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Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 12 · Physics

What Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism covers in ICSE Class 12 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

45 questions30 flashcards16 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A labeled diagram showing a light ray passing through a triangular prism, illustrating the angles of incidence, refraction, emergence, prism angle, and angle of deviation.
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism

1

1. Prism and Refraction through a Prism

  • A prism is a homogeneous, transparent medium such as glass bounded by two plane surfaces inclined to each other at an angle.
  • The two refracting faces of a prism are the two plane surfaces.
  • The angle A between the two refracting faces is called the refracting angle or angle of prism.
2

2. Minimum Deviation and Refractive Index

  • For different angles of incidence, the deviation first decreases, reaches a minimum, and then increases.
  • There is one and only one particular angle of incidence for minimum deviation.
  • At minimum deviation, i = i′.
3

3. Limiting Angle, Grazing Incidence, and Maximum Deviation

  • For the ray to just emerge from the second face, the angle of incidence at the second face must be the critical angle.
  • The critical angle is C = sin⁻¹(1/n).
  • The limiting angle of incidence is the angle of incidence at the first face for which the emergent ray just grazes the second face.
4

4. Dispersion of White Light and Angular Dispersion

  • White light is a mixture of lights of different colours.
  • Dispersion occurs because different colours travel at different speeds inside a material medium.
  • In vacuum or air, all colours travel with the same speed, 3 × 10^8 m/s.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Prism optics: refraction, deviation, dispersion, rainbow formation, and scattering of light

PrismRefraction through prismMinimum deviationThin prism deviationMaximum deviationCritical angleDispersion of white lightAngular dispersion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism for ICSE Class 12 Physics?
Key topics in Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism include Prism and Refraction through a Prism, Minimum Deviation and Refractive Index, Limiting Angle, Grazing Incidence, and Maximum Deviation, Dispersion of White Light and Angular Dispersion. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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