Chapter

16 Optics
Topic 1 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
Revision Notes Centre of
curvature
 Reflection of light
C F P Pole
When a ray of light impinges upon a polished, smooth,
and shiny surface, the rebounding of the light within the Principal axis Focus
same medium is referred to as the reflection of light.
Reflecting
 Laws of Reflection surface
The angle of reflection is always equal to the angle of The centre of the sphere of which the mirror is a part, is
incidence. center of curvature C and the distance of C from the pole
Incident ray, reflected ray and normal to the surface at the is called radius of curvature.
point of incidence, all lie in the same plane.
The line joining the pole of mirror to the center of
incident
normal curvature is called the principal axis.
ray reflected The midway point between the pole and center of
ray
i r curvature is focal point F and its distance from the pole is
called focal length ‘f ’.

Surface (smooth)  The Cartesian Sign Convension

law of reflection : r = i
Object on left Mirror y-axis
 Reflection of light through spherical mirrors
Incident light
Spherical mirror is a piece cut out of a spherical surface Heights
which can be concave and convex. upwards
positive
P (origin)
Reflecting x-axis
Reflecting
surface surface Distances against
incident light
negative
Heights
Distances along
downwards
incident light
negative
Concave Mirror Convex Mirror positive
OPTICS

 Image formation in concave mirror for different  Refraction of light

positions of object Refraction of light is the change in
Position Position of the Size of the Nature of direction if it passes from one optically
of the image image the Image transparent medium to another.
object The speed of light in given material is
At infinity At the focus F Highly Real and related to index of refraction n, which is
diminished, inverted the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to
point sized speed of light in medium, n = c / v. It has
no unit.
Beyond C Between F Diminished Real and If light travels from one medium to another, its speed and
and C inverted wavelength changes.
At C At C Same size Real and Normal
inverted
n 2 > n1
Between Beyond C Enlarged Real and 1
C and F inverted 1
At F At infinity Highly Real and 2
Enlarged inverted
2
Between Behind the Enlarged Virtual and
P and F mirror erect
Snell's law : n1 sin 1 = n2 sin 2
 Image formation in convex mirror for different
positions of object Normal

Position of Position of Size of the Nature of n 2 < n1

the object the image image the Image 2
2
At infinity At the focus Highly Virtual 1
F, behind diminished, and Erect 
the mirror point sized

Between Between Diminished Virtual

v1 n2
infinity and P and F, and Erect or, equivalently, sin 1 / sin 2 = vv1/v=2 =n n2/n1
2 1
the pole P of behind the
 Laws of Refraction
the mirror mirror
First law of refraction shows that incident ray, refracted
ray and normal to the interface lies on the same plane.
 Mirror formula
Second law of refraction shows that for two given media,
A mirror formula gives the relationship between the ratio sin i/sin r = constant, where i is angle of incidence
distance of image v, distance of object u, and the focal and r is angle of refraction, (Snell's law).
length of a mirror, 1/f = 1/u + 1/v where symbols have
 Total internal reflection and its applications
usual meanings.
Total internal reflection is complete
The mirror formula is applicable both in spherical mirrors reflection of ray of light in optically denser
and in plane mirrors. medium from the surrounding surfaces
 Magnification by Mirror of optically less dense media back into
v I denser medium.
m=− = Light ray should travel from an optically
u O
denser medium to less dense medium.
Here, all alphabets are in their usual meanings.

The angle of incidence must be greater than critical angle.

Air n1 > n2
y
ra

Critical angle Total internal

2
ed

reflection
ct

n2
fra
Re

n1
c 1 2
1
Water
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If ray of light passes from optically denser to less dense

medium, then critical angle θc is the angle of incidence in
the denser medium at which the angle of refraction is 90°
in the rarer medium.
1
θc = sin −1  
n
 Lenses
Converging Diverging

Concave lens can be biconcave, plano–concave and

concave meniscus

(Convex Lens) (Concave Lens)

A lens is a transparent medium bounded by two curved
surfaces.
The converging lenses can be plano-convex, and convex
meniscus, biconvex.
Nature, position and relative size of image formed by a convex lens for various positions of the object.
Position of the object Position of the image Relative size of the image Nature of the Image
At infinity At focus F2 Highly diminished, point sized Real and inverted
Beyond 2F1 Between F2 and 2F2 Diminished Real and inverted
At 2F1 At 2F2 Same size Real and inverted
Between F1 and 2F1 Beyond 2F2 Enlarged Real and inverted
At focus F1 At infinity Infinitely large or highly enlarged Real and inverted
Between focus F1 and On the same side of the lens as Enlarged Virtual and erect
optical centre O the object
Nature, position and relative size of the image formed by a concave lens for various positions of the object
Position of the object Position of the image Relative size of the image Nature of the Image
At infinity At the focus F1 Highly diminished, point-sized Virtual and Erect
Between infinity and optical Between focus F1 and Diminished Virtual and Erect
centre O of the lens optical centre O
 Lens formula  Combination of thin lenses in contact
1 1 1 Thin lenses of focal lengths f1, f2, f3…will have effective focal
− =
v u f length as 1/f = 1/f1 + 1/f2….and power, P = P1 + P2 + P3 +
......, which is total powers of individual lenses.
where v = image distance, u = object distance, f = focal
length  Refraction of light through a prism
A prism is a transparent, geometric, optical
1  1 1
 Lens maker’s formula = ( n − 1)  − object with two polished plane faces
f  R1 R2  inclined in relation to each other from
where light gets reflected or refracted.
where f = focal length, n = Refractive Index
In a glass prism A is refracting angle of
 Lens Magnification prism, ‘i’ is angle of incidence, ‘e’ is angle
of emergence, r1 and r2 are refracting
hi v angles, δ is angle of deviation and µ is
Magnification ( m=
) =
h0 u refractive index of glass.
A
where hi = height of image, h0 = height of object
N1
 Power of lens  M  N2
Power of a lens is the ability of the lens to converge or i 
r1

r2 e e
U m
diverge a beam of light that falls on it. W erg
en
ra y V t ra
1 ent y
P= (measured in dioptre D) P inc
id refracted ray
f B C T
OPTICS

In a quad AUVW in figure, where A = r1 + r2. In triangle length of eyepiece, then light rays from a distant point
MUW, δ exterior angle as sum of interior, angles α and arrives at objective in parallel and passes through center
β, δ = α + β where α = i – r1 and β = e – r2, 2i = A + δ of lens, as ray is not bent and forms a straight line by the
which shows that sin i/sin r1 = µ and sin e/ sin r2 = µ, lens.
µ = sin (A + δ /2)/ sin (A/2) If angle of incoming ray with centerline is θo and same
 Telescope : at front and back of the lens, then line passes from
Telescope is an optical instrument with two optical center of objective to focal point at a distance fo from
elements; objective and eyepiece. objective, so θ0 is h/fo and other line from focal plane to
center of eyepiece, the angle at eyepiece θe is h/fe then
telescope’s magnification, M = θe / θo = h/fe / h/fo or
m = fo / fe
fo  fe 
m=−  1 +  (for distinct vision)
fe  D
fo
=− (for relaxed eye)
fe
In telescope, there are lowest and highest magnification,
Objective is a large lens that collects light from distant where lowest magnification is the ratio of the telescope’s
object and forms an image in focal plane showing aperture to eye’s pupil which for 6’’or 15cm aperture is 6’’
faithful representation of object while eyepiece is smooth × 25.4mm/inch / 7mm eye-pupil = 22x.
magnifying glass by which an image can be seen. The highest magnification is magnification where eye’s
 Magnification of Telescope resolving power is fully utilized.
Magnification is the ratio of apparent size to actual size of  Types of Telescope
an object. Telescope are refractors and reflectors.
Parallel
beam of Objective Eye-piece
light
ffe

