ROUTERA


Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Class 12th Physics Chapter HOTs


Question 1:

Q: Derive the mirror equation and explain its significance in ray optics.

Solution: The mirror equation is derived using the principles of geometric optics. Consider a concave mirror with focal length ff , object distance uu , and image distance vv . The mirror formula relates these quantities.

The relationship is derived from the geometry of light rays reflecting from the mirror surface.

For a concave mirror:

1f=1v+1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}

Where:

  • ff is the focal length of the mirror.
  • uu is the object distance.
  • vv is the image distance.

Significance: The mirror equation is crucial for determining the position and nature of the image formed by spherical mirrors (concave and convex).


Question 2:

Q: A concave mirror forms an image of an object placed at a distance of 15 cm from the mirror. The image is 3 times the size of the object and is real. What is the focal length of the mirror?

Solution: Given:

  • Object distance u=15cmu = -15 \, \text{cm} (object is real and to the left of the mirror).
  • Magnification m=3m = -3 (image is real and inverted).

The magnification mm is given by:

m=Image heightObject height=vum = \frac{\text{Image height}}{\text{Object height}} = - \frac{v}{u}

From the magnification equation:

3=v15-3 = - \frac{v}{-15}

Solving for vv :

v=45cmv = 45 \, \text{cm}

Now, use the mirror equation:

1f=1v+1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}

Substitute the values:

1f=145+115\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{45} + \frac{1}{-15} 1f=145345\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{45} - \frac{3}{45} 1f=245\frac{1}{f} = -\frac{2}{45}

Thus:

f=22.5cmf = -22.5 \, \text{cm}

The focal length of the mirror is f=22.5cmf = -22.5 \, \text{cm} , indicating that it is a concave mirror.


Question 3:

Q: Explain why a convex mirror always forms a diminished virtual image regardless of the object’s position.

Solution: A convex mirror always forms a diminished, virtual, and erect image because the reflective surface diverges light rays. When parallel rays strike the convex mirror, they appear to originate from a virtual focus behind the mirror. The image formed is always between the focus and the mirror, no matter the position of the object.

The image formed by a convex mirror is always smaller than the object because the rays diverge after reflection. The image is virtual because the rays never actually converge to form a real image; instead, they appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror.


Question 4:

Q: Derive the lens formula 1f=1v1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u} for a convex lens.

Solution: Consider a convex lens with focal length ff , object distance uu , and image distance vv . We use the refraction laws for a convex lens to derive the lens formula.

From the geometry of light rays passing through the convex lens, the refraction occurs at both surfaces of the lens. Using the thin lens approximation and applying the lensmaker’s equation, we arrive at the lens equation:

1f=1v1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}

This formula is used to calculate the position of the image formed by the lens, given the object distance and focal length.


Question 5:

Q: A convex lens has a focal length of 20 cm. An object is placed at a distance of 40 cm from the lens. Find the position of the image formed.

Solution: Given:

  • Focal length f=20cmf = 20 \, \text{cm}
  • Object distance u=40cmu = -40 \, \text{cm} (object is real and to the left of the lens)

Using the lens formula:

1f=1v1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}

Substitute the values:

120=1v140\frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{-40} 120=1v+140\frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{40} 1v=120140\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} - \frac{1}{40} 1v=240140\frac{1}{v} = \frac{2}{40} - \frac{1}{40} 1v=140\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{40}

Thus:

v=40cmv = 40 \, \text{cm}

The image is formed at a distance of 40 cm on the opposite side of the object (real and inverted).


Question 6:

Q: What is the refractive index of a medium if the speed of light in the medium is 2×108m/s2 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s} ?

Solution: The refractive index nn is given by the relation:

n=cvn = \frac{c}{v}

where cc is the speed of light in a vacuum (c=3×108m/sc = 3 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s} ) and vv is the speed of light in the medium.

Given v=2×108m/sv = 2 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s} :

n=3×1082×108=1.5n = \frac{3 \times 10^8}{2 \times 10^8} = 1.5

Thus, the refractive index of the medium is 1.5.


Question 7:

Q: Derive the expression for the focal length of a combination of two thin lenses in contact.

Solution: For two lenses in contact, the focal length fcombf_{\text{comb}} of the combination is given by the reciprocal sum of their individual focal lengths f1f_1 and f2f_2 :

1fcomb=1f1+1f2\frac{1}{f_{\text{comb}}} = \frac{1}{f_1} + \frac{1}{f_2}

This relation is derived by considering the combined effect of the two lenses as a single optical system. The object and image distances for each lens are considered relative to the system as a whole.


