Prisms are optical devices that refract light, splitting it into its component colors. The most common types of prisms include triangular prisms, rectangular prisms, and pentagonal prisms. Each type has a specific shape and angle that affects how light passes through and is dispersed. Triangular prisms are the most recognized, featuring two triangular bases and three rectangular sides. Rectangular prisms have rectangular bases and can be used to reflect light without significant dispersion. Pentagonal prisms have five sides and are often used in specialized optical applications, such as in cameras and binoculars.