JEE Challenger
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Angle of Refraction for Red and Violet Light at Minimum Deviation

Two beams of red and violet colours are made to pass separately through a prism (angle of the prism is 60∘60^\circ). In the position of minimum deviation, the angle of refraction will be

Options

A

30∘30^\circ for both the colours

Correct
B

greater for the violet colour

C

greater for the red colour

D

equal but not 30∘30^\circ for both the colours

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine the angle of refraction for red and violet light at the position of minimum deviation, we use the standard refraction relations for a prism.

For a prism with an angle of prism AA, the angles of refraction at the first and second surfaces, r1r_1 and r2r_2, satisfy the relation:
r1+r2=Ar_1 + r_2 = A

At the condition of minimum deviation (δ=δmin\delta = \delta_{\text{min}}):

  1. The ray of light passes symmetrically through the prism.
  2. The angle of incidence equals the angle of emergence, i.e., i=ei = e.
  3. The angles of refraction at the two faces become equal, i.e., r1=r2=rr_1 = r_2 = r.

Substituting this condition into the relation:
r+r=A  ⟹  2r=Ar + r = A \implies 2r = A
r=A2r = \frac{A}{2}

Given that the angle of the prism is A=60∘A = 60^\circ:
r=60∘2=30∘r = \frac{60^\circ}{2} = 30^\circ

The value of rr depends solely on the angle of the prism AA and is independent of the refractive index of the prism material or the wavelength (colour) of the incident light.

Therefore, in the position of minimum deviation, the angle of refraction is 30∘30^\circ for both red and violet colours.

Correct Option: (A)