Question 8:

Q: How does the power of a lens change when two lenses are placed in contact?

Solution: The power of a lens is the reciprocal of its focal length, i.e., P=1fP = \frac{1}{f} . For two lenses in contact, the total power PtotalP_{\text{total}} is the sum of the individual powers of the two lenses:

Ptotal=P1+P2P_{\text{total}} = P_1 + P_2

Thus, if two lenses with powers P1P_1 and P2P_2 are in contact, the total power is Ptotal=P1+P2P_{\text{total}} = P_1 + P_2 .


Question 9:

Q: A ray of light passes through a prism with an apex angle of 60°. If the refractive index of the material of the prism is 1.51.5 , calculate the angle of deviation for the ray.

Solution: The angle of deviation δ\delta for a prism is given by the formula:

δ=θ+(μ1)×A\delta = \theta + (\mu - 1) \times A

where:

  • θ\theta is the angle of incidence (assumed to be 0 for simplicity, as the ray enters the prism symmetrically),
  • μ\mu is the refractive index of the prism material,
  • AA is the apex angle of the prism.

Given:

  • A=60A = 60^\circ ,
  • μ=1.5\mu = 1.5 ,

Substitute these values into the formula:

δ=0+(1.51)×60=0.5×60=30\delta = 0 + (1.5 - 1) \times 60 = 0.5 \times 60 = 30^\circ

Thus, the angle of deviation is 3030^\circ .


Question 10:

Q: Explain the formation of rainbow using the concepts of refraction and dispersion.

Solution: A rainbow is formed due to the dispersion of light in water droplets. When sunlight enters a water droplet, it undergoes refraction, and since different colors of light have different wavelengths, they refract by different amounts. This causes the white light to split into its constituent colors, forming a spectrum.

After refraction, the light is internally reflected inside the droplet. Upon exiting, the light is refracted again, and due to the varying angles for different colors, a spectrum is formed. The result is a circular arc of different colors known as a rainbow.


Question 11:

Q: Derive the expression for the magnification produced by a concave mirror.

Solution: The magnification mm produced by a concave mirror is the ratio of the image height hih_i to the object height hoh_o , i.e.,

m=hihom = \frac{h_i}{h_o}

Using the geometry of the mirror, we know that magnification is also given by:

m=vum = -\frac{v}{u}

where vv is the image distance and uu is the object distance. Thus, the magnification is negative for a real and inverted image.


Question 12:

Q: A concave mirror of focal length 20 cm forms an image of an object 30 cm away from the mirror. What is the magnification of the image?

Solution: Given:

  • Focal length f=20cmf = 20 \, \text{cm} ,
  • Object distance u=30cmu = -30 \, \text{cm} .

Use the mirror formula:

1f=1v+1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}

Substitute the known values:

120=1v+130\frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-30} 1v=120+130\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} + \frac{1}{30} 1v=3+260\frac{1}{v} = \frac{3 + 2}{60} v=605=12cmv = \frac{60}{5} = 12 \, \text{cm}

Now, calculate the magnification:

m=vu=1230=0.4m = -\frac{v}{u} = -\frac{12}{-30} = 0.4

Thus, the magnification is 0.40.4 , and the image is diminished and real.


Question 13:

Q: What is the relationship between the focal length, radius of curvature, and the focal length of a spherical mirror?

Solution: The relationship between the focal length ff and the radius of curvature RR of a spherical mirror is given by:

f=R2f = \frac{R}{2}

This relationship holds true for both concave and convex mirrors. It is derived by considering the mirror's geometry and the reflection laws.


Question 14:

Q: A light ray is incident on a convex lens at an angle of 30°. Calculate the refracted angle inside the lens if the refractive index of the lens is 1.51.5 .

Solution: Using Snell's law, we can calculate the refracted angle:

n1sini=n2sinrn_1 \sin i = n_2 \sin r

where:

  • n1=1n_1 = 1 (refractive index of air),
  • n2=1.5n_2 = 1.5 (refractive index of the lens),
  • i=30i = 30^\circ (incident angle),
  • rr is the refracted angle.

Substitute the values into Snell's law:

sinr=1sin301.5=0.51.5=13\sin r = \frac{1 \cdot \sin 30^\circ}{1.5} = \frac{0.5}{1.5} = \frac{1}{3} r=sin1(13)19.47r = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) \approx 19.47^\circ

Thus, the refracted angle inside the lens is approximately 19.4719.47^\circ .


Question 15:

Q: Explain the formation of an image by a telescope.

