Prism Dispersion Calculator
Prism Deviation Angle
Calculate the angle of deviation for light passing through a prism
Dispersion (Two Wavelengths)
Calculate angular spread between two wavelengths using different refractive indices
Formula
Snell: sin i = n sin r | δ = i₁ + i₂ - A | δ_min = 2 arcsin(n sin(A/2)) - A | ω = (n_V - n_R)/(n_D - 1)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prism dispersion?
Dispersion is the separation of white light into its component colors by a prism. It occurs because the refractive index of glass depends on wavelength — shorter wavelengths (violet) are refracted more than longer wavelengths (red), creating a spectrum.
What is the minimum deviation angle?
The minimum deviation occurs when light passes symmetrically through the prism (i₁ = i₂). At minimum deviation: n = sin((A + δ_min)/2) / sin(A/2). This relationship is used to accurately measure refractive indices.
What is dispersive power?
Dispersive power ω = (n_V - n_R)/(n_mean - 1) measures a material's ability to separate colors. Crown glass has low dispersion (ω ≈ 0.02), while flint glass has high dispersion (ω ≈ 0.04). Achromatic lenses combine both to minimize chromatic aberration.
You may also need
A
Diffraction Grating Calculator
Free diffraction grating calculator. Compute diffraction angles, wavelength, and grating spacing using the grating equation d·sin(θ) = mλ.
ScienceA
Wavelength Calculator
Free wavelength calculator. Calculate wavelength, frequency, or wave speed. Convert between Hz, kHz, MHz, and GHz.
ScienceA
Electromagnetic Wave Calculator
Free electromagnetic wave calculator. Convert between wavelength, frequency, and photon energy across the entire EM spectrum.
Science