Home Physics Ray Optics Prism Theory & Dispersion of Light The path of a refracted ray of light in a pr…
Physics Ray Optics Prism Theory & Dispersion of Light Single Correct MCQ
Published on: September 12, 2026

The path of a refracted ray of light in a prism is parallel to the base of the prism only when the

A
Light is of a particular wavelength
B
Ray is incident normally at one face
C
Ray undergoes minimum deviation
D
Prism is made of a particular type of glass

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Text Solution

Verified by Experts
The correct answer is:
C
Step 1: Understand the conditions for refraction in a prism. When light passes through a prism, it bends due to refraction. The angle of incidence and the angle of refraction depend on the refractive indices of the prism material and the surrounding medium.

Step 2: Analyze each option:
  • Option A: Light of a particular wavelength will affect the degree of refraction but does not guarantee parallelism with the base of the prism.
  • Option B: If the ray is incident normally at one face, it will not deviate. The refracted ray will be parallel to the base only in specific conditions, not solely due to normal incidence.
  • Option C: The condition for a refracted ray to be parallel to the base of the prism occurs at the angle of minimum deviation. This is when the light ray passes symmetrically through the prism, making the angles equal on both sides.
  • Option D: The type of glass may affect the refractive indices, but it is not a condition that reflects the light ray's behavior concerning the prism's base alignment.
Therefore, when light undergoes minimum deviation, the path of the refracted ray becomes parallel to the base of the prism.
Therefore, C.

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