Solution: A telescope works by using two lenses: the objective lens and the eyepiece. The objective lens gathers light from a distant object and forms a real, inverted image at its focus. This image serves as the object for the eyepiece lens, which magnifies it and forms a virtual, erect image at a comfortable viewing distance.

The magnification of the telescope is given by:

M=fobjectivefeyepieceM = \frac{f_{\text{objective}}}{f_{\text{eyepiece}}}

where fobjectivef_{\text{objective}} is the focal length of the objective lens, and feyepiecef_{\text{eyepiece}} is the focal length of the eyepiece.


Question 16:

Q: What is the working principle of a microscope, and how is it different from a telescope?

Solution: A microscope works on the principle of forming a magnified image of a small object. It uses two lenses: the objective lens and the eyepiece. The objective lens forms a real, inverted image close to the focal point, and the eyepiece further magnifies this image to form a virtual, upright image.

In contrast to a telescope, which is used for distant objects, a microscope is used for nearby objects. The magnification in a microscope is given by:

M=Dfobjective+1M = \frac{D}{f_{\text{objective}}} + 1

where DD is the least distance of distinct vision and fobjectivef_{\text{objective}} is the focal length of the objective lens.


Question 17:

Q: Calculate the focal length of a lens system consisting of a diverging lens with focal length 10cm-10 \, \text{cm} and a converging lens with focal length 20cm20 \, \text{cm} , placed in contact.

Solution: For two lenses in contact, the total focal length ftotalf_{\text{total}} is given by:

1ftotal=1f1+1f2\frac{1}{f_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{f_1} + \frac{1}{f_2}

Substitute f1=10cmf_1 = -10 \, \text{cm} and f2=20cmf_2 = 20 \, \text{cm} :

1ftotal=110+120\frac{1}{f_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{-10} + \frac{1}{20} 1ftotal=2+120=120\frac{1}{f_{\text{total}}} = \frac{-2 + 1}{20} = \frac{-1}{20}

Thus, the total focal length is:

ftotal=20cmf_{\text{total}} = -20 \, \text{cm}

The combined focal length is 20cm-20 \, \text{cm} , indicating a diverging lens.


Question 18:

Q: A light ray is incident on a plane mirror at an angle of 4545^\circ . What is the angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray?

Solution: The angle of incidence ii is equal to the angle of reflection rr . Given that the incident angle is 4545^\circ , the reflected angle is also 4545^\circ .

Thus, the angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray is:

Angle between incident and reflected ray=i+r=45+45=90\text{Angle between incident and reflected ray} = i + r = 45^\circ + 45^\circ = 90^\circ

Question 19:

Q: A person is looking through a magnifying glass. If the focal length of the magnifying glass is 5cm5 \, \text{cm} , and the object is placed at a distance of 5cm5 \, \text{cm} , calculate the magnification produced.

Solution: The magnification mm produced by a lens is given by:

m=1+Dfm = 1 + \frac{D}{f}

where DD is the least distance of distinct vision (approximately 25cm25 \, \text{cm} ), and ff is the focal length of the lens.

Given:

  • D=25cmD = 25 \, \text{cm} ,
  • f=5cmf = 5 \, \text{cm} ,

Substitute the values:

m=1+255=1+5=6m = 1 + \frac{25}{5} = 1 + 5 = 6

Thus, the magnification is 6.


Question 20:

Q: A ray of light strikes the surface of a glass slab at an angle of incidence of 3030^\circ . If the refractive index of glass is 1.51.5 , calculate the angle of refraction inside the glass.

Solution: Using Snell's law:

n1sini=n2sinrn_1 \sin i = n_2 \sin r

where:

  • n1=1n_1 = 1 (refractive index of air),
  • n2=1.5n_2 = 1.5 (refractive index of glass),
  • i=30i = 30^\circ ,
  • rr is the refracted angle inside the glass.

Substitute the values:

sinr=1sin301.5=0.51.5=13\sin r = \frac{1 \cdot \sin 30^\circ}{1.5} = \frac{0.5}{1.5} = \frac{1}{3} r=sin1(13)19.47r = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) \approx 19.47^\circ

Thus, the angle of refraction inside the glass is approximately 19.4719.47^\circ .


Question 21:

Q: Derive the lens formula and magnification formula for a convex lens.

Solution: The lens formula is derived from the geometry of the lens and is given by:

1f=1v1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}

where:

  • ff is the focal length,
  • vv is the image distance,
  • uu is the object distance.

