Key relationship
nfluid=sin[(A+δmin)/2]/sin(A/2).
Physics · Practical apparatus
Hollow-prism liquid comparison
Use the same prism angle for two fluids and retune incidence for each minimum. The larger-index liquid produces a larger minimum deviation. Prism walls must be accounted for in a real apparatus.
Open the interactive experiment →Hollow-prism liquid comparison
ஒரே காலிப் பட்டகத்தில் திரவங்களை மாற்றி ஒவ்வொன்றின் சிறிய விலகலைத் தேடவும். அதிக n கொண்ட திரவம் அதிக விலகல் தரும்.
Key notes, relationships and model limits
Practical tip
Use the same prism angle for two fluids and retune incidence for each minimum. The larger-index liquid produces a larger minimum deviation. Prism walls must be accounted for in a real apparatus.
Common trap
The minimum incidence shifts when the fluid changes; one fixed angle is insufficient.
Model limits
Fully filled homogeneous fluid; wall effects neglected or already calibrated out. Fluid-index presets are illustrative visible-light values and not precision chemical measurements.
What you will learn
Compare liquid indices using a filled-prism minimum.
Try the experiment
Try both scenarios, change one control, and predict the result before checking the graph and readouts.
Think of it this way
Change one input while keeping the others fixed, as you would in a controlled experiment.
Worked example
A60° and index1.333 gives δmin about23.61°.
Why this matters
The model connects hollow-prism liquid comparison with an observable reading. Check the equation and assumptions before applying it.
Before you start
SI units · algebra · graph reading
Check your understanding
Keeping A fixed, a larger fluid index gives δmin?
- Smaller
- Larger
- Always zero
Read the explanation
The minimum-deviation formula increases with n in the transmission domain.
Course connection: Virtual apparatus preparation. Check exact board/exam membership in the syllabus sources. Physical practical work remains necessary.