For a glass prism μ=3, the angle of minimum deviation is equal to the angle of the prism. Find the angle of the prism.

Hint: In the case of minimum deviation, the ray of light is parallel to the base of the prism.

Step 1: Use the expression of the refractive index of a prism.

The relationship between refractive index, prism angle A and angle of minimum deviation is given by,
                   μ=sin (A+Dm)2sin A2
Here,
Given,                              Dm=A
Substituting the value, we have,
                                             μ=sin Asin A2
On solving, we have                     μ=2sinA2cosA2sinA2=2 cosA2

Step 2: Find the value of the angle of the prism.
For the given value of the refractive index,
we have.
                                            cosA2=32
or                                                  A2=30°
                                                  A=60°
This is the required value of the prism angle.