A prism is a transparent optical object with flat, polished surfaces, usually made of glass or acrylic.

It is shaped like a triangular block, which bends (refracts) light when it passes through.

In physics labs, prisms are used to study:

Refraction of light as it enters and exits the prism
Dispersion of white light into its seven colours (VIBGYOR)
The formation of spectra and understanding how light bends at different angles
Prisms therefore help students explore light behavior, optical properties, and the wave nature of light. Additionally, they are essential in optics experiments for understanding wavelength, speed, and color separation.