Ahydrogen discharge lamp emits light with two prominent wavelengths: 656 nm (red) and 486 nm (blue). the light enters a flint-glass prism perpendicular to one face and then refracts through the hypotenuse back into the air. the angle between these two faces is 37 ∘.

The angle between the red and blue light is 1.7°.

Explanation:

Given that,

Wavelength of red = 656 nm

Wavelength of blue = 486 nm

Angle = 37°

Suppose we need to find the angle between the red and blue light as it leaves the prism

We need to calculate the angle for red wavelength

Using Snell's law,

Put the value into the formula

We need to calculate the angle for blue wavelength

Using Snell's law,

Put the value into the formula

We need to calculate the angle between the red and blue light

Using formula of angle

Put the value into the formula

Hence, The angle between the red and blue light is 1.7°.