When light passes through a lens or prism, it bends towards which part?

When light passes through a lens or prism, it bends towards the base. This phenomenon is due to the principles of optics, specifically refraction.

In the case of a prism, when light enters, it slows down as it goes from air (a less dense medium) into the glass of the prism (a denser medium). According to Snell's Law, the light will bend towards the normal line (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of entry). As it exits the prism, it then bends away from the normal upon entering back into the air. The term "base" refers to the thickest part of the prism, where the refraction effect is most pronounced, causing the light to spread out or diverge after bending.

Understanding this concept is essential for comprehending how optical devices function and how they manipulate light for various applications, such as in eyeglasses, cameras, and scientific instruments. The bending of light towards the base helps in determining how these devices focus or disperse light, forming clear images or specific visual effects.