index % Error

Precautions and sources of error:
(i) The telescope and collimator should be individually set for parallel rays.
(ii) Slit should be as narrow as possible.
(iii) While taking observations, the telescope and prism table should be clamped with the help of
clamping screws.
(iv) Both verniers should be read.
(v) The prism should be properly placed on the prism table for the measurement of angle of the
prism as well as for the angle of minimum deviation.

Refractive Index of Prism

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Refractive Index of Prism

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Refractive Index of Prism

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

S.No Vernier Telescope reading for reflection Difference Mean A Mean A

S.No Colour Vernier Telescope reading Telescope reading Difference Mean value

S.No Colour Calculated refractive index Standard refractive index % Error

You might also like