R  Fe R'
  Fe
F0

f0
S'
L
 Resolving Power of Telescope
Resolving power of a telescope is ability of the instrument
to produce images of two closely spaced objects/ sources
S
where plane waves from each source after passing
through an aperture from diffraction pattern results as  Refracting Telescope
characteristics of an aperture. Refractor telescope is a tube with two lenses – one at the
It is the inverse of the distance or angular separation front end with little magnification, ‘objective lens’ while
among two objects that can be resolved when seen other at bottom end closest to user’s eye, ‘eyepiece’.
through optical instrument. In Refractor telescopes, large objective lens collects lots
In telescopes, very close objects like binary stars or stars of of light from object far away and then refracts or ‘bends’
galaxies subtend very small angles on the telescope. that light, bringing it to a point near the bottom end of the
To resolve, very large apertures are required and telescope.
using Rayleigh’s criterion for resolving power, angular The smaller eyepiece lens further magnifies that point and
λ brings it in focus at user’s eye.
separation between two objects as sin θ = 1.22 (where
d In this, the tube holds the lenses at right distance from
θ is very small)
It depends on telescope focal length and eyepiece focal each other by keeping out light, dust and moisture that
length. interferes with image.
A useful range of magnification for many telescopes is 50x The two convex lenses where objective is bigger in size
to 250x. with more focal length compared to eye-piece. The object
If the image gets magnified for observer, the position of being far away. Incident parallel beam of light form
each feature in the image moves towards larger and larger intermediate image R’S’ in focal plane.
angle off the centerline where magnification shows ratio The intermediate image is allowed to be in focal length
of angle at eyepiece to angle by objective lens. distance of eye-piece with final image RS being bigger in
If θo is the angle seen at objective, θe is the angle at size. Magnification power of optical instrument is M = α/β
eyepiece, fo is the focal length of objective, fe is the focal = (R’S’/fe)/(R’S’/fo) = fo /fe
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 Reflecting Telescopes
A reflecting telescope is similar to refracting telescope which uses mirrors to reflect the light internally.
In the telescope, light enters at one end (1) and is reflected by a concave mirror at other end (2) towards a smaller mirror
known as secondary mirror.
The mirror reflects (3) the light into the eyepiece, which is usually mounted on the side of the telescope (4).
Telescope can be Keplerian telescope, Galilean telescope, Terrestrial telescope.
Incoming Light
Eyepiece
4
Primary Mirror
1 3

Secondary Mirror 22

Keplerian telescope has a converging lens eyepiece while Galilean telescope has a diverging lens eyepiece.
The telescope by itself is not an image forming system where an eye of observer or camera is attached to telescope
which forms an image.

fe
fo fe
fo
Keplerian telescope Galilean telescope

Telescope is used for collecting light so as to increase the angle which a distant object subtends at the eye.
If an eye is relaxed for distant viewing, telescope produces an angular magnification and an incident, parallel beam
from distant source point makes an angle θ with respect to optical axis that emerges as parallel beam making large angle
θ’ with respect to axis.

objective eyepiece




f2
f1

Simple Microscope : Convex lens behaves as simple microscope.

The magnifying power of the simple microscope :
D
(i) For least distance of distinct vision m = 1 +
f
where, D is the least distance of distinct vision of the eye and f is focal length of the lens.

Eye focussed
on near point

D
OPTICS
L  D
(ii) For relaxed eye : Hence, Magnification by compound lens = 1+ 
fo  fe 
D
m=
f
From above formulae, it is clear that for larger magnifying
power, the focal length of the convex lens should be small. u f0 fe
Also note that angular magnification by optical A
instruments is the linear magnification by lenses only. It h b' B' Eyepiece
means magnification of an instrument is basically how B'' B b
O h' E
many times it enlarges the image of object. So this is just as
A'
Objective
h′
m=
h
where, h is size of object (in one dimension) and h’ is the
L
size of image.
Compound Microscope : For much larger magnification,
D
compound microscope is used. It is a combination of two
convex lenses, hence the magnification of each lens is
compounded.
These two lenses are placed co-axially and the distance A''
between them is adjustable.  For relaxed eye (normal adjustment)
The lens towards the object is called objective and that For relaxed eye the magnification by objective lens
towards the eye is called eyepiece. D
The final image formed by the compound microscope is remains same, the magnification by eyepiece is + .
fe
magnified and inverted.
Total magnification by compound lens Hence, the total magnification of compound microscope
m = mo × me in relaxed eye condition is
where, mo is magnification by objective lens and me is L D
magnification by eyepiece. m= ×
fo fe
For least distance of distinct vision magnification by object
lens is  Properties of Compound Microscope :
vo L For large magnification of a compound microscope, both
m=o =
uo fo fo and fe should be small.
If the length of the microscope tube increases, then its
where, L is the distance between the second focal point of magnifying power increases.
the objective and the first focal point of the eyepiece (focal
Generally fo is much smaller. So that objective is placed
length f0). It is called the tube length of the compound
very near to principle focus.
microscope.
The aperture of the eyepiece is generally small, so that
Eyepiece lens acts as a simple microscope.
whole of the light may enter the eye.
Magnification by eyepiece lens is
The aperture of the objective is also small so that the field
D of view may be restricted.
me = 1 +
fo

Topic 2 Wave Optics

Revision Notes
 Wavefront
Wavefront is an imaginary surface where an optical wave has constant phase with its surface having maximum or
minimum value.

If similar waves with common origin travel through a homogeneous medium, the corresponding crests and troughs at
that instant are in phase with similar fractions of cyclic motion.
The direction of propagation of wave is always be perpendicular to surface of wavefront at every point, so wavefront
of a point source is a sphere and wave propagates radially outward where radius of a sphere is perpendicular to its
circumference at every point.
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original wavefront

I
A1 N1
N B
forward wavefront r C1 r
i i
D1
light ray
A ii r C
X Y
source of secondary wavelet C D E
If light is incident on a surface, it gets re-emitted without
any change in frequency known as Reflection of Light.
If incoming rays are incident on a surface where wavefront
secondary wavelet are plane waves with infinite parallel planes to each other
with fixed amplitude, the wave AB falls on reflecting
surface and is incident on wavefront perpendicular to
incident ray at an angle i on the surface.
The Huygens’s principle shows that each point on wave
AB acts as source of secondary wavelets where A and B are
 Huygen’s principle new sources that emit secondary waves where velocity of
propagation of waves is ‘v’ and time taken is‘t’.
If ‘vt’ is distance travelled by secondary wavelets, then
AA1 and BE are secondary waves.
As new wavefront needs to be a tangents line that joins two
secondary waves, so reflected waves act perpendicular to
new wavefront.
A1E is new tangential line which connects the secondary
wavelets, so in ∆ABE and ∆AA1E, AE is common,
∠B = ∠A1 = 90°.
AA1 = BE , so triangles are congruent triangles, hence ∠
i=∠r
 Laws :
First Law: Angle of Incidence = Angle of Reflection
Second law: The incident wavefront, reflected wavefront
and normal lie in same plane perpendicular to reflecting
surface.
The principle shows that, every point on wavefront acts as
 Proof of laws of refraction using Huygen’s principle :
a point source which emits spherical wavelets that travels
Refraction is the change in velocity of light if it passes
with velocity of light in a medium. from one medium to another.
In this, each point on wavefront be considered as a source
vi
of secondary spherical wavelets that spread out in forward
direction at speed of light. Incident
The new wavefront is tangential to all the surface of wavefront
secondary wavelets and a plane light wave propagates B
through free space at the speed of light, c.
v1t
The light rays get associated with wavefront which Rarer Medium A
propagates in straight lines, so it is easy to visualize i
r
refraction where a point on wavefront at boundary of v2t C
different media serves as source of light that propagates D
with change in direction. Denser Medium Refracted
In this, speed of light is smaller in second medium and wavefront
waves do not travel as far in given time as new wavefront v2
changes direction showing why a ray changes direction to
If a plane wavefront AB is incident on surface where
become closer to perpendicular when it slows down. v1 and v2 being velocities of incident ray and refracted ray
 Proof of laws of reflection using Huygen’s principle : of medium 1 and medium 2 (v1 > v2), velocity of waves
Reflection is sudden change in direction of propagation depends on the medium.
of wave that strikes the boundary between two different The Huygens’s principle shows that, A and C forms the
media. source of secondary spherical wavelets, where t is time
OPTICS

taken from B to reach C, so BC = v1t in medium 1 and If slits were large, then two overlapping patches of light
AD = v2t in medium 2. appears on the screen and if size of slits are reduced and
If CD is tangent drawn from point C to sphere, then AD kept closer to slits, then light passes through the slits and
and CD will act as refracted wavefronts, so ∆ABC and screen shows distinct bands of light separated by dark
∆ADC gives sin i / sin r = (BC/AC) / (AD/ regions in serial order.
AC) = BC/AD = v1t/v2t = v1/v2 = µ, refractive index of the Diffracted Line of
medium. Coherent Waves
Spherical Out of Step
Refractive Index is ratio of velocity of light in vacuum to Wavefront
Interference
velocity of light in other medium. Fringes
Snell’s Law of refraction, sin i / sin r = v1/v2 = n (constant)
is proved using Huygens’s principle where incident Bright
wavefront, the refracted wavefront and the normal lie in Fringe
the same plane.

