A prism is a 3D shape with two identical parallel ends, joined by rectangles. Triangular prism, hexagonal prism, rectangular prism (a.k.a. cuboid) — the front and back match, and the sides connect them.
Volume of any prism
V = base-area × length
Multiply the area of the end shape by how long the prism is.
Common prisms
- Cuboid — rectangular ends. The shape of bricks and cardboard boxes.
- Triangular prism — triangle ends. The classic glass prism that splits white light into a rainbow.
- Hexagonal prism — hexagon ends. Pencils and honeycomb cells.