CHAPTER

5 Optics

SUB- TOPICS
 Introduction to optics
 Ray optics
 Reflection by Plane mirrors
 Reflection by Spherical mirrors
 Refraction and its laws
 Total internal reflection
 Prism
 Lens and Image formation
 Power and Combination of lenses
 Combination of mirror and glass or lens
 Refraction at Spherical surfaces
 Human eye, its defects and remedies
 Simple microscope
 Compound microscope
 Telescope (Astronomical)
 Atmospheric refraction
 Tyndall effect
 Formation of Rainbow
 Scattering of light
 Assignments
 Wave Optics
 Introduction
 Huygen’s Principle
 Young’s double slit experiments
 Assignments
 Competitive Corner
Optics Physics, Class : X

INTRODUCTION
The branch of physics which deals with the nature of light, its sources, properties, effects and
vision is called optics. Light is that form of energy which makes objects visible to our eye.

Importance of Optics :
The science of optics is by far an important part of our life and our economy. It is due to optics
that we have discovered our universe from the microscopic virus to the largest galaxy. It is due to
optics that we see the colours of a rainbow, sparkling of diamond, twinkling of stars, shining of
air bubble in water etc.

Theories on light :
 According to Newton light is composed of very tiny particles called as corpuscles.
 Next Huygen explained that light propagates in the form of longitudinal mechanical wave
with the help of wavefront.
 After that Maxwell proposed electromagnetic theory of light.
But when photoelectric effect and some other phenomena associated with emission and
absorption of light could not be explained by wave theory light then,
 Planck established quantum theory of light and was able to explain photoelectric effect
by Einstein.
 At present it is believed that light has dual nature, i.e., it propagates like a wave but
interacts like a particle.
Optics is studied into two parts.

 Geometrical or Ray Optics: The phenomena of rectilinear propagation of light,

reflection and refraction, are studied in this section.

 Physical Optics or Wave Optics: The wave behaviour of light (like diffraction
and interference) is studied in this section.

RAY OPTICS
In ray optics we shall learn.

Other than that, we shall learn,

 Optical instruments
 Human Eye
 Refraction through atmosphere.
 Scattering of light and Rainbow formation.

Reflection
When light falls on the surface of a material it is either re–emitted without change in frequency
or is absorbed in the material and turned into heat. When the re–emitted light is returned into the
same medium from which it comes, it is called reflected light and the process is known as
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reflection. If one side of a piece of glass is silvered then it becomes an ideal reflector and is
called a mirror.
Reflecting surface is known as mirror

 Laws of Reflection
(N ) (N )

(I) (R ) (I) (R )
i r i r
T R eflecting T
(P) Surface (P)

 Note : To apply laws of reflection draw tangent (T) and Normal (N) at the point of
reflection (P)

1st Law : Incident ray (I), normal (N) and reflected ray (R) lie in same plane.

2nd Law : Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection

 i=r
 Mirrors are of two types (1) Plane (2) Spherical
1. Plane Mirror
2.

Plane Concave Convex

Reflection at Plane Surfaces

 Image Formation of Point Object by Plane Mirror
Point of intersection of incident light ray is known as object.
The point of intersection of reflected rays or refracted ray is known as image.
 Note : The object and image may be real or virtual
For real object the image formed by plane mirror is virtual.
M O=M I

I M O

 Field of view: Region in which diverging rays from object or image are actually
present is known as field of view.

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 Image Formation Of Extended Object By Plane Mirror

Case 1 : Case 2 :
B B’ B B’

A A’ A A’

 Angle of Deviation: The angle between the direction of incident and reflected
light rays is known as angle of deviation.

i r i r
angle of deviation  =  – (i + r)

 Assume i = r =  then  =  – (2)

For Normal Incidence, i = 0° (hence < r = 0)

Grazing Incidence, i = 90° (hence < r = 90º)

 Properties of Image Formed by Plane Mirror
For an extended Object
Size of the object = size of the image
Image is laterally inverted.

 Rotation of Plane Mirror

If a plane mirror is rotated through an angle about an axis in the plane of mirror then
reflected ray, image and spot are rotated through an angle 2 in the same plane.
If plane mirror is rotated about an axis perpendicular to plane of mirror then reflected ray
image, spot do not rotate.
 Combination of Plane Mirror
Let us find net deviation produced by combination of plane mirror and deviation
produced by each mirror. While adding the deviation ensure that they must be in same
direction either clockwise or anticlockwise.
For example :
Two plane mirrors are inclined at 30º as
shown in figure. A light ray is incident at
30º 45º
angle 45º. Find total deviation produced by
combination of mirror after two successive M1

reflection.
Sol. Deviation at mirror
– clockwise
Deviation at mirror 180º – 2 × 15º =
150º – anticlockwise
Total deviation 150º – 90º = 60º
– anticlockwise

 Images Formed By Two Mirrors

CASE 1 : When the mirrors are parallel to each other, then number of images is infinite.
CASE 2 : (when the mirrors are inclined at angle )

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1. All the images formed by two mirrors lies on circle have centre C. Here if angle
between mirror is  then image will be formed on circle at angle . If angle  is
less number of image formed will be more.
2. If n is number of images, n then
(a) If ( is even) 2 - 

C

(b) If ( is odd and object is kept symmetrically)

(c) If = fractional number then only integral part is taken.

(d) For all other condition .

Illustration 1
A man is standing at distance x from plane mirror in front of him. He wants to see the
entire wall of height h, in mirror which is at distance y behind the man. Find the size of
mirror ?
Sol. From DO¢ M1M2 and O¢AB

size of mirror, M1M2 =

Note : If x = y, M1M2 =

Illustration 2 :
Two mirrors are placed at right angle. An object is placed between them symmetrically.
How many images will be formed ?
Sol. .

C oncave
 Reflection at Spherical Mirrors m irror
C onvex
Spherical mirrors are part of polished spherical surface m irror
C
 Center of curvature (C): Center of circle of which mirror is a P R P
part.
 Radius of curvature (R): Radius of circle of which mirror is a
part .
 Pole (P): Centre of mirror reflecting portion
 Principal axis: Line which join pole to the centre of curvature
 Diameter of mirror: Shortest distance between two ends of
mirror.
SOME USEFUL TERMS :
 Paraxial Ray : Rays whose angle of incidence are small are known as paraxial rays.
 Marginal Ray : Rays whose angle of incidence are not small are known as marginal rays.

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 Focal Plane
Plane perpendicular to principal axis and passing through focus is known as focal plane
 Centre of Curvature
It is the geometrical centre of the mirror. If light ray passes or appear to pass through
centre of curvature then, it retraces its path.
 The focal length f and the radius of curvature r of spherical mirror of small aperture are
related as .
 Rules For Image Formation By Spherical Mirrors
(a) For convex mirror a ray parallel to the principal axis diverges as if coming from its
focus and for Concave mirror it passes through focus.
(b) For convex mirror a ray falling in the direction of focus becomes parallel to the
principal axis and true for concave mirror too.
(c) For a ray falling at the poles of a convex mirror or concave mirror then the incident
ray and reflected ray make equal angle with the principal axis.
(d) In both convex mirror and concave mirror a ray passing through or in the direction of
centre of curvature then it retraces its path.

For Convergent or Concave Mirror

Position of Object Details of Image
 At infinity Real, inverted, Diminished (m << 1 and negative) and at F
 Between infinity and 2F Real, inverted, Diminished (m < 1 and negative) and
between F and 2F
 At 2F Real, inverted, Equal (m = –1) and at 2F
 Between 2F and F Real, inverted, Enlarged (m > 1 and negative) and between
2F and infinity
 At F Real, inverted, Enlarged (m >> 1 and negative) and at
infinity.
 Between F and O Virtual Erect Enlarged (m>>1 and positive) and behind the
mirror.
For Divergent or Convex Mirror
Position of Object Details of Image
 At infinity Virtual, inverted, very small (m << 1 and positive), and at F
 For any other place Virtual, Erect Diminished (m < 1 and positive), and
between F and P

Position, nature and magnification of image

 For convex mirror images are always virtual, erect and diminished.
 For concave mirror the image is both real and virtual and may be both magnified and
diminished type.
 Sign Convention
Pole is taken as origin and principal axis is taken as x–axis
Direction of incident light is taken as direction of +ve x–axis
Object, focus, image are referred by their co–ordinates.
Height above principal axis is taken as positive.
Height below the principal axis is taken as negative.

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 Mirror formula
The relation among object distance (u), Image distance (v) and focal length (f) is,

Magnification =
 Uses of Spherical Mirrors
 Convex mirrors are widely used as rear–view mirrors.
 A concave mirror can produce an erect, enlarged image, behind the mirror. A concave
mirror is, therefore, used when you want to see a magnified image of the object. One
such use is for shaving, where a magnified view of the face helps to get a smooth shave.

Illustration 3
A concave mirror is made by cutting a portion of a hollow glass sphere of radius 24 cm.
Find the focal length of the mirror.
Sol. The radius of curvature of the mirror = 24 cm.
Thus the focal length = 24 cm/2 = 12 cm.

Illustration 4
An object is placed at a distance of 30 cm from a concave mirror of focal length 20 cm.
Where will image be formed ?
Sol. We have, u = – 30 cm and f = – 20 cm.
Also, or or
So, the image will be formed 60 cm from the mirror. Since v has a negative sign, the
image is formed to the left of the mirror, i.e., in front of it, as shown in figure (b).

Illustration 5
A 2.0 cm high object is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a concave mirror.
The distance of the object from the mirror is 30 cm, and its image is formed 60 cm from
the mirror, on the same side of the mirror as the object. Find the height of the image
formed.
Sol. We have, u = – 30 cm and v = – 60 cm.
Thus

or
The height of the image is 4.0 cm. The minus sign shows that it is on the other side of the
axis, i.e., it is inverted.

Refraction and Its Laws, Refractive Index, Speed of Light in Different Media
 Bending of light at the interface of two mediums is called as refraction of light.
 Change in the speed of light in different medium causes refraction of light.
 Light is deviated due to medium when it is not along the normal

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 Snell’s Laws (I) (N )

M edium (1)
On refraction
1 i

r
2 (R )
M edium (2)
First Law : For a certain pair of medium sin i / sin r = constant
This constant is known as refractive index of second medium w.r.t first medium and is
denoted by 12 or 12 or 12 or 21

In general, refractive index of any medium (say x) is determined w.r.t. air medium.

Also, 21 = [ C = velocity of light in air = 3 × 108 ms–1]

Where, C1 and C2 are velocity of light in first and second medium respectively.
1 and 2 are refractive indices of first and second medium respectively.
Second Law : Incident ray, refracted ray and normal at the point of incidence lie on the
same plane.

