What will be the angle of minimum deviation if the refracting angle of a prism be 2θ, and the refractive index of the material of the prism be cot θ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → $(π-4θ)$
Refractive index of the prism:
$\mu = \cot \theta$
Refracting angle of prism:
$A = 2\theta$
Relation for minimum deviation:
$\mu = \frac{\sin \left(\frac{A + D_m}{2}\right)}{\sin \frac{A}{2}}$
Substitute values:
$\cot \theta = \frac{\sin \left(\frac{2\theta + D_m}{2}\right)}{\sin \theta}$
$\cot \theta = \frac{\sin (\theta + \frac{D_m}{2})}{\sin \theta}$
$\cos \theta = \sin \left(\theta + \frac{D_m}{2}\right)$
$\sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \theta \right) = \sin \left(\theta + \frac{D_m}{2}\right)$
Thus, $\frac{\pi}{2} - \theta = \theta + \frac{D_m}{2}$
$\frac{D_m}{2} = \frac{\pi}{2} - 2\theta$
$D_m = \pi - 4\theta$