What is the Correct Equation for Deviation by a Thin Prism?

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The discussion centers on the application of Snell's law in the context of deviation by a thin prism. The original confusion arose from the textbook's definition of the refractive index as "sin(refracted)/sin(incident)," which was deemed incorrect without context. It was clarified that the correct formulation of Snell's law is n1*sin(i1) = n2*sin(i2), applicable when light transitions from air to another medium. The misunderstanding stemmed from not recognizing that the textbook's definition only applies when light enters a medium from air (n = 1). The issue was resolved by understanding the specific conditions under which the refractive index is defined.
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Homework Statement


This really is not a Homework question, but I guess it fits in here. So, according to snell's law the ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of angle of refraction is a constant called refractive index. But, in our textbook while deriving an expression for "Deviation by a thin prism", Snell's law seems to be used incorrectly. They have written "n = sin (refracted)/sin (incident)", which I do not understand, until now. Probably I'm wrong because I'm just a learner. Do you guys have any idea?

Homework Equations


A scan of the derivation, from our textbook:
1zof3g2.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution


I googled, but did not find anything interesting.
 
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General expression for Snell's law is
n1*sini1 = n2*sini2 where 1 suffices indicates the incident medium and suffices 2 indicates refracted medium.
Now apply the law to the face AC of the thin prism ABC.
 
rl.bhat said:
General expression for Snell's law is
n1*sini1 = n2*sini2 where 1 suffices indicates the incident medium and suffices 2 indicates refracted medium.
Now apply the law to the face AC of the thin prism ABC.

RL, I figured it out myself after asking the problem:)

The root of the problem arose from our textbook. They had, at first defined refractive index as "sin i/sin r" but did not mention that it only holds good in the case where a light ray falls from air(n = 1) into another medium. That's where I fell :)

Thanks for your reply.
 
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