 SNELL’S LAW IN GENERAL FORM

For different medium of different RI 3
4
…….. 2 3
……. = constant 2
1
constant
1 2 3

Illustration 6 :
A light ray enters a diamond from air. If the refractive index of diamond is 2.42, by what
percent does the speed of light reduce on entering the diamond?
Sol. We have, , where c is the speed of light in vacuum.

\ The speed of light in diamond,

The speed of light in diamond is therefore 41% of its speed in air. In other words, in
diamond, the speed reduces by 59%.

Illustration 7
A ray of light travelling in air falls on the surface of a transparent slab. The ray makes an
angle of 45° with the normal to the surface. Find the angle made by the refracted ray with
the normal within the slab. Refractive index of the material of the slab = .
Sol. We have, or

or This gives r = 30°.

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 REFRACTION THROUGH GLASS SLAB

Let us consider a slab of thickness d and A ir
A ir S lab
R.I.  as shown in figure.
Consider refraction at air–slab interface O
I1 I2
S
or x

Now, I1 will act as object for refraction at d

slab–air interface

 or  shift (S)

 In case when a liquid is poured in a beaker the bottom is apparently raised. Then,

Shift = . (where d is the actual depth)

 CRITICAL ANGLE AND TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION :

R R
R

i
i i=C
D i i<C D D
i>C

When a ray propagates from denser medium to rarer medium for 90º angle of refraction
corresponding angle of incidence is known as critical angle. When angle of incidence
becomes more than the critical angle the ray reflects internally. This is called as total
internal reflection.
At critical angle refraction takes place

 Critical angle does not depends on angle of incidence.

 Critical angle increases with increase in temperature of a medium.
 Mirage in the desert is due to TIR.
 Working of optical fibre is based on TIR.
 For working of the optical fibre, the angle of incidence or Launching angle should be as
follows.
sin i 
2 = R.I of the core of the pipe.
1 = R.I. of the material used for cladding the pipe.

 Refraction through a Prism

Prism is a combination of two opposite plane refracting surfaces inclined at an angle
called angle of prism.

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A  angle of prism
i  angle of incidence
e  angle of emergence
  angle of deviation
 = ( – 1)A
where  is R.I. of the
material of the prism.
 Minimum Deviation
At minimum deviation i = e and r1 =
r2
and

 – i graph

Illustration 8
A printed page is kept pressed by a glass cube of edge 6.0 cm. By what amount
will the printed letters appear to be shifted when viewed from the top?
Sol. The thickness of the cube = t = 6.0 cm. The shift in the position of the printed letters is

Illustration 9
The critical angle for water is 30°. Find its refractive index.
Sol.

Illustration 10
The cross–section of the glass prism has the form of an isosceles triangle. One of the
equal faces is silvered. A ray of light incident normally on the other equal face and after
being reflected twice, emerges through the base of prism along the normal. Find the angle
of the prism.
Sol. From the figure, a = 90° – A A

i = 90° – a = A i
Also, b = 90° – 2i = 90° – 2A i

And, g = 90° – b = 2A

Thus, g = r = 2A 
From geometry, 

A + g + g = 180° or A = = 36°

 Thin Lens and Its Properties

A lens is a homogenous transparent medium (such as glass) bounded by two curved
surfaces or one curved and a plane surface.

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 Types of Lens
(1) Concave and (2) Convex
Each type of lens is further possible in three forms
(i) Biconvex or Biconcave lens
(ii) Plano convex or Plano concave lens
(iii) Concavo convex or convexo concave lens
 Centre most point of lens is known as optical centre
 Line joining both the center of curvature and passing through optical center is called
principal axis.
 Rays parallel to the principal axis converge at a point or appear to be diverging after
passing through a convex or concave lens respectively. This point of convergence or
divergence is known as the focus point of the respective lens.

 Rules For Image Formation

The following rules are used for image formation in case of thin lenses :
A ray passing through optical centre proceeds undeviated through the lens.
A ray passing parallel to the principal axis after refraction through the lenses passes or
appears to pass through second focal point.
A ray passing through first focus or directed towards first focus, after refraction from the
lens becomes parallel to the principal axis.

For Convergent or Convex Lens

Position of Object Details of Image
 At infinity Real, inverted, Diminished (m << 1) and negative and at F
 Between infinity and 2F Real, inverted, Diminished (m < 1) and negative and
between F and 2F
 At 2F Real, inverted, Equal m = –1 at 2F
 Between 2F and F Real, inverted, Enlarged (m > 1) and negative and between
2F and infinity
 At F Real, inverted, Enlarged (m >> 1) and negative and at
infinity.
 Between F and O Virtual Erect Enlarged (m>>1) and positive

For Divergent or Concave Lens

Position of Object Details of Image
 At infinity Virtual, erect, very small (m << 1 and positive), and at F
 At any other points Virtual, Erect Diminished (m < 1 and positive), and always
located between focus and optic centre.

 Sign Convention
o Focal length of converging lens is taken as positive and that of the diverging lens
is taken as negative, if it is kept in vacuum or in a medium whose refractive index
is less than the lens.
o Pole is taken as origin and principal axis is taken as x–axis
o Direction of incident light is taken as direction of +ve x–axis

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o Object, focus, image are referred by their co–ordinates.

o Height above principal axis is taken as positive.
o Height below the principal axis is taken as negative.

 Len’s Formula
The relation among object distance (u), image distance (v) and focal length (f) is called as
lens formula. And it is

Magnification,

 Power Of Lens
Power of a lens is defined as the ratio of the refractive index of the surrounding
medium and the focal length (f) of the lens in that medium. The unit of power is dioptre
and is denoted by D.
Mathematically it can be written as . [f in metre] in air, .

LEN’S MAKER FORMULA

refractive index of surrounding.

Refractive index of lens

 Combination of Lenses
 Equivalent Focal Length of Combination of Lenses
If number of lenses of focal lengths are placed coaxially in contact then the
equivalent focal length of the combination is given by

In terms of power

Illustration 11
A point object is placed at a distance of 12 cm from a convex lens on its principal axis. Its
image is formed on the other side of the lens at a distance of 18 cm from the lens. Find
the focal length of the lens.
Sol. According to convention, let the object be on the left of the lens. Therefore u is negative,
i.e.,
u = – 12 cm. Since the image is on the other side, it is formed on the right of the lens.
Thus v is positive, i.e., v = + 18 cm. (You can also say that since u is measured opposite
to the direction of the incident rays, it is negative. And since v is measured along the
direction of the incident rays, it is positive)
We have

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or

or

Illustration 12 :
The image of an object formed by a convex lens is of the same size as the object. If the
image is formed at a distance of 40 cm. Find the power of the lens.
Sol. A same–sized image is formed when an object is placed at a distance of 2f from a convex
lens. The image is formed at a distance of 2f from the lens. Here this distance is given as
40 cm. So, 2f = 40 cm or f = 20 cm
Power,

Illustration 13 :
A convex lens of focal length 20 cm is placed in contact with a concave lens of focal
length 12.5 cm in such a way that they have the same principal axis. Find the power of
combination.
Sol. P = P1 + P 2

Here
So the power of the combination is

COMBINATION OF MIRROR AND GLASS SLAB OR LENS

Let us consider the following examples

Example 1 : A plane mirror is made of glass slab (g = 1.5) 2.5 cm thick and silvered on back. A
point object is placed 5 cm in front of the unsilvered face of the mirror. What will be the
position of final image?
Sol. Let I1, I2 and I3 be the images formed by
(i) Refraction from ABC
(ii) Reflection from DEF and
(iii) Again refraction from ABC
Then BI1 = (5)g = (5) (1.5) = 7.5 cm
Now EI1 = (7.5 + 2.5) = 10 cm
 EI2 = 10 cm behind the mirror
Now BI2 = (10 + 2.5) = 12.5 cm

 BI3 = = 8.33 cm.

Example 2 :
When a lens is silvered, it behaves like a spherical mirror
whose power (Peq) is given by
Peq = Pi

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where Pi is the power of lens or mirror to be taken as many times as the number of
refraction or reflection. For example, let us consider silvered equiconvex lens then
Peq = 2PL + PM
and feq =

Example 3 : A thin bioconvex glass ( = 1.5) lens is silvered in one side. Find its focal length if
its power is 1.5 D.
Sol. Peq = 2PL + PM …(i)
From [Len’s maker’s formula]

From (i)

Example 4 : Water is filled in a beaker upto a height of 20 cm. A plane mirror is fixed
at a height of 5 cm from the surface of water. Find the distance of image from the mirror
after reflection from it of an object O at the bottom of the beaker.
Sol. Distance of first image (I1) formed after refraction from the plane surface of water is
cm.

From water surface .

Now distance of this image is 5 + 15 = 20 cm from the plane mirror. Therefore, distance
of second image (I2) will also be equal to 20 cm from the mirror.

Refraction at Spherical Surfaces :

 For refraction from rarer to denser medium at a convex surface. The image formed may
be real or virtual as shown.

(When object is much closer)

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 Refraction from rarer to denser medium at a concave surface. Image is always virtual.

 Refraction from rarer to denser medium at a concave surface. Image is always virtual.

 Refraction from denser to rarer medium at a concave surface. Image is again virtual.

Magnification : . (in each of the above cases)

Illustration 14:
 = 1.0  = 1.5
Locate the image of the point object O in the
situation shown in figure. The point C denotes the O C
centre of curvature of the separating surface.
15cm 30cm

Sol. Here u = – 15 cm, R = 30 cm, and . We have

or

or
or,
The image is formed 30 cm left to the spherical surface and is virtual.

Illustration 15 :
Find the size of the image formed in the situation shown in figure.

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Sol. Here u = – 40 cm, R = – 20 cm, = 1

 = 1.33
. We have,
C
O
20cm

or 40cm

or, or,

The magnification is

or,

or, . The image is erect.

HUMAN EYE AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS AND COLOURFUL WORLD AROUND

US :
 Construction and Working
Sclera
Iris Vitreous hum or
A queous
hum or
R etina
P upil
B lind spot

C ornea O ptic nerve

Suspensory
ligam ent C iliary m uscles

 Pupil is the gateway of light interring the eye lens.

 Iris controls the size of the pupil.
 Cilliary Muscles changes the focal length of eye lens.
 At retina image is formed and then through optic nerves sent to the brain.
The long fibres (or axons) of these nerve cells come together at a point on the retina to
form an optic nerve. There are no rods or cones at the spot where the optic nerve leaves
the eyeball. If an image is formed on this region of the retina, it is not sensed, and hence,
the object is not seen. This region is, therefore, called the blind spot of the eye.

T h e im a g e fo rm e d o n th e re tin a is
m u ch sm a lle r th a n th e o b je ct
 Rod and cone cells : These cells are found on the retina. Rod cells provides extra light
and cone cells distinguish colour of light.

