- #1
Sheldon11
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Why do we have minimum deviation of prism? physical explanation is needed!
B Why do we have minimum deviation of a prism?
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The discussion centers on understanding the concept of minimum deviation in prisms, emphasizing the need for a physical explanation alongside mathematical principles like Snell's law. Participants express a desire for clarity on how light interacts with prisms without relying heavily on mathematics. Practical suggestions include drawing diagrams and performing calculations to visualize the phenomenon. The conversation highlights that sometimes, intuitive understanding may not align with mathematical explanations, and hands-on experimentation can enhance comprehension. Overall, grasping the minimum deviation involves both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- #2
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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
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thank you for your helping :)
- #4
Sheldon11
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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
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Sheldon11 said:
The mathematical explanation does not give you an insight into the physical explanation?
Zz.
- #6
sophiecentaur
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@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
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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
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Haha. An explanation that manages not to include any Maths, I think.Drakkith said:
- #9
Sheldon11
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I think I am getting it right! thank you very much for your thougt! :)
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- #10
sophiecentaur
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You can be confident that you have got it right if you do some actual calculations. (Sorry but it's true!Sheldon11 said:
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