B
 Interference : (Young’s double slit experiment)

A
Thomas Young’s experiment strongly inferred wave-like Sunlight
nature of light where light was made of waves and where Dark

B
Fringe
certain type of interaction takes place if two light waves
met together.
In this, light source is kept at certain distance behind the
slit screen A that possesses pair of closely spaced narrow Screen with
Detector
Single Slit
slits and light emerges from pinholes and spreads as Screen
spherical waves which overlaps resulting in interference Screen with Line
pattern, projected on measurement screen B. Two Slits of Waves
The simulation of pattern of light was observed on in Step
screen B where bright lines of light from two slits form The coherent wavefront of light that impinges on the twin
constructive interferences along with dark lines giving slits undergoes division into two new wavefronts, each
destructive interferences. having distinct phases. Light waves emanating from each
slit travel equal distances to reach point A on the screen.
This satisfies the fundamental conditions for constructive
interference, where the waves add together coherently,
resulting in the formation of a bright interference fringe
on the screen.
The wave coming from slit close to point B not far to travel
to reach its destination, as compared to wave travelling
from other slit and the wave from closer slit arrives at
With sunlight diffracted through small slit as source of point B before wave from far slit.
coherent illumination, Young’s projected light rays from The waves do not arrive at point B in phase and undergo
slit to other screen with two slits placed side by side. destructive interference to produce a dark region.

 Expression for fringe width :

If two slits S1 and S2 separated by distance ‘d’ illuminated by distance of nth bright fringe from point O where x1 = λD/d,
monochromatic light of wavelength λ, where main screen distance of 1st bright fringe, xn = nλD/d as distance of nth
is at a distance of D from the slits S1, S2 then waves from bright fringe from point. So separation between centers
two slits superimpose on each other forming interference of two consecutive bright fringe is width of dark fringe,
pattern on the screen and point O is equidistant from S1 λ1 = xn – xn-1= λD/d as dark fringes, xn = (2n – 1)λD/2d.
and S2, forming path difference between waves at O. So The separation between centers of two consecutive
point O is of maximum intensity, central maximum while dark interference fringes is the width of bright fringe,
other point P at distance ‘x’ from O, path difference at P β2 = xn – xn-1= λD/d while separation between the centers
= S2P – S1P, or S1S2 = RT = d or S1R = S2T = D = xd/D. of two consecutive dark interference fringes shows width
In bright fringes, path difference is integral multiple of a bright fringe where all bright and dark fringes result
of wavelength i.e., nλ = xd/D or x = nλD/d where x is equal in width as b1 = b2.
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Fringe width is the distance between two successive L2

bright fringes or two successive dark fringes. Slit P
L1
In interference pattern, the fringe width is constant for W A
all fringes where all bright and dark fringes are equally 
spaced. S aC
N O
Fringe width is independent of order of fringe and is

directly proportional to wavelength of the light used. W B
 Coherent sources Screen
Coherent sources are those sources of light that give
continuous light waves of similar wavelength and Central maximum: All the secondary wavelets going
frequency and are in same phase or have a constant phase straight across the slit AB are focussed at the central point
difference. O of the screen. The wavelets from any two corresponding
For light waves emitted by two sources of light to be points of the two halves of the slit reach the point O in the
coherent, the initial phase difference between the waves same phase, they add constructively to produce a central
should be constant in time. bright fringe.
If phase difference changes continuously with time, then Suppose the secondary wavelets diffracted at an angle θ
the sources are incoherent. are focussed at point P. Then the path difference between
the wavelets from A and B will be
Two independent sources of light are not coherent and
p = BP – AP = BN = AB sin θ = a sin θ.
hence cannot produce interference as light beam is emitted
 Positions of minima
by millions of atoms those radiate independently so that
phase difference between waves fluctuates randomly The condition for nth dark fringe can be written as
many times per second. a sin θn = nλ, n = 1, 2, 3, …..
Two coherent sources can be created either by utilizing The directions of various minima are given by
a physical source and obtaining its virtual image or by λ
θn = sin θn = n
generating two virtual images of the same source. Any a
change in phase occurring in the real source results in a [As λ  a, so sin θn ≈ θn]
simultaneous and equal change in the virtual images.  Positions of secondary maxima
 Sustained interference of light The condition for nth secondary maximum can be written
Interference is the phenomenon of redistribution of light as
energy in a medium on account of superposition of light λ
a sin θ′n = ( 2n + 1 ) , n = 1, 2 , 3, ...
waves from two coherent sources. 2
At the points, where resultant intensity of light is The directions of secondary maxima are given by
maximum, interference is constructive while at point λ
where resultant intensity of light is minimum, interference θ′n = sin θ′n = ( 2n + 1)
2a
is destructive.  Angular width of central maximum
Interference pattern where positions of maximum and 2λ
minimum intensity of light remain fixed with time is Angular width = 2θ =
a
sustained or permanent interference pattern.
 Linear width of central maximum
Sustained and observable interference pattern should
have following conditions: 2Dλ
Linear width β0 = D × 2θ =
• The two sources should be coherent i.e., the sources a
should emit light of similar frequency with constant phase
difference.
• Two sources should be very narrow.
• The sources should lie very close to each other to form 
a 0 Central
distinct and broad fringes.  maximum
• The interfering waves should have equal amplitude
for making minimum intensity to be zero for general
illumination.
• Two interfering waves must propagate along same line D
for making vibrations to be on common line. Screen
• The separation between two sources must be very small
for making satisfying fringes of maximum and minimum  Linear width of a secondary maximum
intensity to lie close together for clear visibility. Angular width of nth secondary maximum
 Diffraction due to a single slit
λ λ λ
As shown a source S of monochromatic light is placed at = θn + 1 − θn = ( n + 1) −n =
the focus of a convex lens L1. A parallel beam of light and a a a
hence a plane wavefront WW gets incident on a narrow Hence, the linear width of nth secondary maximum =
rectangular slit AB of width a. λD
Angular width × D Or β = .
a
OPTICS

 Polarisation It is measured with polarimeter.

Transverse waves traveling perpendicular to their direction
Polarisation is a phenomenon in which
of oscillation can be polarised when their oscillation aligns
the vibrations are made to occur in one
with a specific plane perpendicular to the wave's direction
plane only. of propagation.
Longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, do not get
polarised because their particles oscillate parallel to the
direction of propagation, lacking a specific plane for
polarization.
Light polarisation can manifest in various forms,
including plane-polarised light, circularly polarised light,
and elliptically polarised light.
Unpolarised light can be converted into single polarised
beam using Nicol prism, a device that separates incident
Unpolarised Plane-polarised Plane-polarised light into two rays by double refraction where unwanted
vertically horizontally ray is removed from the beam by reflection.