 Far and Near Point

The fastest point up to which the eye can see properly is called the far point of the eye.
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The closest point at which an object can be placed and seen clearly is called the near point
of the eye. And, the distance of the closest point at which an object can be placed and
seen clearly is called the least distance of distinct vision or least distance of clear vision.
The standard value of distance of least distinct vision is taken as 25 cm.
 Power of Accommodation
The maximum variation in the power (1/f) of the eye–lens that can be achieved by the eye
of a person is called its power of accommodation and its unit is Dioptre (D).
 Defects of Vision
We shall look at three common defects of vision : near–sightedness, far–sightedness and
presbyopia.
Near–sightedness (Myopia)
In certain people the eyeball becomes elongated or longer than the normal eye. As a
result, the distance of the retina from the crystalline lens increases. Even for the
maximum focal length of the eye–lens, i.e., when the ciliary muscles are most relaxed,
parallel rays of light from faraway objects get focused at a point before the retina.

In some cases, the curvatures are such that the eye–lens has a shorter than focal length
(more power) than usual. Thus, faraway objects cannot be seen clearly, although nearby
objects can. This defect is called near–sightedness, short–sightedness or myopia.
Correcting Near–sightedness
To correct this defect, concave lens is putted in front of the eye.
O
O

C orrection for M yopia

Far–sightedness (Hypermetropia)
In certain people eyeball becomes shorter than that of the normal eye. As a result, the
distance of the retina from the crystalline lens decrease. Even for the minimum focal
length of the eye–lens, i.e., when the ciliary muscles are most contracted, a sharp image
of a nearby object is not formed on the retina.

N N

H y p e r m e tr o p ic E y e
Thus, nearby objects cannot be seen clearly, although faraway objects can. This defect is
called far–sightedness, long–sightedness, hypermetropia or hyperopia.
Correcting Far–Sightedness
Suppose, the near point far an eye of a person sufferings from far–sightedness is at N,
which is kept farther away from the normal near point N.

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N N

C o r rec tio n fo r H y p e r m e tro p ic E y e

The rays coming from N form a sharp image on the retina when the focal length of the
eye–lens is minimum. But rays coming from an object placed at the normal near point N
(25 cm away) form an image being the retina.
Presbyopia
The power of accommodation of the eye usually decreases with ageing. For most people,
the near point gradually recedes away. They find it difficult to see nearby objects
comfortably and distinctly without corrective eye–glasses. This defect is called
Presbyopia. It arises due to the gradual weakening of the ciliary muscles and diminishing
flexibility of the eye lens. Such people often require bi–focal lenses. A common type of
bi–focal lenses consists of both concave and convex lenses. The upper portion consists of
a concave lens. It facilitates distant vision. The lower part is a convex lens. It facilitates
near vision.

Formula for finding focal length of the correcting glass :

If f is the focal length of the required lens for correction of defect of eyes then,

where v is the distance where our eye is able to see.

And u is the distance that we want to see.

Illustration 16 :
A hypermetropic person whose near point is at 100 cm wants to read a book at 25 cm.
Find the nature and power of the lens needed.
Sol. Here, u = –25 cm, v = – 100 cm, f = ?
As

f= cm.

P= dioptre.

Illustration 17 :
A person can see clearly only upto 3 metres. Prescribe a lens for his spectacles, so that he
can see clearly upto 12 m.
Sol. Here, u = – 12 m, v = – 3m, f = ?
As
 f = – 4m = – 400 cm

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Also, P = dioptre.

 Simple Microscope or Magnifying Glass :

A simple microscope is used for observing magnified images of tiny objects. It consists of
a converging lens of small focal length. A virtual, erect and magnified image of the object
is formed at the least distance of distinct vision from the eye held close to the lens. That is
why the simple microscope is also called a magnifying glass.
The course of rays through a simple microscope is shown in figure.

Magnifying power of a simple microscope is defined as the ratio of the angles subtended
by the image and the object on the eye, when both are at the least distance of distinct
vision from the eye.
Its magnification can be expressed as,
(for image at least distance of distinct vision)

and (for image at infinity or for normal adjustment)

D = 25 cm (least distance of distinct vision for a normal eye)

 Compound Microscope :
A compound microscope is an optical instrument used for observing highly magnified
images of tiny objects.
 Construction. A compound microscope consists of two converging lenses (or lens
systems); an objective lens O of very small focal length and short aperture and an eye
piece E of moderate focal length and large aperture. The two lenses are held co–axially at
the free ends of two coaxial tubes, at a suitable fixed distance from each other. The
distance of the objective lens from the object can be adjusted by rack and pinion
arrangement.
The course of rays through a compound microscope is shown in figure.

 Magnifying power of a compound microscope is defined as the ratio of the angle

subtended at the eye by the final image to the angle subtended at the eye by the object,
when both the final image and the object are situated at the least distance of distinct
vision from the eye.

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Its magnification can be expressed as,

where L = length of the tube.

 Points to note :
(i) As magnifying power (m) is negative, the image seen in a microscope is always
inverted i.e., upside down and left turned right.
(ii) As intermediate image is between the two lenses, a cross–sire (or a meansuring scale)
can be used.
(iii) If final image in a microscope were at infinity (normal setting), equation would be

(iv) For large magnifying power, f0 and fe both have to be small. Also, f0 is taken to the
smaller than fe so that field of view may be increased.
(v) As aperture of both the lenses in a microscope is small, the defects of images
particularly, spherical aberration is minimized.

 Astronomical Telescope :
An astronomical telescope is an optical instrument which is used for observing distinct
images of heavenly bodies like starts, planets etc.
 Construction : It consists of two lenses (or lens systems), the objective lens O, which is
of large focal length and large aperture and the eye piece E, which has a small focal
length and small aperture. The two lenses are mounted co–axially at the free ends of the
two tubes. The distance between these lenses can be adjusted using a rack and pinion
arrangement.
In normal adjustment of telescope, the final image is formed at infinity.
The course of rays in normal adjustment of telescope is shown in figure.

 Its magnification can be expressed as,

[When object is at infinity and image is at least distance of distinct vision (D)]

 Points to Note :
When both object and image are at infinitly at mnormal adjustment]
(i) As magnifying power is negative, the final image in an astronomical telescope is
inverted i.e., upside down and left turned right.

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(ii) As intermediate image is between the two lenses, cross wire (or a measuring device)
can be used.
(iii) In normal setting of telescope, final image is at infinity. Magnifying power is
minimum.
When final image is at least distance of distinct vision, magnifying power is
maximum. Thus

(iv) To have large magnifying power, f0 must be as large as possible and fe must be as
small as possible.

Illustration 18 :
A convex lens of focal length 5 cm is used as a simple microscope. What will be the
magnifying power when the image is formed at the least distance of distinct vision?
Sol. Here, f = 5 cm, d = 25 cm, m = ?
m= = 6.

Illustration 19 :
If we need a magnification of 375 from a compound microscope of tube length 15 cm and
an objective of focal length 0.5 cm, what focal length of eye lens should be used?
Sol. M = – 375, L = 15 cm
f0 = 0.5 cm, fe = ? D = 25 cm

M=

As focal length of objective lens is small u0  f0.

Also, as focal length of eye lens is small, v0  L.

 M=  – 375 =

; fe =

Illustration 20 :
An astronomical telescope of magnifying power 7 consists of two thin lenses 40 cm apart,
in normal adjustment. Calculate the focal lengths of the lenses.
Sol. Here, M = for
In normal adjustment,
Distance between the lenses, f0 + fe = 40
 7fe + fe = 40, fe = cm
f0 = 7fe = 7 × 5 = 35 cm.
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 Dispersion of Light
The angular splitting of a ray of white light into a number of components and spreading in
different direction is called dispersion of light.

Angle of Dispersion :

A

r y v
 R ed
M ean ray
(yellow )
Violet

Angle between the rays of the extreme colours in the refracted (dispersed) light is called
angle of dispersion.
 = v – r

Dispersive power (w) of the medium of the material of prism is given by

=

For small angled prism A  10°

Here and refractive index of material for violet, red and yellow colours
respectively.

If ny is not given in the problem then take

Cause of Dispersion :
A glass medium offers different refractive indices to different components of light.
Dependence of  on according to cauchy’s formula .

Illustration 21 :
Find the dispersive power of flint glass. The refractive indices of flint glass for red,
yellow and violet light are 1.613, 1.620 and 1.632 respectively.
Sol. The dispersive power is .

 Atmospheric Refraction and Optical Phenomena :

The refractive index of air depends on its density – higher the density of air, greater its
refractive index. Under standard conditions of temperature, humidity, etc., near the
earth’s surface, the refractive index of air has a value that is slightly greater than 1. Since
density of air decreases with height above the earth’s surface, the refractive index of air

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also decreases with height, and is very close to 1 in the outermost region of the
atmosphere.
Due to atmospheric refraction,
 A planet or star appears little above our horizon. That is why Sun appears before it rises
actually.
 Stars twinkle. But planets do not twinkle as they appear as large source of light and much
closer as compare to star, to our eye.
 Tyndall Effect
The earth’s atmosphere is a heterogeneous mixture of minute particle. These particle
include smoke, tiny water droplets, suspended particle of dust and molecules of air. When
a beam of light strikes such fine particles, the path of the beam becomes visible. The light
reaching us, after being reflected diffusely by these particles. The phenomenon of
scattering of light by the colloidal particle give rise to Tyndall effect.
The colour of the scattered light depends on the size of the scattering particle. Very fine
particles scatter mainly blue light while particles of larger size scatter light of longer
wavelength. If the size of the scattering particles is larger enough, then, the scattered light
may even appear white.

 Scattering of Light
The path of a beam of light passing through a true solution is not visible. However its
path becomes visible through a colloidal solution where the size of the particles are
relatively larger. When light passes through atmosphere, the components of light with
high frequencies strike the atmospheric particles and get deviated from their direction of
propagation. This phenomenon is known as scattering of light. According to a scientist,
Rayleigh, the angle of deviation in this process increases with the increase in frequency.

Due to scattering of light :

 Sky and Sea appears Blue.
 Colour of the Sun at time of rise and set appears red.
 Clouds appear white.
 Formation of Rainbow
Rainbow is formed because of the optical events known as refraction, total internal
reflection and dispersion of light.



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KEY POINTS
 For reflection
 For spherical mirror

and .
 Laws of refraction
.

 Refractive index of the medium relative of vacuum

 Deviation (d) of ray incident at and refracted at
is given by
 Principle of Reversibility of light Rays.

 For refraction through a parallel slab the lateral displacement

 For submerged object

Apparent shift

 Refraction through a composite slab

Apparent shift

 Critical Angle and Total Internal Reflection (T.I.R.).

 For refraction through prism, angle of deviation.

 = ( – 1) A
At the minimum deviation

For lens

Lens Makers formula :

 Cauchy’s formula.

