
A Nicol prism is based on the principle of.
A. Refraction
B. Scattering
C. Dichroism
D. Double refraction
Answer
518.1k+ views
1 likes
Hint:
Nicol prism is an optical instrument that converts unpolarized light into polarised light. Nicol prism is made up of calcite crystal (CaCO ) and is fabricated with Canada Balson whose refractive index (µ) =1.55.
Complete step by step solution:
1. A beam of unpolarized light falls on a surface of the prism and gets divided into two refracted rays i.e. ordinary ray and extraordinary ray.
2. These refracted rays are plane and polarized in nature, vibrations form right angles with each other.
3. For an extraordinary ray of light (µ=1.48), Canada Balsam (µ=1.55) acts as an optically denser medium.
4. For ordinary rays of light (µ=1.65), Canada Balsam (µ=1.55) acts as an optically rarer medium.
5. When ordinary ray falls on the Nicol prism and passes through this particular layer (Canada Balsam), it is a transition from a denser medium to a rarer medium, also its incident at a critical angle on Canada Balsam layer and thus a total internal reflection takes place.
6. When an extraordinary ray falls on the Nicol prism and passes through this particular layer (Canada Balsam), it is a transition from a rarer medium to a denser medium, and thus passes through prism after refraction which is totally plane polarised.
Hence, the correct option is: D (double refraction)
Note:
Nicol prism was the first type of polarising prism invented in 1828 by William Nicol (1770-1851) of Edinburgh, it consists of a rhombohedral crystal made up of calcite and has been cut at an angle of 68˚ with respect to the crystal axis, cut again diagonally and then re-joined with the help of a Canada Balsam as a glue.

Complete step by step solution:
1. A beam of unpolarized light falls on a surface of the prism and gets divided into two refracted rays i.e. ordinary ray and extraordinary ray.
2. These refracted rays are plane and polarized in nature, vibrations form right angles with each other.
3. For an extraordinary ray of light (µ=1.48), Canada Balsam (µ=1.55) acts as an optically denser medium.
4. For ordinary rays of light (µ=1.65), Canada Balsam (µ=1.55) acts as an optically rarer medium.
5. When ordinary ray falls on the Nicol prism and passes through this particular layer (Canada Balsam), it is a transition from a denser medium to a rarer medium, also its incident at a critical angle on Canada Balsam layer and thus a total internal reflection takes place.
6. When an extraordinary ray falls on the Nicol prism and passes through this particular layer (Canada Balsam), it is a transition from a rarer medium to a denser medium, and thus passes through prism after refraction which is totally plane polarised.
Hence, the correct option is: D (double refraction)
Note:
Nicol prism was the first type of polarising prism invented in 1828 by William Nicol (1770-1851) of Edinburgh, it consists of a rhombohedral crystal made up of calcite and has been cut at an angle of 68˚ with respect to the crystal axis, cut again diagonally and then re-joined with the help of a Canada Balsam as a glue.
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Chemistry: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Gautam Buddha was born in the year A581 BC B563 BC class 10 social science CBSE

Write examples of herbivores carnivores and omnivo class 10 biology CBSE

Difference between mass and weight class 10 physics CBSE

List out three methods of soil conservation

Leap year has days A 365 B 366 C 367 D 368 class 10 maths CBSE

How does Tommy describe the old kind of school class 10 english CBSE