Vertically polarised light is that where there is no Polariser

amplitude in x (E0x = 0), but there is one component in y
(vertical) direction. Y
Y

Circularly polarised Linearly polarised

The polarising material has long particles, rods or plates,
aligned parallel to each other which transmits one plane
of polarised light and absorbs the perpendicular light.
The polariser can transform circularly polarised light into
linearly polarised light.
The direction of polarisation of X-ray photon can change
as a result of scattering/diffraction where change is
maximum or no change, as per initial polarisation in plane
with pre and post scattered X-rays.
Circular polarisation has phase difference φ = 90° and E0x The component of polarisation resolved along new
Ey direction is reduced by cosine of scattering angle, so
Ex reduction in intensity results by cos2 2θ as intensity is
= E0y, where = cos θ, = sin θ having equation of
E0 x E0 y proportional to square of amplitude.
The component of polarisation which is unaffected and
2
2
 E   Ey  remains unchanged, by diffraction process, so reduction
circle,  x  +  =  cos2 θ + sin=
2
θ 1. factor is 1.
 E0 x   E0 y  The mixture polarisation occurs with diffractometer as
X-ray sources produce unpolarised X-rays, where X-rays
Elliptical polarisation results from a combination of linear polarised is equal in all directions and reduction factor
shows mean of cases,
polarisation and circular polarisation.
Linear polarisation occurs when light waves lie in a Case (1) : Polarisation in plane
P = cos2 2θ
of scattering,
horizontal or vertical plane.
A Polaroid refers to a class of materials that selectively Case (2) : Polarisation
perpendicular to plane of P=1
absorb light oscillations in one direction while allowing scattering,
the passage of light with components oriented at right
angles. Case (3) : Unpolarised X-rays, P = (1 + cos2 2θ)/2
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 Plane Polarised Light The incident light, wave-oscillation vectors shows

A polarised light which vibrates in single plane, polarization of reflected light in plane of reflecting surface,
perpendicular to direction of propagation is known as where refracted beam have mixture of two orientations.
plane polarised light.
If incident light is incident at Brewster angle θB, reflected
Light ray vibrating Reflected ray with single vibrating
in all direction direction is parallel to reflecting surface light gets fully polarized and at angles other than Brewster
angle, reflected light gets partially polarized.
The Brewster angle is related to index of refraction n of the
i r material by tan θB = n(material)/ n(air) = n(material)
i=r
For glass, n = 1.5 and θB = 56.3° and for water, n = 1.33
Reflecting surface
and θB = 53°.
In plane-polarised light, the electric vectors of the majority
of light waves are aligned parallel to each other.  Uses of plane polarised light and Polaroids
Plane polarised light is produced by reflection, selective Polarized light is produced by using tourmaline crystal
absorption, double refraction and scattering. which removes one of the polarized rays by absorption.
 Reflection Applications of Polarized Light:
Polarized light is used in photo elastic stress analysis.
For 3-D view, special type of glasses, which have polaroids
with perpendicular axes, are used.
Polarized light is useful to find size and shape of viruses.
Polarized light helps in many practical applications in
industry and engineering.
 Polaroids
Is made by heating and stretching a sheet of PVA
laminated to support sheet of cellulose acetate treated
with iodine solution.

s Long polymer molecules

Unpolarised light on striking a smooth surface reflects and

is polarised such that its direction of vibration is parallel to
the reflecting surface.
The reflected light is completely polarised when angle
between reflected and refracted ray is 90°. Stretched sheet of polyvinyl
 Brewster’s law alcohol
Sheet of polyvinyl
Polarized light is produced by transmission through alcohol
polarizers or by reflection from the surface of transparent
material.  Crystal polarisers
It is an anisotropic crystal, where electrons are bound with
different springs as per orientation.
In this, different spring constants show different
propagation speeds and different indices of refraction
with two output beams.
Crystal polarisers used as beam displacers, beam splitters,
polarizers, analysers.
Examples: Nicol prism, Glan-Thompson polariser, Glan
or Glan-Foucault prism, Wollaston prism, Thin-film
polarizer.


Topic 1: Previous Year's Questions

1. Assertion (A): The resolving power of a telescope is (c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
more if the diameter of the objective lens is more. (d) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Reason (R): Objective lens of large diameter collects 2. Assertion (A): Interference pattern is made by using
more light. yellow light instead of red light, the fringes become
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct narrower.
explanation of (A). Reason (R): In YDSE, fringe width is given by β = λD/d.
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A). explanation of (A).
OPTICS

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct (b) primary rainbow is due to double internal
explanation of (A). reflection and is formed below the secondary one.
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false. (c) secondary rainbow is due to double internal
(d) Both (A) and (R) are false. reflection and is formed above the primary one.
3. Assertion (A): All bright interference bands have (d) secondary rainbow is due to single internal
same intensity. reflection and is formed above the primary one.
Reason (R): Because all bands do not receive same [NEET 2022]
light from two sources.
10. An astronomical refracting telescope is being used by
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
an observer to observe planets in normal adjustment.
explanation of (A).
The focal lengths of the objective and eye piece used
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A). in the construction of the telescope are 20 m and 2
cm respectively. Consider the following statements
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
about the telescope:
(d) Both (A) and (R) are false.
4. Statement I: The formula connecting u, v and f for a (a) The distance between the objective and eye piece
spherical mirror is valid only for mirrors whose sizes is 20.02 m
are very small compared to their radii of curvature. (b) The magnification of the telescope is (–) 1000
Statement II: Laws of reflection are strictly valid for (c) The image of the planet is erect and diminished
plane surfaces, but not for large spherical surfaces. (d) The aperture of eye piece is smaller than that of
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true objectie
(b) Statement I is true but statement II is false The correct statements are:
(c) Statement I is false but statement II is true (a) (a), (b) and (c) (b) (b), (c) and (d)
(d) Both statement I and statement II are false (c) (c), (d) and (a) (d) (a), (b) and (d)
5. Statement I: Sound waves cannot be polarised. [NEET 2022]
Statement II: Sound waves are longitudinal in nature. 11. A biconvex lens has radii of curvature, 20 cm each. If
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true the refractive index of the material of the lens is 1.5,
(b) Statement I is true but statement II is false the power of the lens is :
(c) Statement I is false but statement II is true (a) + 2 D (b) + 20 D
(d) Both statement I and statement II are false
(c) + 5 D (d) infinity [NEET 2022]
6. Light travels a distance x in time t1 in air and 10x in
time t2 in another denser medium. What is the critical 12. A light ray falls on a glass surface of refractive index
angle for this medium? 3 , at an angle 60°. The angle between the refracted
and reflected rays would be :
 10 t2  1  t 
(a) 30° (b) 60°
(a) sin 1   (b) sin  1 
t
 1   10 t 2  (c) 90° (d) 120º [NEET 2022]
13. The transparent media A and B are separated by a
1  10 t1
 t 
(c) sin   (d) sin 1  2  plane boundary. The speed of light in those media
t
 2   t1  [NEET 2023] are 1.5 × 108 m/s and 2.0 × 108 m/s, respectively. The
critical angle for a ray of light for these two media is :
7. In the figure shown here, what is the equivalent focal
(a) sin–1(0.500) (b) sin–1(0.750)
length of the combination of lenses (Assume that all –1
layers are thin)? (c) tan (0.500) (d) tan–1(0.750) [NEET 2022]
14. A lens of large focal length and large aperture is best
suited as an objective of an astronomical telescope
since
(a) a large aperture contributes to the quality and
visibility of the images.
(b) a large area of the objective ensures better light
gathering power.
(c) a large aperture provides a better resolution.
(d) all of the above [NEET 2021]
(a) − 40 cm (b) − 100 cm 15. Find the value of the angle of emergence from the
(c) − 50 cm (d) 40 cm [NEET 2023] prism. Refractive index of the glass is 3
8. Two thin lenses are of same focal lengths (f), but one
is convex and the other one is concave. When they
are placed in contact with each other, the equivalent
focal length of the combination will be
f f
(a) (b)
4 2
(c) Infinite (d) Zero [NEET 2023]
60°
9. During a cloudy day, a primary and a secondary
rainbow may be created, then the: (a) 90° (b) 60°
(a) primary rainbow is due to double internal (c) 30° (d) 45° [NEET 2021]
reflection and is formed above the secondary one.
 NEET (UG) Solved Papers Chapterwise & Topicwise PHYSICS

