When it comes to shapes, there are many different kinds to learn about. But did you know that there are two main categories of shapes? In this post, we will discuss the difference between pyramids and prisms. Pyramids have a pointy top, while prisms have a flat top. Let’s take a closer look at these two shapes!
What is Pyramid?
Pyramids are structures built of stone, usually with a square or rectangular base and four triangular sides meeting at an apex (a point, often pyramid-shaped). Pyramids were built by the ancient Egyptians and Mesoamericans as tombs for powerful pharaohs and rulers. The largest and most famous Egyptian pyramids are the Great Pyramids of Giza, which were built during the 4th dynasty (c. 2575-2465 BCE) and consist of the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the ‘Great Pyramid’, c. 2560 BCE), the Pyramid of Khafre (c. 2520 BCE), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (c. 2490 BCE). The first pyramid constructed in Egypt was the Djoser complex at Saqqara c. 2650 BCE, commissioned by King Djoser of the 3rd dynasty. The Pyramids of Giza were all lavishly decorated with reliefs, hieroglyphs, and inscriptions paying homage to the gods but their primary purpose was to serve as grand tombs for pharaohs who believed they could take their material wealth with them into the afterlife.
What is Prism?
Prisms are a type of optical lens that is used to bend and refract light. Prisms can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal. When light passes through a prism, it is bent and split into its component colors. This effect is known as dispersion. Prisms are used in a variety of optical instruments, such as microscopes, telescopes, and cameras. They can also be used for decorative purposes, such as in chandeliers and stained glass windows.
Difference between Pyramids and Prisms
Pyramids and prisms are both three-dimensional figures with flat surfaces. However, there are several key differences between them. Pyramids have a triangular base, while prisms have a rectangular base. Pyramids also have four Triangular sides that meet at a point, while prisms have two congruent parallel sides. The final difference is that pyramids have slanted sides, while prisms have straight sides. Although they may seem similar at first glance, pyramids and prisms are actually quite different.
Conclusion
Pyramids and prisms are both three-dimensional shapes with six faces. The main difference between pyramids and prisms is that pyramids have a square base, while prisms have a rectangular base. Prisms can be divided into two categories: right prisms and oblique prims. Right prism are those where all the lateral faces (faces perpendicular to the base) are rectangles, while oblique prism have at least one non-rectangular lateral face.
