A triangular prism is a three-dimensional geometric solid characterized by two triangular bases and three rectangular lateral faces, forming a prism with six faces, nine edges, and six vertices.
One of the most interesting objects in geometry is prisms.
These are solid objects that have straight-level sides with identical opposite facing ends or bases.
They take many different shapes such as the square prism, rectangular prisms, pyramids, hexagonal prisms, etc.
A common prism that you will often encounter is the triangular prism. It gets its name from the fact that its cross-sections are triangular in shape.
It also has three identical rectangular faces that are parallel to each other. It is these that are used to connect the triangle bases.
In total, a triangular prism has five sides which makes it a pentahedron.
So, you will have to remember the following about a triangular prism:
- It is a polyhedron (solid figure with sides)
- It is a pentahedron (a solid figure with has five sides)
- It has 9 edges
- It has 3 rectangular sides
- It has 6 vertices
- Its two end triangles are identical and lie parallel to one another
The rectangular sides are also termed lateral faces.
Types of triangular prisms
- Right Triangular Prism: This is where we have rectangle sides to our prism.
- Uniform Triangular Prism: This is a right triangular prism with square ends and triangle bases that are equilateral (equal-sized sides). It is the most common type.
- Oblique Triangular Prism: Prisms that leans over due to sides not lying at right angles to the base
We can make some important calculations on the triangular prisms such as getting their volume, and surface areas
Volume
The volume of a triangular prism is the whole space which is enclosed by the prism. It can be found from the formula:
Volume =Area of triangle base x height of the prism
V=½ x b x h x l
- V=volume
- b=base length
- h=triangle height
- l=length of the prism
Surface Area
The surface area of a triangular prism covers all the outer sides of the triangular prism.
It is the same as the lateral area added to both triangle bases and base areas.
To find the surface area, use the formula
S.A.=P x H + 2 x A
- S.A. =Surface Area
- A= base area
- H=height of the prism
- A+b+c = base perimeter
- P=Perimeter of base
Area of Triangle
A=½ x b x h
- A=area of triangle
- b=base length of a triangle
Formula of Perimeter of base
- P=a +b+c
- a, b, c = 3 sides of the triangle
Let’s now explore triangular prism examples in real life.
1. Roof structures
Many roofs are designed with a triangular prism shape to be able to handle water runoff during rain or storms.
2. Tents
Camping tents which are pitched to the ground and have 2 sloping side ends and its floor have rectangular faces.
The remaining faces on either end are triangular which forms a complete triangular prism shape.
3. Chocolate bar
A chocolate bar that is shaped like a Toblerone slab has a triangular prism shape for an appealing appearance
4. Cheese
Cheese can also be made in the shape of a triangular prism. This imparts an enticing and inviting look.
5. Watermelon cuts
Pieces of watermelon can be cut in the shape of a triangular prism. It’s a way to make them have a presentable style and appeal.
6. Sandwiches
Triangular slices of sandwich bread can be shaped in triangular prisms when they are placed together.
7. Triangular glass prism
These are used in science experiments such as the classic one that produces rainbow colors when white light is passed it.
This is a transparent optic piece of glass. It is designed with accurate angles and flat sides so that it can split white color into its colors and create the spectrum.
8. Building design
An example of this is the Flatiron Building which is situated in New York City is modeled on a triangular prism.
This type of design which uses triangular offers better stability and support. This structure also handles forces better and is able to resist bending.
9. Triangular prismatic honeycombs
Honeycombs can get their hexagonal shapes from triangular prisms.
When we have 6 triangular prisms joined up together, they roughly simulate a bee’s honeycomb structure where bees make honey.
10. Cargo storage containers
Cargo storage containers can be shaped into triangular prisms to fit certain cargo types.
11. In binoculars
The prisms in binoculars use the Porro prism which is an isosceles triangle prism.
The binoculars function as 2 telescopes that allow your eyes to view and see distant objects.
They are useful when you want to sightsee wildlife, bird watching, or neighborhood surveillance.
12. In periscopes
A periscope is an optical device used for navigation.
It allows you to survey your surroundings while maintaining secrecy or cover.
It is ideal for use in submerged conditions which makes it useful for submarines and sea warfare.
Conclusion
Triangular prisms are a feature of both manmade designs and nature.
They play many functional roles and have also been used as an inspiration for creative decorative work.
Related Post: 12 Rectangular Prism Examples in Real Life