16. A convex lens ‘A’ of focal length 20 cm and a concave [NEET 2020 Phase II]
lens ‘B’ of focal length 5 cm are kept along the same 24. The power of a biconvex lens is 10 dioptre and the
axis with a distance ‘d’ between them. If a parallel radius of curvature of each surface is 10 cm. Then the
beam of light falling on ‘A’ leaves ‘B’ as a parallel refractive index of the material of the lens is,
beam, then the distance ‘d’ in cm will be: 4 9
(a) 30 (b) 25 (a) (b)
3 8
(c) 15 (d) 50 [NEET 2021]
17. A point object is placed at a distance of 60 cm from 5 3
(c) (d) [NEET 2020 Phase II]
a convex lens of focal length 30 cm. If a plane mirror 3 2
were put perpendicular to the principal axis of the 25. Which colour of the light has the longest wavelength ?
lens and at a distance of 40 cm from it, the final image (a) blue (b) green
would be formed at a distance of: (c) violet (d) red [NEET 2019]
26. Two similar thin equi-convex lenses, of focal length f
each, are kept coaxially in contact with each other such
that the focal length of the combination is F1. When the
space between the two lenses is filled with glycerin
(which has the same refractive index (µ = 1.5) as that of
glass) then the equivalent focal length is F2. The ratio
F1 : F2 will be:
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 3
60 cm 40 cm (c) 3 : 4 (d) 2 : 1 [NEET 2019]
(a) 20 cm from the plane mirror, it would be a virtual 27. In total internal reflection when the angle of
image incidence is equal to the critical angle for the pair of
(b) 20 cm from the lens, it would be a real image media in contact, what will be angle of refraction ?
(c) 30 cm from the lens, it would be a real image (a) 0°
(d) 30 cm from the plane mirror, it would be a virtual (b) equal to angle of incidence
image [NEET 2021] (c) 90°
18. A ray is incident at an angle of incidence i on one (d) 180° [NEET 2019]
surface of a small angle prism (with angle of prism 28. Pick the wrong answer in the context with rainbow.
A) and emerges normally from the opposite surface. (a) An observer can see a rainbow when his front is
If the refractive index of the material of the prism is towards the sun.
m, then the angle of incidence is nearly equal to: (b) Rainbow is a combined effect of dispersion
2A refraction and reflection of sunlight.
(a) (b) mA
µ (c) When the light rays undergo two internal
µA A reflections in a water drop, a secondary rainbow is
(c) (d) [NEET 2020 Phase I] formed.
2 2µ
19. In Young's double slit experiment, if the separation (c) The order of colours is reversed in the secondary
between coherent sources is halved and the distance rainbow. [NEET 2019]
of the screen from the coherent sources is doubled, 29. An astronomical refracting telescope will have large
then the fringe width becomes: angular magnification and high angular resolution,
(a) half. (b) four times. when it has an objective lens of
(c) one-fourth. (d) double. (a) Large focal length and large diameter
[NEET 2020 Phase I] (b) Large focal length and small diameter
20. The Brewsters angle ib for an interface should be: (c) Small focal length and large diameter
(a) 30° < ib < 45° (b) 45° < ib < 90° (d) Small focal length and small diameter
(c) ib = 90° (d) 0° < ib < 30° [NEET 2018]
[NEET 2020 Phase I] 30. A thin prism having refracting angle 10° is made of
21. Two coherent sources of light interfere and produce glass of refractive index 1.42. This prism is combined
fringe pattern on a screen. For central maximum, the with another thin prism of glass of refractive index
phase difference between the two waves will be: 1.7. This combination produces dispersion without
(a) zero (b) π deviation. The refracting angle of second prism
(c) 3π/2 (d) π/2 should be :
[NEET 2020 Phase II] (a) 6° (b) 8°
22. An object is placed on the principal axis of a concave (c) 10° (d) 4° [NEET 2017]
mirror at a distance of 1.5 f (f is the focal length). The
image will be at, 31. Two identical glass (µg = 3/2) equiconvex lenses
(a) –3 f (b) 1.5 f of focal length f each are kept in contact. The
(c) –1.5 f (d) 3 f space between the two lenses is filled with water
[NEET 2020 Phase II] (µw = 4/3). The focal length of the combination is :
23. If the critical angle for total internal reflection from a (a) f/3 (b) f
medium to vacuum is 45°, then velocity of light in the (c) 4f/3 (d) 3f/4 [NEET 2016]
medium is, 32. An air bubble in a glass slab with refractive index 1.5
3 (near normal incidence) is 5 cm deep when viewed
(a) 1.5 × 108 m/s (b) × 10 8 m/s from one surface and 3 cm deep when viewed from
2
the opposite face. The thickness (in cm) of the slab is:
(c) 2 × 10 8 m/s (d) 3 × 108 m/s
OPTICS

(a) 8 (b) 10 3 cm
(c) 12 (d) 16 [NEET 2016]
33. If the focal length of objective lens is increased then
magnifying power of :
(a) microscope will increase but that of telescope 4 cm
decrease
(b) microscope and telescope both will increase
(c) microscope and telescope both will decrease
Coin
(d) microscope will decrease but that of telescope will
8
increase [AIPMT 2014] (a) 1.2 × 10 m/s (b) 1.8 × 108 m/s
34. A plano convex lens fits exactly into a plano concave (c) 2.4 × 108 m/s (d) 3.0 × 108 m/s
lens. Their plane surfaces are parallel to each other. [AIPMT 2007]
If lenses are made of different materials of refractive 41. A transparent cube of 15 cm edge contains a small air
indices µ1 and µ2 and R is the radius of curvature of bubble. Its apparent depth when viewed through one
the curved surface of the lenses, then the focal length face is 6 cm and when viewed through the opposite
of combination is : face is 4 cm. Then the refractive index of the material
(a) 2R/(µ2 – µ1) (b) R/2(µ1 + µ2) of the cube is :
(c) R/2(µ1 – µ2) (d) R/(µ1 – µ2) (a) 2.0 (b) 2.5
[AIPMT 2013] (c) 1.6 (d) 1.5 [CPMT 2004]
35. For the angle of minimum deviation of a prism to be 42. Light travels through a glass plate of thickness t and
equal to its refracting angle, the prism must be made having refractive index n. If c is the velocity of light
in vacuum, the time taken by the light to travel this
of a material whose refractive index :
thickness of glass is :
(a) lies between 2 and √2
(a) t/nc (b) tnc
(b) is less than 1 (c) nt/c (d) tc/n [CBSE PMT 1996]
(c) is greater than 2 43. The refractive index of a certain glass is 1.5 for
(d) lies between √2 and 1 [AIPMT 2012] light whose wavelength in vacuum is 6000 Å. The
36. A rod of length 10 cm lies along the principal axis of wavelength of this light when it passes through glass
concave mirror of focal length 10 cm in such a way is :
that its end closer to the pole is 20 cm away from the (a) 4000 Å (b) 6000 Å
mirror. The length of the image is (c) 9000 Å (d) 15000 Å
(a) 15 cm (b) 2.5 cm [CBSE PMT 1993]
(c) 5 cm (d) 10 cm [AIPMT 2012] 44. Electromagnetic radiation of frequency n,
37. A thin prism of angle 15° made of glass of refractive wavelength λ, travelling with velocity v in air, enters
index µ1 = 1.5 is combined with another prism of a glass slab of refractive index µ. The frequency,
glass of refractive index µ2 = 1.75. the combination wavelength and velocity of light in the glass slab will
of the prism produces dispersion without deviation. be respectively
The angle of the second prism should be : (a) n/µ,λ/µ,v/µ (b) n,λ/µ,v/µ
(a) 7° (b) 10° (c) n,λ,v/µ (d) n/µ,λ/µ,v
(c) 12° (d) 5° [AIPMT 2011] [CBSE PMT 1997]
38. A converging beam of rays is incident on a diverging 45. When light is refracted from air into glass :
lens. Having passed through the lens the rays intersect (a) Its wavelength and frequency both increase
at a point 15 cm from the lens on the opposite side. (b) Its wavelength increases but frequency remains
If the lens is removed the point where the rays meets unchanged
will move 5 cm closer to the lens. The focal length of (c) Its wavelength decreases but frequency remains
the lens is: unchanged
(a) – 10 cm (b) 20 cm (d) Its wavelength and frequency both decrease
(c) – 30 cm (d) 5 cm [AIPMT 2011] [CBSE PMT 1992]
39. A ray of light travelling in a transparent medium of 46. If iµj represents refractive index when a light ray
goes from medium i to medium j, then the product
refractive index µ, falls on a surface separating the
medium from air at an angle of incidence of 45°. For 2µ1×3µ2×4µ3 is equal to :
which of the following value of µ the ray can undergo (a) 3µ1 (b) 3µ2
total internal reflection? (c) 1/1µ4 (d) 4µ2 [CBSE PMT 1990]
(a) µ = 1.33 (b) µ = 1.40
(c) µ = 1.50 (d) µ = 1.25 [AIPMT 2010] Answer Key
40. A small coin is resting on the bottom of a beaker filled
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (c)
with a liquid. A ray of light from the coin travels upto
the surface of the liquid and moves along its surface. 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (d) 11. (c) 12. (c)
How fast is the light travelling in the liquid ? 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (b) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (b)
19. (b) 20. (b) 21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (d)
25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (a)
 NEET (UG) Solved Papers Chapterwise & Topicwise PHYSICS

