A thin prism of angle 6∘ and refractive index for yellow light (nY) 1.5 is combined with another prism of angle 5∘ and nY=1.55. The combination produces no dispersion. The net average deviation (δ) produced by the combination is (x1)∘. The value of x is ______.
Answer: 4
Solution
For a combination of two prisms producing no dispersion (achromatic combination), the net deviation is δ=A1(μ1−1)−A2(μ2−1), where the second prism is inverted. Substituting: δ=6(1.5−1)−5(1.55−1)=6(0.5)−5(0.55)=3−2.75=0.25=41 degrees. Therefore x=4.