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 Dispersive power

 Spherical Surfaces

 Transverse magnification

 Refraction at plane Surface

 For a spherical, thin lens having the same medium on both sides.

…(a)

when
 Transverse magnification (m)

 Lens formula
1 1 1
 
v u f
 The equivalent focal length of thin lenses in contact is given by
1 1 1 1
  
F f1 f2 f3
 The combination of lens and mirror behaves like a mirror of focal length ‘f’ given by
1 1 2
 
f Fm F

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ASSIGNMENT
Week 17 : Worksheet

1. A light ray is made to incident on a glass plate with angle of incidence 15ºand then
reflected. Then the angle of deviation is
(A) 45º (B) 130°
(C) 150° (D) 90°

2. The angle between incident ray and reflected ray is 70º. What is the angle of incidence ?
(A) 45º (B) 30º
(C) 55º (D) 35º

3. How will you arrange the two mirrors so that whatever may be the angle of incidence, the
incident ray and the reflected ray from the two mirrors will be parallel to each other ?
(A) 90º (B) 45º
(C) 60º (D) 180º

4. Two plane mirrors are inclined to each other at an angle . . A ray of light is reflected first
at one mirror and then at the other.
(A) the total deviation of ray is 360º
(B) the total deviation produced by system of mirrors is independent of the angle of
incidence on the first mirror
(C) the total deviation produced by system of mirrors depends upon the angle which the
two mirror are inclined to each other.
(D) the total deviation of ray is always 90º.

5. Light is focused on the compound wall of a building with the help of vertical plane
mirror. A small boy came and rotate the plane mirror with an angle of o 30 clock wise
then what happens to the reflected beam when a mirror is rotated by 30º ?
(A) remains fixed (B) rotates by 15º
(C) rotates by 60º (D) rotates by 90º

6. In question no. 5 above, what happens to the normal when a mirror is rotated by 40º ?
(A) remains fixed (B) rotates by 15º
(C) rotates by 60º (D) rotates by 40º

7. In question no. 5 above, what happens to the incident angle when a mirror is rotated by
15º ?
(A) remains fixed (B) increases by 15º
(C) rotates by 60º (D) rotates by 40º

8. A light ray is made to incident on a glass plate with an angle of incidence 30º. Find the
angle of reflection is
(A) 60º (B) 30º
(C) 90º (D) 0º

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9. The two mirrors are inclined at an angle 90º. If a ray of light is obliquely incident on the
first mirror, the deviation after two reflections is
(A) 180º (B) 300º
(C) 90º (D) 60º

10. A ray of light, after reflection from a plane mirror, suffers a deviation of 60º. Find the
angle between the incident and reflected rays.
(A) 130º (B) 120º
(C) 145º (D) 60º

Week 18 : Worksheet

1. The diameter of spherical mirror in which reflection takes place is called

(A) radius of curvature (B) centre of curvature
(C) linear aperture. (D) focal length.

2. The image formed by a convex mirror of real object is larger than the object.
(A) When u < 2f (B) When u > 2f
(C) for all values of u (D) for no value of u

3. When object is placed between principal focus and pole for a concave mirror the image is
formed at
(A) pole (B) principal focus
(C) centre of curvature (D) behind the mirror

4. Which of the following forms a virtual and erect image for all positions of a real object
with a greater field of view
(A) plane mirror (B) convex mirror.
(C) concave mirror (D) all the above

5. The point on the mirror at middle of spherical surface is

(A) pole (B) principal axis
(C) center of curvature (D) radius of curvature.

6. The line passing through pole and center of curvature is

(A) pole (B) principal axis
(C) center of curvature (D) radius of curvature.

7. The center of the hollow sphere for which the mirror is a part is
(A) pole (B) principal axis
(C) centre of curvature (D) radius of curvature

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8. In the Figure, AB and BK represent incident and reflected

rays. If angle BCF = 35º. Then BFP. will be equal to
____ degrees.
(A) 70º (B) 35º
(C) 80º (D) 90º

9. A convex mirror has its radius of curvature 30cm. Find the position of the image of an
object placed at a distance of 18cm from the mirror
(A) (B)

(C) (D) 90 cm.

10. A ray falls at the pole of convex mirror at an angle 30º with the principal axis. The angle
between the reflected ray and principle axis will be
(A) 60º (B) 15º
(C) 30º (D) not predictable.

Week 19 : Worksheet 1

1. For a concave mirror, whenever the distance of object is less than the focal length, the
image is virtual. That is called virtual image, because
(A) the image is formed behind the mirror
(B) the image is not inverted
(C) the image cannot be obtained on a screen
(D) the image can be located by virtue of parallax.

2. In case of concave mirror, the minimum distance between a real object and its real image
is
(A) f (B) 2f
(C) 4f (D) zero.

3. For a spherical mirror, the paraxial ray is the ray which

(A) coincides with the principal axis (B) is near the principal axis
(C) is far away from the principal axis (D) is normal to the principal axis.

4. A virtual image larger than a real object can be produced by

(A) convex mirror (B) concave mirror
(C) plane mirror (D) none of these.

5. The focal length and magnification of a plane mirror are

(A) f = , m = 0 (B) f = 0, m = 1
(C) f = , m = 1 (D) f = 0, m = 0.

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6. Mark the wrong statement about a virtual image

(A) a virtual image can be photographed
(B) a virtual image can be seen
(C) a virtual image can be photographed by exposing a film at the location of the image
(D) a virtual image may be diminished or enlarged in size in comparison to an object.

7. Which one of the following can produce a parallel beam of light from a point source of
light ?
(A) concave mirror (B) convex mirror
(C) plane mirror (D) concave lens.

8. A convex mirror has a focal length f. A real object placed at a distance f in front of it
from the pole, produces an image at
(A)  (B) f
(C) f/2 (D) 2f.

9. In a concave mirror an object is placed at a distance x 1 from the focus and the image is
formed at a distance x2 from the focus. Then the focal length of the mirror is
(A) x1x2 (B)
(C) (x1 + x2)/2 (D) .

10. A concave mirror of focal length f produces an image n times the size of the object. If the
image is real, then the distance of the object from the mirror is
(A) (n – 1) f (B) [(n – 1)/n] f
(C) [(n + 1)/n] f (D) (n + 1) f.

Week 20 : Worksheet

1. The velocity of light in air is 3 × 10 ms –1 and in glass is 2 × 10 ms–1. The refractive index
of glass w.r.t air is
(A) 2/3 (B) 3/2
(C) 4/3 (D) 9/4.

2. The refractive index of glass and water w.r.t air are 3/2 and 4/3. The refractive index of
glass w.r.t water is
(A) 3/2 (B) 2/3
(C) 3/4 (D) 9/8

3. When light travels from rarer medium to denser medium

(A) Refracted ray bends towards normal (B) Refracted ray bends away from normal
(C) Ray undeviated from path (D) We cannot identified the ray.

4. When light ray travels from denser medium to rarer medium

(A) Refracted ray bends towards normal (B) Refracted ray bends away from normal
(C) Ray undeviated from path (D) We cannot identified the ray.

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5. An object in a denser medium appears nearer as seen from rarer medium. Then the
refractive index of denser medium is
(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

6. Let a ray of light be incident on a parallel glass plate of thickness 8cm at an angle 60º.
The refracted angle is o 30º. The emergent ray does not under go deviation and dispersion
but shifts laterally and travel parallel to the direction of incident ray. The normal distance
between incident and emergent rays is lateral shift. The speed of light is 2 × 10 ms –1 in the
glass then the distance AB is
(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

7. In question no. 6 above, the lateral shift is

(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

8. In question no. 6 above, the time taken to cover the distance AB inside the slab
is _____ ×10–8 s.
(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

9. A beaker of depth 10cm is filled with a liquid of refractive index 4/3 upto a depth of 6cm
and remaining depth is filled with a liquid of refractive index 6/5. The apparent depth of
the beaker when observed normally is
(A) 9.8 cm (B) 8.8cm
(C) 7.8cm (D) 6.8 cm

10. A travelling microscope is focussed on to a point on the bottom of a vessel. A liquid

whose refractive index is is poured in it. The microscope is lifted to 6cm to focus it
again. The depth of the liquid in the vessel is
(A) 18cm (B) 36cm
(C) 9cm (D) 24cm

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Week 21 : Worksheet

1. If the temperature of the medium increases, then the critical angle is

(A) Increases (B) Decreases
(C) Remains same (D) First increases then decreases

2. The critical angle for a ray of light suffering total internal reflection will be smallest for
light travelling from
(A) water to air (B) glass to air
(C) glass to water (D) water to glass

3. The phenomenon of total internal reflection does play the role in the
(A) formation of rainbow (B) sparkling of diamond
(C) phenomenon of mirage (D) all the above

4. Total Internal reflection is the reason of

(A) Brilliancy of a diamond (B) Shining of small air bubble in water
(C) Formation of looming in cold countries (D) all of the above.

5. Ratio of wavelengths of light passing from one medium to another is 4 : 5. Then the ratio
of the speeds of the light in two media is:
(A) 4 : 5 (B) 5 : 4
(C) :2 (D) 2 :

6. When light travels from one medium to other the refractive index is different then which
of the following will change ?
(A) frequency, wavelength and velocity (B) frequency and wavelength
(C) frequency and velocity (D) wavelength and velocity.

7. The critical angle of light passing from glass to air is minimum for
(A) red (B) green
(C) yellow (D) violet.

8. Critical angle for a medium is 45º. Its refractive index is

(A) (B)

(C) (D) .
9. Refractive index of a medium is 2. Its critical angle is
(A) 60º (B) 30º
(C) 40º (D) 50º.

10. Refractive index of a medium is . Its critical angle will be

(A) 45º (B) 60º
(C) 30º (D) 90º.

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Week 22 : Worksheet

1. In the case of equilateral glass prism, refractive index of the material of the prism is .
The angle of minimum deviation is
(A) 60º (B) 30º
(C) 45º (D) ( )

2. A ray of light passes through an equilateral glass prism, such that the angle of incidence is
equal to the angle of emergence. If the angle of emergence is times the angle of the
prism. The refractive index of the glass prism is
(A) 1.71 (B) 1.61
(C) 1.41 (D) 1.21

3. The maximum value of index of refraction of a material of prism which allows the
passage of light through it when the refracting angle of prism A is

(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

4. A prism with less than ___________ degrees is called small angled prism.
(A) 10º (B) 20º
(C) 15º (D) 30º.

5. In the case of equilateral glass prism, refractive index of the material of the prism is .
The angle of minimum deviation is
(A) 60º (B) 30º
(C) 45º (D) .
6. A ray of light is incident on one of the refracting surfaces of an equilateral prism, at an
angle of incidence 48º in the minimum deviation position, deviation produced by the
prism is
(A) 48º (B) 36º
(C) 24º (D) 18º

7. A ray is incident at an angle of incidence i on one surface of prism of small angle A. The
refractive index of the material of the prism is ?. The angle of incidence is nearly equal to
(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

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8. The deviation of a ray through a prism is related to the angle of prism as

(A)  = ( – 1) A (B)  = (A – 1) 
(C)  = (1 – ) A (A) A = ( – 1) .