31. (d) 32. (c) 33. (d) 34. (d) 35. (a) 36. (c) 7. (b)

37. (b) 38. (c) 39. (c) 40. (b) 41. (d) 42. (c)
43. (a) 44. (b) 45. (c) 46. (c)

Answers with Explanation

D a
1. (b) Resolving Power of a telescope = 
d 1.22 1 1 1  1
where, d = diameter of the objective lens, λ = wavelength). = ( 1.6 − 1 )  − =
f1  ∞ 20  f3
Hence, the objective lens of a large diameter collects
more light but does not increase the resolving power of 1 1 − 0.3
⇒ = =
the telescope because resolving power increases when f1 f3 10
angular separation increases. 1 1 1
2. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason = ( 1.5 − 1 )  + 
f2  20 20 
is the correct explanation for Assertion. Fringe width
(β) is directly proportional to wavelength (λ), the 0.5
=
wavelength of yellow light is less than that of the red 10
light. So, for yellow light the fringe will be narrower. For combination of lens.
3. (c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false. Bright bands 1 1 1 1
= + +
have same intensity, because I(max) is proportional to F f1 f2 f3
(a + b)2, which is constant, where a and b are amplitudes −0.3 −0.3 0.5
of two waves. = + +
10 10 10
4. (b) While deriving mirror formula for a spherical surface,
we consider only paraxial rays as a spherical surface is −1
=
perfectly focusing mirror only in such cases. Hence, we 100
need to take the aperture of the mirror to be very small. ⇒ F = –100 cm.
Which implies that the size of the mirror should be very 1 1 1
small as compared to their radii of curvature. 8. (c) = +
F f1 f2
So, statement I is correct, Laws of reflection can be
applied to any type of surface. So, statement II is false. 1 1
= − =0
5. (a) Sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning f f
the particles in the medium oscillate parallel to the ⇒ F=∞
direction of wave propagation. Since, polarization 9. (c) Secondary rainbow is formed due to double internal
involves restricting the vibration of waves to a specific reflection and is formed above the primary rainbow. The
orientation, it is not applicable to sound waves because secondary rainbow is brighter than the primary rainbow.
their oscillation is inherently parallel to the direction of
10. (d) Given,
propagation
fe = 2 cm, and
6. (c)
fo = 20 m = 2000 cm
For normal adjustment,
− fo −2000
Magnification power = =
fe 2
= –1000
Length of telescope = fo + fe
= 2000 + 2
= 2002 cm
= 20.02 m
The image formed is inverted and magnified, and the
µd sin C = µair sin 90°
aperture of objective is larger than eye piece of the
e C  C  telescope.
sin C =  µ medium = 
vd vair  v medium  (fo & fe are focal lengths of objective & eye piece
respectively.)
10 x
11. (c) Given: R1 = R2 = 20 cm = 0.2 m, µ = 1.5
vd t2 10t1
sin=
C = =  1
vair x t2 1 1 
Power, P= = (µ − 1)  − 
t1 f  R1 R2 
 10t1   1  1  
C = sin −1  P = (1.5 – 1)  − 
 0. 2  − 0.2  
 t2  
OPTICS

 for biconvex lens,  A

 R = + ve 
 1  30°
 R2 = −ve 
60°
 1 1  30°
P = 0.5  +  r
 0.2 0.2 
2
P = 0.5 × = 5D
0.2
12. (c) Given:
µ= 3 60°
i = 60° C B
So, angle of incident on the surface AC(i) = 30°
Now, applying Snell's law,
sin i
Refractive index (µ) =
sin r
sin 30°
⇒ = 3
sin r
1
⇒ sin r = 2
3

3
By using Snell's law, we have; ⇒ sin r = = sin(60°)
µ1sin i = µ2 sin r 2
1 × sin 60° = 3 sin r r = 60°
3 2 1 Hence, the angle of emergence is 60°
sin r = = 16. (c) Given,
3 2
Focal length of the convex lens A,
r = 30°
fA = 20 cm
Hence, angle between reflected and refracted ray
Focal length of concave lens B is
= 60° + 30° = 90°
fB = 5 cm
c
13. (b) As, µ= Distance between the lens = d
v
The emergent ray is parallel to X-axis.
1
Hence, µ∝
v
Now, Critical angle,
µ v
sin ic = 2 = 1
µ1 v2
1.5 × 10 8 3 d fB
= = fA
2 × 10 8 4
−1  3 
When any parallel beam of light incident on convex
ic = sin   lens, then it will meet at focal point.
4
If a beam of light gets parallel to principal axis after the
ic = sin–1 (0.750) refraction, then it means that object is at focal point of
14. (d) In the astronomical telescope, the focal length of the concave lens.
the objective lense and aperture is quite large. Due Hence,
to which the light gathering power of telescope used d = fA – fB
to increase, and the resolving power or the ability to = 20 cm – 5 cm
observe two object distinctly gets increase. = 15 cm
By using larger diameters, the fainter objects can be Hence, the required distance between the lens is 15 cm.
observed so, the larger focal length of the objective 17. (a) Given,
lens contributes in the better quality and visibility of Distance between object and convex lens
images. u = –60 cm
15. (b) Since, when any ray of light incident normally on Focal length of convex lens (f) = 30 cm
any surface, then it will not face any deviation. Distance between plane mirror and convex lens (d) =
40 cm
 NEET (UG) Solved Papers Chapterwise & Topicwise PHYSICS

19. (b) Given that the slit distance is made half and the
screen distance made double than the original value,
then,
I1 λD
I2 Frings width, b=
20 cm d
d
Now, d′ = and D′ = 2D
60 cm 40 cm 2
Applying lens law λ(2D) 4 λD
So, b′ = =
d/2 d
1 1 1
− = Þ b′ = 4b
v u f
20. (b) Refractive index m is equal to tangent of Brewster’s
1 1 1 1 1 angle ib
⇒ = + = +
v f u 30 ( −60 ) m = tan ib
1 1 1<m<¥
⇒ = 1 < tan ib < ¥
v1 60
tan–1 (1) < ib < tan–1 (¥)
⇒ v = 60 cm 45° < ib < 90°
I1, will work as a object for plane mirror which will 21. (a) In YDSE,
produce image at 20 cm in front of it. Path difference, Dx = dsinθ …(i)
Now, again this image will work as a object. 2π
and phase difference, Dd = ∆x …(ii)
So, u1 = –20 cm λ
For central maxima θ = 0
1 1 1 using equation (i) and (ii)
− =
v1 u1 f Dd = 0
1 1 1 22. (a) Applying mirror’s formula
⇒ = +
v1 f u1 1 1 1
 =
1 1 1 2−3 V ( 1.5 f ) (− f )
⇒ = + =
v1 30 ( −20 ) 60 1 1
Þ =−
1 1 V 3f
⇒ =–
v1 60 Þ V = –3f
23. (b) Relation between critical angle (C) and refractive
v1 = –60 cm
index (m) is
Now, again I2 will work as object
1
m=
sin C
1
Þ m= = 2
sin 45°
I3
I2 c
Now, m=
20cm v
c 3
20cm Þ v= = × 10 8 m/s
60cm 2 2
1
Hence, final virtual image will be formed at 60 cm from 24. (d) Power =
f
lens or we can say 20 cm behind mirror.
18. (b) Since the light emerges normally from the other \ f = 0.1 m = 10 cm
surface, the angle of emergence Now, by len's makers formula
e=0 1  1 1
For the triangular prism, we know = ( µ − 1)  −
f  R1 R 2 
r1 + r2 = A
But, e = r2 = 0 1  1 1 
= ( µ − 1)  −
So, r1 = A 10  ( +10 ) ( −10 ) 
For surface 1, 3
From Snell's law is sin i = m.sin r1 Þ m=
2
sin i = m.sin A
25. (d) Since, Red colour has least frequency. So, red has
For small angles sin θ ≈ θ
the longest wavelength among the given colour.
So, i = m.A
As, v = νλ
OPTICS

