Finding Expected Lateral Displacement From a Risley Prism

[Pythia]

Homework Statement

Find the expected lateral displacement for a spot of light at a power of 6^{∆}.

Distance from prism to where displacement was measured (b) = 62.2cm.

The following displacements (x) were measured from the power given on the knob of the prism:

3^{∆} = 1.80cm
6^{∆} = 3.51cm

Homework Equations

P = 100\frac{x}{b}

If prisms are at 90° to each other, then resulting power will be 2P (with appropriate displacement). If prisms are at any other angle [0°,90°) then resulting power is 2Psinθ where θ is the angle between the two prism.

The Attempt at a Solution

6^{∆} = 100\frac{x}{62.2cm}

x = 3.73cm

This is comparable to what I recorded, however I'm unsure then why I was told to record the 3^{∆} reading and if the 2P or 2Psinθ parts were needed.

 

[BvU]

Hello Pythia, and welcome to PF.
Am I right in reading $6^{∆}$ as $6^\circ$ (six degrees) ?

It is rather difficult for an outsider to get an idea of what this is about. Could you post some more info, and perhaps a sketch of the situation ?