9. The side AC of a glass prism of refractive index 1.5 is

silvered. A ray of light falls on the face AB such that it
retraces its path. What is the angle of incidence, if the
angle of the prism is 35º.
–1
(sin 35º = 0.574) sin (0.86) = 59.4º
(A) 59.4º (B) 64.6º
(C) 35º (D) 72º.

10. When the prism is in the minimum deviation position

(Figure). Choose the correct one.
(A) i1 = i2 = I and r1 = r = r
(B) Angle of minimum deviation is. Dm=2 (i-A)
(C) Angle of incident
(D) Angle of refraction r = A/4

Week 23 : Worksheet

1. A double convex air bubble in water would behave as a

(A) convergent lens (B) circle
(C) divergent lens (D) plane mirror.

2. The distance between the optical centre and the principal focus is
(A) focal length (B) object distance
(C) image distance (D) foci

3. The graph drawn with object distance along x-coordinate and image (real) distance as y-
coordinate for a convex is a
(A) straight line (B) circle
(C) parabola (D) rectangular hyperbola

4. A lens behaves as a converging lens in air and as a diverging lens in water. The refractive
index of the material of the lens is
(A) equal to unity (B) equal to 1.33
(C) between unit and 1.33 (D) greater than 1.33

5. When the lens is thin and radii of cunvature of two refracting surface are equal then the
geometric centre of the lens becomes.
(A) principal focus (B) optical center
(C) front vertex (D) back vertex

6. The minimum distance between an object and its real image formed by a convex lens is
(A) 1.5f (B) 2f
(C) 2.5f (D) 4f
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7. The maximum image distance in the case of a concave lens is

(A) f (B) 4f
(C) infinity (D) 2f

8. A thin lens produces an image of the same size as the object. Then from the optical centre
of the lens, the distance of the object is
(A) zero (B) 4f
(C) 2f (D) f/2

9. The focal length of a convex lens is maximum for

(A) ultraviolet rays (B) violet
(C) yellow (D) red rays

10. A layered lens as shown in the figure is made of two materials

indicated by different shades. A point object is placed on its axis. The
lens will form.
(A) one image (B) two images
(C) five images (D) three images

Week 24 : Worksheet

1. Lens makers formula is valid only for

(A) Paraxial rays & thin lens (B) Paraxial rays & thick lens
(C) marginal rays & thin lens (D) marginal rays & thick lens

2. A biconvex lens has radii of curvature 20cm each. If the refractive index of the material
of the lens is 1.5. Its focal length is
(A) 20cm (B) 10cm
(C) 30cm (D) 15cm

3. A convex lens of focal length 24cm ( =1.5) is totally immerged in water ( =1.33) then
its focal length in water.
(A) 100cm (B) 96cm
(C) 92cm (D) 120cm
4. Decreasing the radii of the two surfaces of a double convex or double concave lens
(A) increases its focal length
(B) decreases its focal length
(C) neither increases nor decreases the focal length
(D) increases or decreases
5. A diverging meniscus lens of radii of curvatures 25cm and 50cm has a refractive index
1.5. It focal length is (in cm)
(A) –50 (B) -100
(C) 100 (D) 50

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6. Two thin lenses of focal lengths 1 f and 2 f are in contact and coaxial. The combination is
equivalent to a single lens of power
(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

7. Two thin convex lenses of focal length f1 and f2 are placed with a distance d between
them for the power of the combination to be zero, the separation d is.
(A) f1 – f2 (B) f1 + f2
(C) f1 / f2 (D)

8. The focal power of a convergent lens of focal length 12.5cm is

(A) +8D (B) +6D
(C) +7D (D) +12.5D

9. Two lenses of power +8 and -3 dioptres are placed in contact, then the power of the
combination is
(A) +2D (B) +5D
(C) +4D (D) +6D

10. A convex lens of glass is immersed in water compared to its power in air, its power in
water will
(A) increases
(B) decrease
(C) not change
(D) decrease for red light increase for a violet light and power P

Week 25 : Worksheet

1. When light ray passes rarer medium (m1) into denser medium (m2), the object distance (u)
and image distance (v) then the radius of curvature (R) of the concave refracting surface
(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

2. A denser medium of refractive index 1.5 has a concave surface of radius of curvature 12
cm. An object is situated in the denser medium at a distance of 9 cm from the pole.
Locate the image due to refraction in air.
(A) A real image at 8 cm (B) A virtual image at 8 cm
(C) A real image at 4.8 cm (D) A virtual image at 4.8 cm

3. In a medium of refractive index 1.6 and having a convex surface has a point object in it at
a distance of 12 cm from the pole. The radius of curvature is 6 cm. Locate the image as
seen from air.
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(A) A real image at 30 cm (B) A virtual image at 30 cm

(C) A real image at 4.28 cm (D) A virtual image at 4.28 cm

4. A sunshine recorder globe of 20 cm diameter is made of glass of m = 1.5. A ray enters the
globe parallel to the axis. Find the position from the centre of the sphere where the ray
crosses the axis.
(A) 15 cm (B) 17 cm
(C) 16 cm (D) 10 cm.

5. A convex refracting surface of radius of curvature 20 cm separates two media of

refractive indices 4/3 and 1.60. An object is placed in the first medium (m = 4/3) at a
distance of 200 cm from the refracting surface. Calculate the position of image formed.
(A) at 234.15 cm in rarer media (B) at 234.15 cm in denser media
(C) at 238.15 cm in rarer media (D) at 238.20 cm in rarer media.

6. Locate the image of the point object O in the situation

shown in figure. The point C denotes the centre of
curvature of the separating surface.
(A) –30 cm (B) –20 cm
(C)  (D) –40 cm.

7. One end of a horizontal cylindrical glass rod ( = 1.5) of radius 5 cm is rounded in the
shape of a hemisphere. An object 0.5 mm high is placed perpendicular to the axis of the
rod at a distance of 20 cm from the rounded edge. Locate the image of the object and find
its height.
(A) 20 cm; 10 mm (B) 30 cm; 0.5 mm
(C) 20 cm; 5 mm (D) 30 cm; 1 mm.

8. Find the size of image formed in the situation shown in

figure.
(A) 0.5 cm (B) 0.4 cm
(C) 0.8 cm (D) 0.6 cm.

9. A sphere of glass ( = 1.5) is of 20 cm diameter. A parallel beam enters it from one side.
Where will it get focused on the other side ?
(A) 6 cm (B) 4 cm
(C) 8 cm (D) 5 cm.

10. A glass sphere of 15 cm radius has a small bubble 6 cm from the centre. The bubble is
seen along a diameter of the sphere from the side on which it lies. How far from the
surface will it appear to be, if refractive index of glass is 1.5 ?
(A) –7.2 cm (B) –7.4 cm
(C) –7.5 cm (D) –7.7 cm.

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Week 26 : Worksheet

1. Far sighted people who have lost their spectacles can still read a book by looking through
a small hole in a street of paper, this is because
(A) in doing so the focal length of the eye is effectively increased
(B) in doing so the focal length of the eye effectively increased
(C) in doing so the distance of the object increased
(D) the pin hole produces an image of letters at a longer distance
2. A myopic person cannot see objects lying beyond 2m. The focal length and power of the
lens required to remove this defect will be
(A) 1m and 0.5D (B) −2m and −0.5D
(C) 0.5m and 0.5D (D) −0.5 and 0.5D
3. The power of the lens, a short sighted person uses is 2 dioptre. The maximum distance of
an object which he can see without spectacle is
(A) 25 cm (B) 50 cm
(C) 100 cm (D) 10 cm
4. For a person suffering from a combination of astigmatism and myopia the type of glasses,
that must be used to correct vision is
(A) Plano convex (B) Plano concave
(C) Plano spherical (D) Sphero cylindrical
5. Colour blindness can be cured by using
(A) cancave lesn (B) canvex lens
(C) spherical lens (D) not curable at all
6. The near point and the far point of a child are at 10 cm and 100 cm respectively. If the
retina is 2 cm behind the eye lens,
The lower range of the power of the eye lens is
(A) 40D (B) 51D
(C) 60D (D) 55D
7. The upper range of the power of the eye lens in the above question no. 6 is
(A) 60D (B) 55D
(C) 40D (D) 31D
8. Range of the power of the eye lens in the above question no. 6 is
(A) 40D −51D (B) 51D −60D
(C) 55D −60D (D) 31D−40D.
9. A person cannot see beyond 100 cm. He should use a glass of power,
(A) –1 D (B) +1 D
(C) –2 D (D) +2 D.

10. The near point of a person is 100 cm. The power of the lens that can be prescribed for him
is
(A) 3D (B) 4D
(C) –2D (D) 2D.

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Week 27 : Worksheet

1. To obtain maximum magnification with a simple microscope where should the eye be
placed.
(A) close to lens
(B) half way between focus and optical centre
(C) close to the focus
(D) away from lens

2. To obtain a magnified image at distance of distinct vision with a simple microscope

where should the object be placed
(A) away from focus (B) at focus
(C) between focus and optical centre (D) Both (A) and (B)

3. In simple microscope the magnifying power (MP) is

(A) MP=0
(B)

(C)
(D) Both (A) and (C)

4. The focal length of a converging lens is 8 cm. Then its magnifying power when it is used
as a reading lens to form the image at near point
(A) 4.125 (B) 3.125
(C) 2.125 (D) 5.125

5. The focal length of a magnifier is 5 cm then the magnifying power of a lens relaxed eye
(far point) is
(A) 20 (B) 25
(C) 5 (D) 10

6. Magnifying power of a simple microscope increases by

(A) increase in focal length (B) decrease in focal length
(C) increase the size of object (D) Both (B) and (C)

7. For which of the following colour, the magnifying power of a microscope will be
maximum
(A) green (B) red
(C) violet (D) yellow

8. When the length of a microscope tube increases, its magnifying power

(A) decreases (B) increases
(C) does not change (D) may decrease or increase

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9. A compound microscope is of magnifying power 100. The magnifying power of its

eyepiece is 4. Find the magnification of its objective ?
(A) 4 (B) –25
(C) 0.04 (D) –50

10. The objective of a compound microscope is essentially

(A) concave lens of large focal length and small aperture
(B) convex lens of small focal length and large aperture
(C) convex lens of large focal length and large aperture
(D) convex lens of small focal length and small aperture

Week 28 : Worksheet

1. Atmospheric refraction is due to

(A) changing pressure in the atmosphere (B) varying density of atmosphere
(C) varying temperature of the atmosphere (D) both (B) and (C).

