derivation of prism formula
Which formula? The " minimum deviation angle" formula?
There is a derivation at
http://web.centre.edu/jason.neiser/Classes/Phy230Files/MinimumDeviation.pdf
To derive the formula for the volume of a prism, we first need to understand the definition of a prism.
A prism is a three-dimensional shape that has two identical parallel bases and rectangular lateral faces connecting these bases. The height of the prism is the perpendicular distance between its bases.
Let's say the base of the prism is a rectangle with length "l" and width "w". The area of the base can be calculated by multiplying the length and width: A_base = l * w.
The volume of the prism is defined as the total amount of space enclosed by its lateral faces. To calculate the volume, we multiply the area of the base by the height of the prism: V = A_base * h.
Hence, the formula for the volume of a prism is:
V = l * w * h.
Where:
V is the volume of the prism,
l is the length of the base,
w is the width of the base, and
h is the height of the prism.
Therefore, to find the volume of a prism, simply multiply the dimensions of its base (length and width) by its height.