Spectrometer Holo Prism

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
MAR THOMA COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, PERUMBAVOOR
SPECTROMETER - HOLLOW PRISM
Aim
To determine the refractive index of a transparent liquid using hollow prism and spectrometer.
Apparatus
Spectrometer, sodium vapour lamp, reading lamp, reading lens, spirit level, hollow glass prism,
and the given liquid.
Theory
𝐴+𝐷
𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
Refractive index μ of the liquid is given by μ = 𝐴 , where A is the angle of the prism and D is
𝑠𝑖𝑛
2
the angle of minimum deviation.
Procedure
Preliminary adjustments of the spectrometer are done and the least count o spectrometer is noted
as described earlier (see experiment no. 3). Now spectrometer is ready for use. Here the experiment
is done in two steps; first we find the angle of the prism and secondly we find the angle of minimum
deviation Clean the hollow glass prism and fill it with the given transparent liquid v refractive
index is to be found out. Wipe it dry from outside and see that there air bubbles inside. After this
find the angle of the prism.
To find the angle of the prism

First of all make the base of the prism table horizontal by using spirit level this adjust the levelling
screws (3 in number) of the prism table.
To determine the angle of the prism (A) mount the prism on the prism table to its base towards the
clamp. The prism table is rotated such that light fro collimator falls symmetrically on the faces AB
and AC of the prism (see below). The vernier table is clamped. The telescope is adjusted to get the
image the slit reflected from the face AB. The telescope is then clamped and adjusted the image of
the slit reflected from the face AC without disturbing the arrangement. If the arrangement of the
prism is disturbed we have to again go back toface AB and see whether we get the reflected image
after the correction. If not the process has to be repeated till we get the images from both faces for
the position of the prism.
Spectrometer- Hollow Prism Department of Physics, MTCW

Now the telescope is brought to the face AB to view the brightest image of the slit and clamp the
telescope. Then by working the tangential screw the cross wire of the telescope is made to coincide
with the image. If the slit is narrow, the point of intersection of the cross wires is kept at the centre
of the image. If the slit is not narrow the point of intersection of the cross wire is made to coincide
with the fixed edge of the slit. The readings of the circular scale and coinciding vernier divisions
on both verniers are noted (this being a circular scale readings will differ by 180°). Then the total
reading = main scale reading + verniers scale coincidence division × least count.
The telescope Is then unclamped and brought to the other face AC to view the image of the slit.
After getting the image the telescope is clamped and the crosswire is adjusted to coincide with the
image by working the tangential screw. The corresponding reading of both verniers are noted. Then
the total readings of each vernier are calculated as before.
The difference in readings of vernier on both faces (AB and AC) gives twice the angle of the prism,
from which the angle of the prism A can be found. The mean value of A is found.
To find the minimum deviation
First of all we have to set the prism in the minimum deviation position. To set the prism in
minimum deviation position, place the prism ABC on prism table, such that light coming from
collimator falls on the face AC at an acute angle. Look for the spectrum through the face AB.
Rotate the prism table gradually. The spectral line also turn. This is because in rotating the prism
table angle of incidence changes. Therefore angle of deviation changes. For a particular position
of the prism, the spectral line becomes stationary. If we rotate the prism further in the same
direction the spectral line is seen to move in the opposite direction. Fix the prism table, where the
spectral line appears stationary. This is the minimum deviation position.
After setting the prism in the minimum deviation position, turn the telescope to the position T, (see
figure below), so that its cross wire coincides with the image of the slit. This can be done by fixing
the telescope. For fine adjustments make use of the tangential screw. Then take the main scale
readings and vernier scale coincidence divisions of both the verniers and calculate the total reading
for each vernier as before.

Now the prism is removed. The telescope is brought in line with the collimator to view the direct
image of the slit. Fix the telescope and by working the tangential screw the cross wire is made to
coincide with the image of the slit. The readings of the main scale and vernier scales are noted then
calculate the total reading for each vernier as before. The difference in readings of the
corresponding verniers gives the angle of minimum deviation. The mean angle of deviation is
found out.
Knowing A and D, the refractive index of the material of the given liquid u can be calculated by
using the formula.
𝐴+𝐷
𝑠𝑖𝑛
μ= 𝑠𝑖𝑛
2
𝐴
2
Observations and tabulations

Value of one main scale division = …………degree = .............. minute
Number of divisions on the vernier, n = ………
Least count (L.C.) = 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 1 𝑀.𝑆.𝐷 =..........................minute

𝑛
Tabular column to find angle of the prism (A)
∴ Mean 2A =……..
∴ A = …….

Tabular column to find minimum deviation (D)
Mean D =
Angle of the prism, A =……………
Angle of minimum deviation, D = ………..
𝐴+𝐷
𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
Refractive index of the given transparent liquid μ = 𝐴 = ….
𝑠𝑖𝑛
2
Result
The refractive index of the given transparent liquid μ = ……….
References
Experimental Physics – I, For First, Second, Third and Fourth Semester, BSc Degree
Programme, Dr.P.Sethumadhavan, Prof. K.C. Abraham, Prof .Sunil John, Manjusha
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DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

MAR THOMA COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, PERUMBAVOOR

SPECTROMETER - HOLLOW PRISM

To find the angle of the prism

Spectrometer- Hollow Prism Department of Physics, MTCW

Spectrometer- Hollow Prism Department of Physics, MTCW

Observations and tabulations

Least count (L.C.) = 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 1 𝑀.𝑆.𝐷 =..........................minute

Tabular column to find angle of the prism (A)

Spectrometer- Hollow Prism Department of Physics, MTCW

Tabular column to find minimum deviation (D)

Spectrometer- Hollow Prism Department of Physics, MTCW

Spectrometer- Hollow Prism Department of Physics, MTCW

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