2. The sun appears red during set and rise due to

(A) scattering of light (B) atmospheric refraction
(C) dispersion (D) total internal reflection.

3. The sun is seen before it comes to our horizon because

(A) scattering of light (B) atmospheric refraction
(C) dispersion (D) total internal reflection.

4. When sunrays enter through window in the early morning the path of the light ray
becomes visible when dust or smoke come on its way. This is known as
(A) scattering of light (B) tyndall effect
(C) dispersion (D) refaction of light.

5. The rainbow is formed due to

(A) dispersion and refraction
(B) scattering and refraction
(C) dispersion and scattering
(D) reflection total internal reflection and dispersion of light

6. Twinkling of stars occurs due to

(A) scattering of light (B) atmospheric refraction
(C) dispersion (D) total internal reflection.

7. The sky is blue because of,

(A) scattering of light (B) atmospheric refraction
(C) dispersion (D) total internal reflection.

8. Sea appears blue because of

(A) scattering of light (B) atmospheric refraction
(C) dispersion (D) total internal reflection.

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9. The sun appears bigger during rise and set

(A) scattering of light (B) atmospheric refraction
(C) dispersion (D) total internal reflection.

10. The scattering of components of light is directly proportional to its

(A) frequency (B) amplitude
(C) velocity (D) colour.

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KEY
Ray Optics
ASSIGNMENT
Week 17; Worksheet
1. (C) 2. (D)
3. (A) 4. (C)
5. (C) 6. (D)
7. (B) 8. (B)
9. (A) 10. (B)
Week 18; Worksheet
1. (C) 2. (D)
3. (D) 4. (B)
5. (A) 6. (B)
7. (C) 8. (A)
9. (C) 10. (C)

Week 19; Worksheet

1. (C) 2. (D)
3. (B) 4. (B)
5. (C) 6. (C)
7. (A) 8. (C)
9. (B) 10. (C)

Week 20; Worksheet

1. (B) 2. (D)
3. (A) 4. (B)
5. (C) 6. (B)
7. (A) 8. (A)
9. (C) 10. (B)
Week 21; Worksheet
1. (B) 2. (C)
3. (D) 4. (D)
5. (A) 6. (D)
7. (D) 8. (A)
9. (B) 10. (B)
Week 22; Worksheet
1. (B) 2. (C)
3. (C) 4. (A)
5. (A) 6. (B)
7. (A) 8. (A)
9. (A) 10. (A)

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Week 23; Worksheet

1. (C) 2. (A)
3. (D) 4. (C)
5. (B) 6. (D)
7. (D) 8. (C)
9. (D) 10. (B)

Week 24; Worksheet

1. (D) 2. (A)
3. (B) 4. (B)
5. (B) 6. (C)
7. (D) 8. (A)
9. (B) 10. (B)

Week 25; Worksheet

1. (A) 2. (D)
3. (B) 4. (A)
5. (A) 6. (A)
7. (B) 8. (D)
9. (D) 10. (C)

Week 26; Worksheet

1. (B) 2. (B)
3. (B) 4. (D)
5. (D) 6. (B)
7. (A) 8. (B)
9. (A) 10. (B)

Week 27; Worksheet

1. (A) 2. (C)
3. (B) 4. (A)
5. (C) 6. (B)
7. (C) 8. (B)
9. (B) 10. (D)

Week 28; Worksheet

1. (D) 2. (A)
3. (B) 4. (B)
5. (D) 6. (B)
7. (A) 8. (A)
9. (B) 10. (A)

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WAVE OPTICS

 HUYGEN’S PRINCIPLE

 Wavefronts and Rays

A wavefront is defined as a surface joining the points of same phase. The speed with which the
wavefront moves outwards from the source is called the phase velocity or wave velocity. The
energy of the wave moves in a direction perpendicular to the wavefront.

Figure shows light waves emitting out from a point source forming a spherical wavefront in three
dimensional space. The energy travels outwards along straight lines emerging from the source,
along radii of the spherical wavefront These lines are called the rays.

(a) (b)
Important

 Rays are perpendicular to wavefronts

 The time taken by light to travel from one wavefront to another is the same along any
line.

Huygen’s Principle
 Every point on a wavefront vibrates in same phase and with same frequency
 Every point on a wavefront acts like a secondary source and sends out a spherical wave,
called a secondary wavelet.
 Wavefronts move in space with the velocity of wave in that medium.

 SUPERPOSITION PRINCIPLE
The phenomena of interference is based on the principle of superposition. It states that the
instantaneous optical disturbance at a point, where two or more light waves overlap, is the sum of
the optical disturbances that would be produced by each of the waves separately.

 COHERENT SOURCES
Two source are said to be coherent if they have the same frequency and the phase relationship
remains constant and independent of time. In this case, the total intensity I is not just the sum of
individual intensities I1 and I2 due to two sources but also includes an interference term whose
magnitude depends on the phase difference at a given point.

where  is the phase difference between the two sources and is called as interference
term.
 Wave Optics Physics, Class : X

 INCOHERENT SOURCES
Two sources are said to be incoherent if they have different frequency and phase different is not
constant with respect to time. In this case the averaged over a cycle is zero.

For such incoherent sources .

 INTERFERENCE . YOUNG’S DOUBLE SLIT EXPERIMENT

It was carried out in 1802 by the English scientist Thomas Young to prove the wave nature of
light.

Two slits S1 and S2 are made in an opaque screen, parallel and very close to each other. These
two are illuminated by another narrow slits S and light fall on both S 1 and S2 which behave like
coherent sources. Note that the coherent sources are derived from the same source. In this way,
any phase change which occurs in S will occur in both S 1 and S2. The phase difference
between S1 and S2 is unaffected and remains constant.

Light now spreads out from both S1 and S2 and falls on P

a screen. It is essential that the waves from the two yn
sources overlap on the same part of the screen. If one S1 
S d 
slit is covered up, the other produces a wide smoothly O
illuminated patch on the screen. But when both slits are S2
open, the patch is seen to be crossed by dark and bright d sin 
bands called interference fringes. This redistribution of D
intensity, pattern is called interference pattern.
Schematic arrangement of YDSE
where is the phase difference and I is the resultant intensity.

Condition for bright fringes or maxima,

  2n
or path difference, where n = 0, 1, 2, …….
Imax  ( I1  I2 )2

Condition for dark fringes or minima,

or path difference , where n = 1, 2, 3, …….

Imin  ( I1  I2 )2
[The relation between phase difference and path difference (p) is given by
]
How to find the Position of the nth Maxima or Minima on the Screen ?
Let P be the position of the nth maxima on the screen. The two waves arriving at P follow the
path S1P and S2P, thus the path difference between the two waves is
p  S1P  S2P  d sin 

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From experimental conditions, we know that D >> d, therefore, the angle is small,
Thus

For nth maxima

p  n

where n = 0, 1, 2, ……….

For nth minima

where n = 1, 2, 3, ……..
Note that the nth minima comes before the nth maxima.

 Fringe Width

It is defined as the distance between two successive maxima or minima.

or

[If changes to then the fringe width ]

 Optical Path
It is defined as distance travelled by light in vacuum taking the same time in which it travels a
given path length in a medium. If light travels a path length d in a medium at speed v, the tame
taken by it will be (d/c). So optical path length
d c
L  c     d (because   )
v
  v

Since for all media optical path length is always greater then geometrical path length. When two
light waves arrive at a point by travelling different distances in different media, the phase
difference between the two is related by their optical path difference instead of simply path
difference.

 Fringe Shift
When a transparent film of thickness t and refractive index is introduced infront of one of the
slits, the fringe pattern shifts in the direction where the film is placed.

Illustration 19
In a YDSE, if D = 2 m; d = 6 mm and l = 6000 A, then
(a) find the fringe width
(b) find the position of the 3rd maxima
(c) find the position of the 2nd minima

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Solution (a)Fringe width,

D (6000  10 10 )(2)
   0.2mm
d 6  103
(b) Position of 3rd maxima
3 D
y3   3  3(0.2)  0.6mm
d
(c) Position of 2nd minima
 1  D 3 3
y2   2      (0.2)  0.3mm
 2 d 2 2

Illustration 20
White light is used to illuminate the two slits in a Young’s double slit experiment. The separation
between the slits is d and the screen is at a distance D >> d from the slits. At a point on the screen
directly in front of one of the slits find the missing wavelengths.
Solution According to theory of interference, position y of a S1 D P
point on the screen is given by y
D d
y ( x)
d
and as for missing wavelengths intensity will be min. S2
(=0) if
So,
However, here d = b and y = (b/2).
So, with n = 1, 2, 3, ….

i.e., wavelengths (b2/D), (b2/3D), (b2/5D), etc., will be absent (or missing) at point P.

Illustration 21:
How to find fringe shift ?
Solution :
Consider the YDSE arrangement shown in the figure.
A film of thickness t and refractive index m is placed in front of the lower slit.
The optical path difference is given by
p  [(S2P  t)  t]  S1P
or
Since

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P
As
S1 yn

d  O
or 
S2 t
In the absence of film the position of the nth
maxima is given by equation D

n D
yn 
d
Therefore, the fringe shift is given by
tD
FS  y n  y 'n  (  1)
d
Note the shift is in the direction where the film is introduced.

Illustration 22
In a YDSE =6000A D = 2 m, d = 6 mm. When a film of refractive index 1.5 is
introduced in front of the lower slit, the third maxima shifts to the origin.
(a) find the thickness of the film
(b) find the positions of the fourth maxima
Solution
(a) Since 3rd minima shifts to the origin, therefore, the fringe shift is given by
3 D
FS  y 3 
d
From equation (xvii), we know
or

Here

(b) There are two positions of 4th maxima; one

above and the other below the origin. y4 n= 4
D d n= 3
y 4  1   0.2 mm n= 2
d y' 4 n= 0
D
y '4  7   1.4 mm n= 4
d
D
B righ t F ringe



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KEY POINTS
 In case of superposition of two waves,
or
 Condition for constructive interference
n = 1, 2, 3, ….
, n = 1, 2, 3, ….
 Condition for destructive interference
, n = 1, 2, 3, ….
n = 1, 2, 3, …
 Distance of nth bright fringe from C.B.F. is

n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ….

Distance of nth dark fringe from C.B.F. is

, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ….
 Fringe width (w) = lD/d, Angular fringe width = w/D = l/d
 Equivalent optical path of a medium of R.I, m and distance d is md.
 Displacement of fringe pattern due to introduction of a transparent sheet of R.I. m and
thickness t in YDSE = y0 = (m – 1) t (D/d), in the same side in which the transparent sheet
is introduced.

