Definition:Prism

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Definition

Prism.png

In the words of Euclid:

A prism is a solid figure contained by planes of which, namely those which are opposite, are equal, similar and parallel, while the rest are parallelograms.

(The Elements: Book $\text{XI}$: Definition $13$)


Parts of Prism

Base

The bases of a prism are the two parallel polygons which form the faces at either end of the prism.

In the above diagram, the faces $ABCDE$ and $FGHIJ$ are the bases of the prism.


Lateral Face

The lateral faces of a prism are the parallelogramic faces which join the bases.

In the above diagram, the faces $ABGF, BCHG, CDIH, DEJI$ and $EAFJ$ are the lateral faces of the prism.


Lateral Edge

The lateral edges of a prism are the edges which join the vertices of the lateral faces.

In the above diagram, the edges $AF, BG, CH, DI$ and $EJ$ are the lateral edges of the prism.


Opposite

Let $P$ be a prism whose bases are $P_1$ and $P_2$.

The opposite face of the base $P_1$ is the base $P_2$.

In the above example, the base $ABCDE$ is opposite $FGHIJ$.


Height

The height of a prism is the length of the perpendicular between the bases of the prism.

In the above diagram, the distance $h$ is the height of the prism $AJ$.


Nomenclature

The polygon which is the base of a prism $P$ determines the name of the type of $P$.


Triangular

TriangularPrism.png

A triangular prism is a prism whose bases are triangles.


Quadrangular

A quadrangular prism is a prism whose bases are quadrilaterals.


Pentagonal

A pentagonal prism is a prism whose bases are pentagons.

Pentagonal-prism.png


Hexagonal

A hexagonal prism is a prism whose bases are hexagons.


Also defined as

Some sources insist that the bases of a prism need to be convex.


Also see

  • Results about prisms can be found here.


Linguistic Note

The adjectival form of prism is prismatic.


Sources