prismas

Prismas is a term used for two related concepts in geometry and optics, referring to solid figures that are often discussed in their own right in different disciplines. In geometry, a prism is a polyhedron with two parallel, congruent bases and rectangular side faces that connect corresponding vertices. The base polygon determines the prism’s name, such as triangular prisms, rectangular prisms (also called cuboids), and pentagonal prisms. The volume is found by multiplying the area of the base by the height between the bases, while surface area depends on the base perimeter and the lateral height.

In optics, a prism is a transparent solid or piece of glass or other material with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. The most familiar optical prism is the triangular prism, which disperses incoming white light into a spectrum because different wavelengths travel at different speeds in the material. refraction at each interface follows Snell’s law, and dispersion causes color separation. Prisms may also be used to reflect light via total internal reflection, or to alter the orientation of an image, depending on their geometry and coatings.

Materials commonly used for optical prisms include glass types such as BK7 and fused silica, as well as high-refractive-index glasses and certain plastics. Coatings on prism surfaces can reduce reflection losses and optimize transmission in specific wavelength ranges.

Applications of prismas span science and technology: geometric prisms appear in teaching and design of polyhedra, while optical prisms are central to spectroscopy, imaging systems, laser applications, cameras, binoculars, and scientific instrumentation.