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ASSIGNMENT
Week 29 : Worksheet

1. Newton has postulated his corpuscular theory on the basis of:

(A) Newton’s ring (B) colour due to thin film
(C) dispersing of light (D) rectilinear propagation of light.

2. The wavefront is a surface in which:

(A) all points are in the same phase
(B) there are pairs of points in opposite phase.
(C) there are pairs of points with phase difference (/2)
(D) there is no relation between the phases.

3. The concept of secondary wavelets from all points on a wavefront was first proposed by:
(A) Newton (B) Huygen
(C) Faraday (D) Raman.

4. Interference proves:
(A) transverse nature of waves (B) longitudinal nature of waves
(C) wave nature (D) particle nature.

5. Two waves of equal amplitude and wavelength but differing in phase are superimposed.
Amplitude of resultant wave is maximum when phase difference is:
(A) zero (B) p/12
(C) p (D) 3p/2.

6. The phenomenon of interference of light was first studied and explained by:
(A) Newton (B) Fresnel
(C) Huygens (D) Young.

7. The path difference equivalent to a phase difference of 270º (given wavelength of

wave =l) is:
(A) zero (B) l/2
(C) 3l/4 (D) l.

8. The light waves from two independent monochromatic light sources are given by:
y1 = 2 sin wt and y2 = 3 cos wt.
then the correct statement is
(A) Both the waves are coherent
(B) Both the waves are incoherent
(C) Both the waves have different time periods
(D) None of the above.

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9. According to modern theory for nature of light, the light has:

(A) wave nature only (B) particle nature only
(C) both particle and wave (dual) nature (D) neither particle nature nor wave nature.

10. When path difference between two points in a wave is  then their phase difference will
be
(A)  (B) 2
(C) 1.5 (D) 3.

Week 30 : Worksheet

1. In Young’s double slit interference experiment if the distance between the slits is made 3-
fold, the fringe width becomes.
(A) (1/3) fold (B) 3 fold
(C) (1/9) fold (D) 9 fold.

2. In Young’s double slit experiment the separation between the slits is halved and the
distance between the slits and screen is doubled. The fringe width is:
(A) unchanged (B) halved
(C) doubled (D) quadrupled.

3. In a certain double slit experimental arrangement, interference fringes of width 1.0 mm

each are observed when light of wavelength 5000 Å is used. Keeping the setup unaltered
if the source is replaced by another of wavelength 6000 Å, the fringe width will be:
(A) 0.5 mm (B) 1.0 mm
(C) 1.2 mm (D) 1.5 mm.

4. The Young’s double slit experiment is performed with blue and with green light of
wavelengths 4360 Å and 5460 Å respectively. If x is the distance of 4 th maximum from
the central one, then:
(A) x(blue) = x(green) (B) x(blue) > x (green)

(C) x(blue) < x (green) (D)

5. In Young’s double slit experiment carried out with light of wavelength = 5000 Å, the
distance between the slits is 0.2 mm and the screen is at 200 cm from the plane of slits.
The central maximum is at x = 0. The third maximum will be at x equal to
(A) 1.67 cm (B) 1.5 cm
(C) 0.5 cm (D) 5.0 cm.

6. The fringe width in Young’s double slit experiment on a screen which is placed at a
distance of 1 m from the slits 10–3 m apart when the light used has wavelength 6  10–7 m,
is equal to:
(A) 3  10–10 m (B) 3  10–4 m
(C) 6  10–10 m (D) 6  10–4 m.

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7. Monochromatic green light of wavelength 5  10–7 m illuminates a pair of slits 1 mm

apart. The separation of bright lines in the interference pattern formed on a screen 2m
away is:
(A) 0.25 mm (B) 0.1 mm
(C) 1.0 mm (D) 0.01 mm.

8. In Young’s double slit experiment, the intensity of a bright fringe is:

(A) equal to the intensity of light wave from any one slit
(B) twice the intensity of light wave from any slit
(C) three times the intensity of wave from any slit
(D) four times the intensity of wave from any slit.

9. In Young’s double slit experiment. If width (aperture) of the slit S is increased keeping
other parameters constant, then the interference fringes will :
(A) remain unchanged (B) form closer
(C) form further away (D) gradually disappear.

10. In a Young’s double slit experiment, fringe width equal to 1 mm is observed. Then the
distance of the nearest bright fringe from the central fringe will be:
(A) 1 mm
(B) 0.5 mm
(C) 2 mm
(D) insufficient data, cannot be determined.

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KEY
Wave Optics
ASSIGNMENT
Week 29; Worksheet
1. (D) 2. (A)
3. (B) 4. (C)
5. (A) 6. (D)
7. (C) 8. (B)
9. (C) 10. (B)

Week 30; Worksheet 2

1. (A) 2. (D)
3. (C) 4. (C)
5. (B) 6. (D)
7. (C) 8. (D)
9. (D) 10. (A)

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 COMPETITIVE CORNER
Straight Objective Type
This section contains multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 choices (A), (B), (C), (D), out of which ONLY
ONE is correct. Choose the correct option.

1. A parallel beam of light falls on a convex lens. The path of the

rays is shown in the figure. It follows that
(IIT - 1979)
(A) 1 > 2 > 2 (B) 1 < 2 < 2
(C) 1 = 2 < 2 (D) 1 = 2 > 2

2. When a ray of light enters a glass slab from air : (IIT - 1980)
(A) its wavelength decreases
(B) its wavelength increases
(C) its frequency increases
(D) neither its wavelength nor its frequency changes

3. In Young’s double slit experiment, the separation between the slits is halved and the
distance between the slits and the screen is doubled. The fringe width is : (IIT - 1981)
(A) unchanged (B) halved
(C) doubled (D) quadrupled

4. A hollow double concave lens is made of very thin transparent material. It can be filled
with air or either of two liquids L1 or L2 having refracting indices n1 and n2 respectively
(n2 > n1 > 1). The lens will diverge a parallel beam of light if it is filled with :(IIT - 2000)
(A) air and placed in air (B) air and immersed in L1
(C) L1 and immersed in L2 (D) L2 and immersed in L1

5. A ray of light is incident at the glass-water interface at an

angle I, it emerges finally parallel to the surface of water,
then the value of g would be: (2003; 2M)
(A) sin i (B)

(C) (D) l

6. An object is placed 20 cm in front of a plano–convex lens

of focal length 15 cm. The plane surface of the lens is
silvered. The image will be formed at a distance
(IIT - 2006)
(A) 60 cm to the left of the lens
(B) 12 cm to the right of the lens
(C) 60 cm to the right of the lens
(D) 12 cm to the left of the lens
Optics Physics, Class : X

7. A ray of light traveling in water is incident on its surface open to air. The angle of
incidence is , which is less than the critical angle. Then there will be (IIT – 2007)
(A) Only a reflected ray and no refracted ray.
(B) Only a refracted ray and no reflected ray.
(C) A reflected ray and a refracted ray and the angle between them would be less than
180º – 2.
(D) A reflected ray and a refracted ray and the angle between them would be greater than
180º – 2.

8. A transparent solid cylindrical rod has a refractive index of

. It is surrounded by air. A light ray is incident at the
mid–point of one end of the rod as shown in the figure.
[AIEEE – 2009]
The incident angle  for which the light ray grazes along the wall of the rod is :

(A) (B)

(C) (D) .

9. Two lenses of power – 15D and +5D are in contact with each other. The focal length of
the combination is
[AIEEE – 2007]
(A) - 20 cm (B) - 10 cm
(C) + 20 cm (D) + 10 cm

10. The refractive index of glass is 1.520 for red light and 1.525 for blue light. Let D 1 and D2
be the angles of minimum deviation for the red and blue light respectively in a prism of
this glass. Then [AIEEE – 2006]
(A) D1 < D2
(B) D1 = D2
(C) D1 can be less than or greater than D2 depending upon the angle of prism
(D) D1 > D2
D = (n – 1)A
For blue light n is greater than that for red light, so D2 > D1.

Multiple Correct Answer Type

This section contains multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 choices (A), (B), (C), (D), out of
which ONE or MORE is correct. Choose the correct options.

1. The radius of curvature of the convex face of a plano-convex lens is 12 cm and its
refractive index is 1.5. Its focal length is f. When the plane surface of the lens is silvered,
it behaves like a concave mirror of focal length F. Then (IIT – 1979)
(A) f = 24 cm (B) f = 6 cm
(C) F = 12 cm (D) F = 24 cm

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2. A converging lens is used to form an image on a screen. When the upper half of the lens
is covered by an opaque screen : (IIT – 1986)
(A) half of the image will disappear (B) complete image will be formed
(C) intensity of the image will increase (D) intensity of the image will decrease

3. An astronomical telescope has an angular magnification of magnitude 5 for distance

objects. The separation between the objective and the eye piece is 36 cm and the final
image is formed at infinity. The focal length fo of the objective and the focal length fe of
the eyepiece are : (IIT – 1989)
(A) fo = 45 cm and fe = –9 cm (B) fa = 50 cm and fe = 10 cm
(C) fo = 7.2 cm and fe = 5 cm (D) fo = 30 cm and fe = 6 cm

4. Which of the following form(s) a virtual and erect image for all positions of the object?
(IIT – 1996)
(A) Convex lens (B) Concave lens
(C) Convex mirror (D) Concave mirror

5. A converging lens is used to form an image on a screen. When the upper half of the lens
is covered by an opaque screen [IIT JEE 1986]
(A) half the image will disappear (B) complete image will increase
(C) intensity of image will increase (D) intensity of image will decrease

6. A ray of light travelling in a transparent medium falls on a surface separating the medium
from air at an angle of incidence of 45°. The ray undergoes total internal reflection. If n is
the refractive index of the medium with respect to air, select the possible value(s) of n
from the following [IIT JEE 1998]
(A) 1.3 (B) 1.4
(C) 1.5 (D) 1.6

7. A diminished image of an object is to be obtained on a screen 1.0 m from it. This can be
achieved by appropriately placing [IIT JEE 1995]
(A) a convex mirror of suitable focal length
(B) a concave mirror of suitable focal length
(C) a convex lens of focal length less than 0.25 m
(D) a concave lens of suitable focal length

8. White light is used to illuminate the two slits in Young’s double slit experiment. The
separation between the slits is b and the screen is at a distance d (>b) from the slits. At a
point on the screen directly in front of one of the slits, certain wavelengths are missing.
Some of these missing wavelengths are [IIT JEE 1984]
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

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9. If Young’s double slit experiment is performed by white light, then

(A) the central fringe will be dark
(B) the central fringe will be white
(C) the bright fringe next to central fringe is used
(D) the bright fringe next to central fringe is violet

10. The following phenomena give evidence about wave nature of light
(A) interference (B) diffraction
(C) polarisation (D) photoelectric effect

Linked Comprehension Type

This section contains paragraphs. Based upon each paragraph multiple choice questions have to be answered. Each
question has 4 choices (A), (B), (C) and (D), out of which ONLY ONE is correct. Choose the correct option.

