Triangular prisms are three-dimensional geometric figures that have two triangular bases that are parallel to each other. Triangular prisms have 5 faces, 9 edges, and 6 vertices. These prisms have two triangular faces and three rectangular faces. The edges and vertices of the bases are joined to each other through three rectangular lateral sides.
Here, we will learn about the elements of triangular prisms in more detail. We will see a description of the faces, vertices and edges using diagrams to illustrate the concepts.
Faces found in a triangular prism
The faces of a triangular prism are the plane surfaces that are bounded by the edges and vertices. In a triangular prism, we have two triangular faces that are the bases. These two faces are parallel to each other and are equal.
We also have three rectangular side faces, which may or may not have the same dimensions. If the bases are equilateral triangles, the lateral faces will be equal. Each triangular face has three edges and three vertices.
On the other hand, each rectangular face has four edges and four vertices.
The surface area of triangular prisms can be calculated by adding the areas of each of the faces of the prism. We know that the area of a triangle is equal to one-half of the base times the height, so the area of both bases is equal to ba.
The area of each of the rectangular faces is equal to the length of the rectangle multiplied by its height. Therefore, the surface area of the triangular prism is equal to ba + b1h + b2h + b3h.
Vertices found in a triangular prism
The vertices of the triangular prism are the points where three edges meet. In general, a vertex is a point where two or more line segments meet. Vertices are also defined as the points where three faces meet, specifically where a triangular face and two rectangular faces meet. A triangular prism has a total of 6 vertices.
Edges found in a triangular prism
The edges of the triangular prisms are the line segments that limit each of the faces. We can also consider the edges as the line segments that join two or more vertices. Each triangular face has three edges, and each rectangular face has four edges.
Also, each edge of a triangular prism meets two other edges at the vertices. In total, we have 9 edges on the triangular prisms.
See also
Interested in learning more about triangular prisms? Take a look at these pages:
Jefferson Huera Guzman
Jefferson is the lead author and administrator of Neurochispas.com. The interactive Mathematics and Physics content that I have created has helped many students.