26. (a) 35. (a) Now, refractive index,

L L µ = sin [(δm+A)/2]/sin (A/2)
L L
µ = sin [(A+A)/2]/sin (A/2) = sin A/sin (A/2)
= 2 sin (A/2) cos(A/2)/sin (A/2)
= 2 cos (A/2)
When δm = A, then the angle may vary for 0° to 90°
For 0°, µ = 2 cos 60°
=2
g = 1.5 g = 1.5
g = 1.5 g = 1.5 For 90°, µ = 2 cos 45°
air glycerine = 1.5 = √2
So, refractive index lies between 2 and √2.
1 1 1 2
Equivalent focal length (in air) = + = 36. (c) Focal length (f) = – 10 cm
F1 f f f
When glycerin is filled inside, glycerin lens behaves Radius of Curvature (R) = 2f = – 20 cm
like a diverging lens of focal length (–f) Length of rod AB = 10 cm
1 1 1 1 =1 Distance of end A = 20 cm
= + − As distance of object ‘A’ is on centre of curvature, so
F2 f f f f
image of ‘A’ will be at ‘C’
F1 1
Now, =
F2 2 A'B' - Image
27. (c) Let ic be the critical angle, B AB-Object A' B'
Hence, at i = ic, refracted ray grazes with the surface.
F
So, angle of refraction is 90°. C
28. (a) When observer faces infront of Sun, he will not
observe rainbow. f
v
29. (a) In telescope, angular magnification fo/fe which shows
that focal length of objective lens to be large. Angular u
resolution = D/1.22λ which is large, hence objective
Now distance of end ‘B’ = 10 + 20 = 30 cm
should have large focal length and larger diameter.
u = – 30 cm
30. (a) Now, (µ – 1)A + (µ’ – 1)A’ = 0
As per mirror formula, 1/f = 1/u + 1/v
Condition for dispersion without deviation,
1/(−10) = 1/(−30) + 1/v
|(µ – 1)|A = |(µ’ – 1)| A’
1/v = 1/(−10) + 1/30 or v = − 15 cm
(1.42 – 1) × 10° = (1.7 – 1)A’
Hence, the length of image A’B’ will now be
4.2 = 0.7A’ or A’ = 6° 20 − 15 = 5 cm
31. (d) Now 1/f = (µg – 1) × 2/R = 1/R, (µg = 3/2), R = f 37. (b) From the question, deviation is zero, so
1/f1 = – (µw – 1) × 2/R = – 2/3R = – 2/3f δ = δ 1 + δ2 = 0
1/feq = 1/f + 1/f + 1/f1 = 1/R + 1/R – 2/3R (µ1 – 1)A + (µ2 – 1)A’ = 0
1/feq = 1/f + 1/f – 2/3f = 2/f – 2/3f = 4/3f so, feq = 3f/4 A’(1.75 – 1) = – l (1.5 – 1) 15°
32. (c) Seeing from one end, h1 = µ × (h – b) Now, A’ = (– 0.5/0.75) × 15°
= 3/2 × 5 = 15/2 cm A’ = – 10°
From other end of the slab, h2 = µ × h 38. (c) u = 10 cm, v = 15 cm
= 3/2 × 3 = 9/2 cm Since, the lens formula is
Now, total height, (15/2 + 9/2) = 24/2 = 12 cm 1 1 1
 
33. d) In case of telescope, magnifying power = fo/fe v u f 5 cm
Now, on increasing focal length of objective fo, 1 1 1
  I
magnifying power M.P will also increase 15 10 f
For microscope, magnifying power M.P.
1 1
≈ vo/uo (1 + D/fe) ≈ L/fo (1 + D/fe) 
f 30 15 cm
Now, on increasing focal length of objective fo,
magnifying power M.P will decrease. f = –30 cm
34. (d) 39. (c) In case of total internal reflection, sin i > sin c
Equivalent focal length is 1/feq = 1/f1+1/f2 sin 45° > 1/µ
1/feq = (µ1 – 1)[(1/∞) – 1/(– R)] + (µ2 – 1)[1/ µ > √2
(– R) – 1/∞] 40. (b) µ sin θ=constant
Now, feq = R/(µ1 – µ2) µ×(3/5) = 1 × sin 90° or µ = 5/3
v = c/µ =1.8×108 m/s
41. (d) Since, real depth/apparent depth = refractive index
h1/6 cm = µ
h1 = 6 µ
 NEET (UG) Solved Papers Chapterwise & Topicwise PHYSICS

Now, h2/4cm = µ 5. The interference pattern is obtained with two coherent

h2 = 4 µ light sources of intensity ratio n. In the interference
Hence, h1 + h2 = 15 cm = 10 µ pattern, the ratio (Imax – Imin) / (Imax + Imin) will be :
On solving refractive index, µ = 1.5 (a) √n/n+1 (b) 2√n/(n + 1)
42. (c) Time = distance/speed =t/(c/n) =nt/c (c) √n/(n+1)2 (d) 2√n/(n + 1)2
λ [NEET 2016]
43. (a) Since, µ = 0 6. A linear aperture whose width is 0.02 cm is placed
λm
immediately in front of a lens of focal length 60 cm.
Hence, λm = 6000/1.5
The aperture is illuminated normally by a parallel
The wavelength of this light when it passes through
beam of wavelength 5 × 10-5 cm. The distance of the
glass is 4000 Å.
first dark band of the diffraction pattern from the
44. (b) It is observed that frequency does not change with
centre of the screen is :
medium while wavelength and velocity decrease with
increase in refractive index, so frequency, wavelength (a) 0.10 cm (b) 0.25 cm
and velocity of light in glass slab will be n, λ/µ, v/µ (c) 0.20 cm (d) 0.15 cm [NEET 2016]
1 7. For a parallel beam of monochromatic light of
45. (c) Since, λ ∝ wavelength ‘λ’, diffraction is produced by a single
µ
slit whose width ‘a’ is of the order of the wavelength
As µair < µg ⇒ λair > λg
of the light. If ‘D’ is the distance of the screen from
Hence, the wavelength decreases while frequency
the slit, the width of the central maxima will be :
remains unchanged.
(a) Da/λ (b) 2Da/λ
46. (c) Now 2µ1×3µ2×4µ3 = µ1/µ2×µ2/µ3×µ3/µ4
= µ1/µ4=4µ1 =1/1µ4 (c) 2Dλ/a (d) Dλ/a [AIPMT 2015]
8. In a double slit experiment, the two slits are 1
mm apart and the screen is placed 1 m away. A
Topic 2: Previous Year's Questions monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm is used.
What will be the width of each slit for obtaining ten
1. Unpolarised light is incident from air on a plane maxima of double slit within the central maxima of
surface of a material of refractive index ‘µ’. At a single slit pattern?
particular angle of incidence ‘i’, it is found that the
reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular to each (a) 0.5 mm (b) 0.02 mm
other. Which of the following options is correct for (c) 0.2 mm (d) 0.1 mm [AIPMT 2015]
this situation? 9. A beam of light of λ = 600 nm from a distant source
(a) i=sin-1(1/µ) falls on a single slit 1 mm wide and the resulting
(b) Reflected light is polarised with its electric vector diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 2m away.
perpendicular to the plane of incidence The distance between first dark fringes on either side
(c) Reflected light is polarised with its electric vector of the central bright fringe is :
parallel to the plane of incidence (a) 1.2 cm (b) 1.2 mm
(d) i = tan-1(1/µ) [NEE 2018] (c) 2.4 cm (d) 2.4 mm [AIPMT 2014]
2. In Young’s double slit experiment the separation d 10. In the Young’s double-silt experiment, the intensity
between the slits is 2 mm, the wavelength λ of the of light at a point on the screen where the path
light used is 5896 Å and distance D between the difference is λ is K, (λ being the wave length of
screen and slits is 100 cm. It is found that the angular light used). The intensity at a point where the path
width of the fringes is 0.20°. To increase the fringe difference is λ/4, will be :
angular width to 0.21° (with same λ and D) the (a) K (b) K/4
separation between the slits needs to be changed to : (c) K/2 (d) Zero [AIPMT 2014]
(a) 2.1 mm (b) 1.9 mm 11. A slit of width a is illuminated by white light. For
(c) 1.8 mm (d) 1.7 mm [NEET 2018] red light (λ=6500Å), the first minima is obtained at
3. A beam of light from a source L is incident normally θ = 30°. Then the value of a will :
on a plane mirror fixed at a certain distance x from (a) 3250 Å (b) 6.5 × 10−4mm
the source. The beam is reflected back as a spot on a
scale placed just above the source I. When the mirror (c) 1.24 microns (d) 2.6 × 10−4 cm
is rotated through a small angle θ, the spot of the [CPMT 2002]
light is found to move through a distance y on the 12. The bending of beam of light around corners of
scale. The angle θ is given by : obstacles is called :
(a) y/x (b) x/2y (a) Reflection (b) Diffraction
(c) x/y (d) y/2x [NEET 2017] (c) Refraction (d) Interference
4. Two polaroids P1 and P2 are placed with their axis [NCERT 1990; CPMT 1999]
perpendicular to each other. Unpolarised light I0 is 13. The penetration of light into the region of geometrical
incident on P1 . A third polaroid P3 is kept in between shadow is called
P1 and P2 such that its axis makes an angle 45° with (a) Polarization (b) Interference
that of P1. The intensity of transmitted light through
(c) Diffraction (d) Refraction [CPMT 1999]
P2 is :
14. Red light is generally used to observe diffraction
(a) I0/4 (b) I0/8 pattern from single slit. If blue light is used instead
(c) I0/16 (d) I0/2 [NEET 2017] of red light, then diffraction pattern
OPTICS