COMPREHENSION – I
The figure is a scaled diagram of an object and a converging lens surrounded by air. F is
the focal point of lens as shown

1. At which of the labeled points can the images be formed?

(A) A (B) B
(C) C (D) D

2. Which option describes the image most accurately?

(A) Real erect (B) Real, inverted
(C) Virtual, erect (D) Virtual, inverted

3. If a parallel beam of blue light is focused at F, then the parallel beam of red light is
focused at
(A) F (B) D
(C) to the left of and close to F (D) to the right of and close to F

4. The whole system is immersed in a liquid having the refractive index greater than the
refractive index of the lens material. Then mark the correct option for this new situation
(A) The image will be real
(B) The image will be inverted
(C) The image will be formed on the same side of the lens as the object is
(D) The image will be enlarged relative to the object

COMPREHENSION – II
The radius of curvature of the curved face of a thin planoconvex lens is 10 cm and it is
made of glass of refractive index 1.5. A small object is approaching the lens with a speed
of 1 cms-1 moving along the principal axis

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5. The focal length of the lens is

(A) 5 cm (B) 10 cm
(C) 15 cm (D) 20 cm

6. The focal length of the lens is

(A) 1 cms-1 (B) 2 cms-1
(C) 3 cms-1 (D) 4 cms-1

7. When the object is at a distance of 30 cm from the lens, the magnitude of the rate of
change of the lateral magnification is
(A) 0.1 per second (B) 0.2 per second
(C) 0.3 per second (D) 0.4 per second

COMPREHENSION – III
A telescope is an optical instrument that is used to examine distant objects. Two types of
telescopes are in us-refracting and reflecting telescopes. A refracting astronomical
telescope consists of two converging lenses called the objective and the eyepiece. The
objective faces the distant object. The image of the object is formed at the focal plane of
the objective. The position of the eyepiece is adjusted till this image is within the first
focus of the eyepiece. A highly magnified final image is formed which is seen by the eye
held close to the eyepiece. If both the object and the final image are at infinity, the
telescope is said to be in normal adjustment.

8. In a refracting astronomical telescope, the final image is

(A) real, inverted and magnified (B) real, erect and magnified
(C) virtual, erect and magnified (D) virtual, inverted and magnified

9. The magnifying power of a telescope is high if

(A) Both the objective and eyepiece have long focal lengths
(B) Both the objective and the eyepiece have long focal lengths
(C) The objective has a short focal length and the eyepiece has a long focal length
(D) The objective has a long focal length and the eyepiece has a short focal length

10. The resolving power of a telescope is increased. If

(A) The objective of a bigger diameter is used
(B) The objective of a smaller diameter is used
(C) The objective of a higher focal length is used
(D) The eyepiece of a shorter focal length is used

Matrix Match Type

This section contains Matrix-Match Type questions. Each question contains statements given in two
columns which have to be matched. Statements (A, B, C, D) in Column–I have to be matched with
statements (p, q, r, s) in Column–II. The answers to these questions have to be appropriately bubbled as
illustrated in the following example.
If the correct matches are A-p, A-s, B-q, B-r, C-p, C-q and D-s, then the correctly bubbled 4  4 matrix
should be as follows:

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1. An optical component and an object S placed along its optic axis are given in Column I.
The distance between the object and the component can be varied. The properties of
images are given in Column II. Match all the properties of images from Column II with
the appropriate components given in Column I. Indicate your answer by darkening the
appropriate bubbles of the 4 × 4 matrix given in the ORS.
(IIT – 2008)
Column I Column II
(A) (p) Real image

(B) (q) Virtual image

(C) (r) Magnified image

(D) (s) Image at infinity

2. Two transparent media of refractive indices 1 and 3 have a solid lens shaped transparent
material of refractive index 2 between them as shown in figures in Column II. A ray
traversing these media is also shown in the figures. In Column I different relationship
between 1, 2 and 3 are given. Match them to the ray diagrams shown in Column II.
(IIT – 2010)
Column I Column II
(A) (p)

(B) (q)

(C) (r)

(D) (s)

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(t)

Integer Answer Type

1. The focal length of a thin biconvex lens is 20 cm. When an object is moved from a
distance of 25 cm in front of it to 50 cm, the magnification of its image changes from m 25
to m50. The ratio is
(IIT – 2010)
2. A large glass slab ( = 5/3) of thickness 8 cm is placed over a point source of light on a
plane surface. It is seen that light emerges out of the top surface of the slab from a
circular area of radius R cm. What is the value of R ?
(IIT – 2010)
3. The image of an object approaching a convex mirror of radius of curvature 20 m along its
optical axis is observed to move from in 30 seconds. What is the speed of
the object in km per hour ?
(IIT – 2010)

*4. Two sources of intensities I and 4I are used in an interference experiment. The intensities
at points where the waves from two sources superpose with a phase difference of is aI.
Find a ?
[ROORKEE 1991]
*5. How long (in  sec) will light take in travelling a distance of 450 metre in water? Given
that  for water is 4/3 and the velocity of light in vacuum is .

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KEY
Ray Optics & Wave Optics
COMPETITIVE CORNER
SINGLE CHOICE
1. (C) 2. (A)
3. (D) 4. (D)
5. (B) 6. (B)
7. (C) 8. (D)
9. (B) 10. (A)

MULTIPLE CORRECT ANSWER TYPE

1. (C) 2. (B, D)
3. (D) 4. (B, C)
5. (B,D) 6. (C,D)
7. (B,C) 8. (A,C)
9. (B,D) 10. (A,B,C)

COMPREHENSION TYPE
1. (C) 2. (B)
3. (D) 4. (C)
5. (D) 6. (D)
7. (B) 8. (D)
9. (D) 10. (A)

MATCHING COLUMN TYPE

1. (A) – (p), (q), (r), (s), (B) – (q), (C) – (p), (q), (r), (s), (D) – (p), (q), (r), (s)
2. (A) – (p), (r); (B) – (q), (s), (t); (C) – (p), (r), (t); (D) – (q), (s)

INTEGER ANSWER TYPE

1. 6. 2. 6.
3. 3. 4. 1.
5. 2.

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HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

SINGLE CHOICE
1. Since the ray does not bend at the first face of the lens, that is, it is not refracted, m1 = m.
When this ray meets the second face, it bends toward the normal to that face.
Hence m2 > m.
2. l=
In moving from air to glass, f remains unchanged while v decreases. Hence, l should
decrease.
3. w=
d is halved and D is doubled
\ Fringe width w will become four times.
\ correct option is (D)
4. The lens makers’ formula is :

Where nL = Refractive index of lens and

nm = Refractive index of medium.

In case of double concave lens, R1 is negative and R2 is positive. Therefore

will be negative.

For the lens to be diverging in nature, focal length ‘f ’ should be negative or

should be positive or nL > nm but since n2 > n1(given), therefore the lens should be filled
with L2 and immersed in L1.
5. Applying
Snell’s law (m sin I = constant)
at 1 and 2, we have

m1 sin i1= m2 sin i2

Here,m1 = mglass, i1 = I
m2 = mair = 1 and i2 = 90°
\ mg sin I = (1)(sin 90°)
or mg =

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6. Focal length F of equivalent mirror is given by

or cm

The equivalent mirror will concave mirror of focal length cm.

Now for a spherical mirror,
Þ

Þ
v = –12 cm
7. In the figure,
a = p – (r + q)
as r > q
Þ r + q > 2q
Þ p – (r + q) < p – 2q.

8.

So

Now,

MULTIPLE CORRECT ANSWER TYPE

1.
Þ f = 24 cm
When the lane face is silvered,
F=
2. When upper half of the lens is covered, image is formed by the rays coming from lower
half of the lens. Or image will be formed by less number of rays. Therefore, intensity of
image will decrease. But complete image will be formed.

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3. Image formed by objective (I1) is at second focus of it because objective is focused for
distance objects. Therefore,

P1I1 = Fo
Further I1 should lie at first focus of eye piece because final image is formed at infinity.
\ P2I1 = fe
Given P1P2 = 36 cm
\ fo + fe = 36 …(1)
Further angular magnification is given as 5. Therefore,
=5 …(2)
Solving Eqs. (1) and (2), we get
fo = 30 cm and fe = 6 cm
\ correct option is (D)
4. For a lens : =

i.e., =
For a concave lens, f and u are negative, i.e., v will always be negative and image will
always be virtual.
For a mirror :

=
Here, f is positive and u is negative for a convex mirror. Therefore, v is always positive
and image is always virtual.
6. For total internal reflection to take place :
Angle of incidence, I > critical angle, qc
or sin I > sin qc
or sin 45° >

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or >
or n >
or n > 1.414
Therefore, possible values of n can be 1.5 or 1.6 in the given options.

7. Image can be formed on the screen if it is real. Real image of reduced size scan be formed
by a concave mirror or a convex lens as shown in figure.

A diminished real image is formed by a convex lens when the object is placed beyond 2f
and the image of such object is formed beyond 2f on other side.
Thus, d > (2f + 2f)
Or 4f < 0.1 m
Or f < 0.25 m

8. At P (directly in front of S1)

y=
\ Path difference,

DX = S2P – S1P = =

Those wavelengths will be missing for which

DX = …

\ l1 = 2Dx =

l2 = =

l3 =
\ correct options are (a) and (c)

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COMPREHENSION TYPE
1. As object is between infinity and 2F, image will be between F and 2F and the point C is
lying in this region.
2. Real, inverted, diminished.
3. Wavelength of blue light is smaller than wavelength of red light
lB < lR
So, fB < fR
(But fB and FR differ by very small value)
So, image for red light would be on the right side of and very close to F.

4. Now, lens behaves as a diverging lens, so lens will form virtual, erect and diminished
image on the same side of lens as the object.
5. gives f = 20 cm.
6. Lens formula is
. . . (i)
(here u = - 30 cm and f = +20 cm)
Differentiating equation (i) with respect to time t, we get

or

Speed of image =

= = 4 cms-1.
7. Linear magnification is given by
m= . . . (ii)
Differentiating equation (ii) with respect to time, we have
=

= – 0.2 per second

\ Magnitude of per second.

9. The magnifying power of a telescope (if the object is at infinity) is given by
M=
Where D = least distance of distinct vision, where the final image is formed.

10. The resolving power of a telescope is given by

RP =
The resolving power is independent of f0 or fe.

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INTEGER ANSWER TYPE

1.

.
2.

3.

.
4. The intensity at point at which phase difference between two coherent waves is

where are the intensities due to individual waves respectively.

Here
Therefore, i.e., a = 1

5. We know that

or velocity of light in water =

Time taken = .

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