- #1
Sheldon11
- 8
- 0
Why do we have minimum deviation of prism? physical explanation is needed!
Why do we have minimum deviation of a prism?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of minimum deviation in prisms, seeking both physical and mathematical explanations for this phenomenon. Participants express a desire for clarity on how Snell's law relates to the minimum deviation and the underlying physical principles involved.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants inquire about the physical explanation for minimum deviation in prisms, specifically requesting clarity beyond mathematical formulations.
- One participant emphasizes the importance of Snell's law in understanding the phenomenon but notes that a deeper physical insight is still needed.
- Another participant suggests that drawing diagrams and performing calculations could provide a more intuitive understanding of the minimum deviation.
- There is a recurring request for a non-mathematical explanation, indicating a desire for conceptual understanding rather than technical derivation.
- Some participants express uncertainty about what constitutes a "physical explanation," leading to further questions about the nature of light interaction with materials.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the relevance of Snell's law but have differing views on the sufficiency of mathematical explanations versus physical insights. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to convey the concept of minimum deviation.
Contextual Notes
Some participants indicate that their understanding is limited by the absence of a clear physical explanation, highlighting the challenge of conveying concepts that may not have straightforward intuitive interpretations.
- #2
- 32,819
- 4,723
Sheldon11 said:
Physical explanation: Snell's law.
Mathematical explanation: https://www.usna.edu/Users/physics/mungan/_files/documents/Scholarship/MinimumDeviation.pdf
You should make an effort to describe more of what you KNOW. Otherwise, I have to make a guess that you know what Snell's law is and how to use it. Your question should always be accompanied by a more elaborate explanation.
Zz.
- #3
Sheldon11
- 8
- 0
thank you for your helping :)
- #4
Sheldon11
- 8
- 0
ZapperZ said:
I know about snell's law.. But I cannot figure it the physical explanation properly.. if you could explain it more details, i would be very helpful.
- #5
- 32,819
- 4,723
Sheldon11 said:
The mathematical explanation does not give you an insight into the physical explanation?
Zz.
- #6
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 30,403
- 7,470
@Sheldon11 Even if you don't like Maths too much, you can draw a triangle (prism) and a line for the incident ray. Measure the angle to the normal. Use Snell to find the angle of refraction and draw the line to the next surface, Snell again and you have the exit ray direction. Try for a few different angles and see that there is a minimum. That should be 'physical' enough for anyone.
Sometimes there just isn't a 'physical' explanation for a phenomenon that you can't just feel. Also, when we feel something is 'obvious' , it's often because we are so used to it that we take it for granted. If you do a few spot calculations you will see how the figures work and that can give you a feeling of understanding, which is the most any of us can hope for about any Science.
Sometimes there just isn't a 'physical' explanation for a phenomenon that you can't just feel. Also, when we feel something is 'obvious' , it's often because we are so used to it that we take it for granted. If you do a few spot calculations you will see how the figures work and that can give you a feeling of understanding, which is the most any of us can hope for about any Science.
- #7
Drakkith
Mentor
- 23,205
- 7,687
Sheldon11 said:
What do you mean when you ask for a "physical explanation"? Are you asking how light interacts with glass? Are you asking about how to come up with the derivation? Something else?
- #8
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 30,403
- 7,470
Haha. An explanation that manages not to include any Maths, I think.Drakkith said:
- #9
Sheldon11
- 8
- 0
I think I am getting it right! thank you very much for your thougt! :)
Last edited by a moderator:
- #10
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 30,403
- 7,470
You can be confident that you have got it right if you do some actual calculations. (Sorry but it's true!Sheldon11 said:
)Similar threads
- · Replies 11 ·
Undergrad
Minimum deviation in prism spectroscope
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
High School
Can a magnifying mirror or prism be used somehow as a low-tech reading aid for the visually impaired?
- · Replies 11 ·
- · Replies 9 ·
High School
Wavelength of a laser beam emerging from a prism
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 10 ·
High School
Prism Forming Image: Nature & Types
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 1 ·