(a) Will be clearer (b) Will contract 3. (d) As the mirror is

(c) Will expanded (d) Will not be visualized rotated θ, the reflected
[CPMT 2005] ray rotates 2θ.
15. Diffraction and interference of light suggest Using trigonometry, tan
(a) Nature of light is electro-magnetic 2θ = y/x
(b) Wave nature θ being small, 2θ = y/x
(c) Nature is quantum or θ = y/2x
(d) Nature of light is transverse [CPMT 1995] 4. (b) Applying Malus’ Law,
16. A polariser is used to Intensity of light from
(a) Reduce intensity of light first polaroid P1, I1 = I0/2
(b) Produce polarised light Intensity of light from second polaroid P2,
(c) Increase intensity of light I2 = I0/2 cos2 45°
(d) Produce unpolarised light [CPMT 1999] I2 = I0/2 × (½) = I0/4
17. Light waves can be polarised as they are I3 = (I0/4) cos2 45°
(a) Transverse (b) of high frequency
I3 = (I0/4) × (½) = I0/8
(c) Longitudinal (d) Reflected
5. (b) Maximum Intensity is given as Imax = (√I1+√I2)2
[CBSE PMT 1993; CPMT 2005]
18. Through which character we can distinguish the Minimum intensity is given as Imin = (√I1 – √I2)2
light waves from sound waves Now, I1 / I2 = n
(a) Interference (b) Refraction Imax = (√I1 + √I2)2 = (n1/2 + 1)2 × I2
(c) Polarisation (d) Reflection Imin = (√I1 – √I2)2 = (n1/2 + 1)2 × I2
[CBSE PMT 1990] Now, (Imax – Imin)/(Imax + Imin) = 2√n/(n + 1)
19. Out of the following statements which is not correct? 6. (d) Phase difference θ = λ/a
(a) When unpolarised light passes through a Nicol’s Path difference a = 2π∆x
prism, the emergent light is elliptically polarized
Hence, θ = λ/a = Y/f
(b) Nicol’s prism works on the principle of double
Now, Y = fλ/a
refraction and total internal reflection
= 5 × 10– 5 × 10– 2 × 60 × 10– 2/2 × 10–4
(c) Nicol’s prism can be used to produce and analyze
polarized light 150 × 10– 5 = 1.5 × 10– 3 = 0.15 cm
(d) Calcite and Quartz are both doubly refracting 7. (c) θ = λ/a
crystals [CPMT 1991] From the figure geometry
20. The idea of the quantum nature of light has emerged D
in an attempt to explain
(a) Interference Y
(b) Diffraction
(c) Radiation spectrum of a black body θ
a
(d) Polarisation [CPMT 1990]
21. By Huygen’s wave theory of light, we cannot explain
the phenomenon of
(a) Interference (b) Diffraction
sin θ = Y/D
(c) Photoelectric effect (d) Polarisation
Y
[CPMT 1989] θ=
D
Answer Key or, Y = λD/a
Width of centre maxima 2Y = 2λD/a
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d) 8. (c) d = 1 mm
7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (b) D=1m
width of central maxima = 2(λ/a)D
13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (a) 18. (c)
λ = 500 × 10– 9
19. (a) 20. (c) 21. (c) Putting formula, 10(Dλ/d) = 2λD/a
a = d/5 = 0.2 mm
Answers with Explanation 9. (d) λ = 600 × 10– 9 m
D=2m
1. (b) If reflected and refracted light rays are perpendicular,
reflected light gets polarised with electric field vector d = 1 mm = 10–3 m
perpendicular to the plane of incidence. Now, width of central maxima is given as:
2. (b) Angular Width = λ/d = 0.20° = λ/2 mm W0 = 2λD/d = 2 × 600 × 10– 9 × 2/10– 3
λ = 0.20° × 2 = 2.4 × 10– 3 m = 2.4 mm
As λ/d = 0.21°, so using value of λ, we have 10. (c) Now ∆ϕ = 2π/λ × (∆x)
d = (0.20° × 2 mm)/0.21° = 1.9 mm = (2π/λ) × (λ) = 2π
 NEET (UG) Solved Papers Chapterwise & Topicwise PHYSICS

interference occurs when two or more light waves

Further Intensity, I = I0 + I0 + 2 I 0 I 0 cos 2π overlap and either reinforce or cancel each other.
I = 4I0 = K 16. (b) Polariser is used in producing polarised light.
∆ϕ = (2π/λ)(λ/4) = π/2 17. (a) It is observed that only transverse waves can be
polarised.
I = I0 + I0 + 2 I 0 I 0 cos p / 2 = 2I0 = K/2
18. (c) Interference, Refraction and Reflection are shown
11. (c) For first minima by both light and sound waves while polarisation is
 π  shown by light wave only.
θ = λ/a ⇒ a = λ/θ   θ = = 30° 19. (a) Nicol prism is made from a double refracting calcite
6
crystal which works on principle of double refraction
Now, a = 6500 × 10−8 × 6/π and total internal reflection and is used to produce and
= 1.24 × 10−4 cm = 1.24 microns analyse polarised light.
12. (b) Diffraction is the bending of light waves around Also, in Nicol prism there is no light on refraction so (a)
obstacles or edges, causing them to spread out and is not correct.
interfere with each other. This phenomenon occurs 20. (c) A theory that explains blackbody radiation over the
when the size of the obstacle or opening is comparable
broad spectrum requires that light be emitted in energy
to the wavelength of the light.
quanta, which turns out to be the photon. A wave
13. (c) The penetration of light into the region of theory allows for energy to be emitted in a continuous
geometrical shadow results to turning of light around
range of values. Models that allows this to happen are
corners is known as Diffraction.
only valid for specific cases of the spectrum. So, as per
14. (b) If λ Blue < λ Red, hence the fringe pattern will Planck’s hypothesis, black bodies emits radiations in
contract as fringe width ∝ λ
form of photons.
15. (b) Diffraction and interference of light are phenomena
21. (c) Huygen's wave theory of light is not able to explain
that demonstrate the wave-like behavior of light.
particle nature of light (photoelectric effect)but
Diffraction occurs when light waves bend around
describes rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction,
obstacles or pass through small openings, while
interference, diffraction and polarization.

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