The magnification mm produced by a lens is given by:

m=hiho=vum = \frac{h_i}{h_o} = -\frac{v}{u}

where:

  • hih_i is the image height,
  • hoh_o is the object height.

Question 22:

Q: A concave mirror has a focal length of 15cm15 \, \text{cm} . An object is placed at a distance of 30cm30 \, \text{cm} from the mirror. Where will the image be formed?

Solution: Use the mirror formula:

1f=1v+1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}

Substitute:

  • f=15cmf = 15 \, \text{cm} ,
  • u=30cmu = -30 \, \text{cm} .
115=1v+130\frac{1}{15} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-30} 1v=115+130=2+130=330=110\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{15} + \frac{1}{30} = \frac{2 + 1}{30} = \frac{3}{30} = \frac{1}{10} v=10cmv = 10 \, \text{cm}

Thus, the image is formed at a distance of 10 cm from the mirror and is real and inverted.


Question 23:

Q: Derive the expression for the focal length of a lens in combination.

Solution: For two lenses in combination, the total focal length ftotalf_{\text{total}} is given by:

1ftotal=1f1+1f2\frac{1}{f_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{f_1} + \frac{1}{f_2}

where:

  • f1f_1 and f2f_2 are the focal lengths of the individual lenses.

For more than two lenses, this formula is extended:

1ftotal=1fi\frac{1}{f_{\text{total}}} = \sum \frac{1}{f_i}

where the summation is taken over all the lenses in the system.


Question 24:

Q: A convex lens has a focal length of 20 cm. An object is placed 30 cm from the lens. Find the position and nature of the image formed.

Solution: Given, f=20cmf = 20 \, \text{cm} (convex lens), u=30cmu = -30 \, \text{cm} (object distance, negative because the object is on the same side as the light source).

Using the lens formula:

1f=1v1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}

Substitute the given values:

120=1v130\frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{-30} 120=1v+130\frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{30} 1v=120130=3260=160\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} - \frac{1}{30} = \frac{3 - 2}{60} = \frac{1}{60} v=60cmv = 60 \, \text{cm}

Thus, the image is formed at 60 cm on the opposite side of the object and is real and inverted.


Question 25:

Q: The refractive index of glass is 1.5. Calculate the critical angle for total internal reflection when light passes from glass to air.

Solution: The critical angle CC is given by:

sinC=n2n1\sin C = \frac{n_2}{n_1}

where n1=1.5n_1 = 1.5 (glass) and n2=1n_2 = 1 (air).

sinC=11.5=0.6667\sin C = \frac{1}{1.5} = 0.6667 C=sin1(0.6667)41.8C = \sin^{-1}(0.6667) \approx 41.8^\circ

Thus, the critical angle is 41.841.8^\circ .


Question 26:

Q: Derive the mirror formula using the sign convention.

Solution: Let the object be placed at a distance uu from the mirror, and the image is formed at a distance vv . The focal length of the mirror is ff , and the radius of curvature is RR .

Using the geometry of the mirror, we get the relation between uu , vv , and ff :

  1. The object is at distance uu from the mirror, and the image is at distance vv .
  2. The mirror equation is obtained by using the principal focus and the geometry of the mirror, along with the sign conventions.

The derivation involves the small angle approximation and the use of triangles to form the equation:

1f=1v+1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}

This is the mirror formula, which is valid for both concave and convex mirrors.


Question 27:

Q: A ray of light enters from air (refractive index n=1n = 1 ) into a liquid (refractive index n=1.33n = 1.33 ) with an angle of incidence of 30°. Find the angle of refraction.

Solution: Using Snell's law:

sinisinr=n2n1\frac{\sin i}{\sin r} = \frac{n_2}{n_1}

Substitute i=30i = 30^\circ , n1=1n_1 = 1 , and n2=1.33n_2 = 1.33 :

sin30sinr=1.33\frac{\sin 30^\circ}{\sin r} = 1.33 1/2sinr=1.33\frac{1/2}{\sin r} = 1.33 sinr=1/21.33=0.375\sin r = \frac{1/2}{1.33} = 0.375 r=sin1(0.375)22.02r = \sin^{-1}(0.375) \approx 22.02^\circ

Thus, the angle of refraction is 22.0222.02^\circ .


Question 28:

Q: A concave mirror has a focal length of 15 cm. If an object is placed 20 cm in front of the mirror, find the position, nature, and size of the image formed.

Solution: Given, f=15cmf = -15 \, \text{cm} , u=20cmu = -20 \, \text{cm} (object distance for concave mirror is negative).

Using the mirror formula:

1f=1v+1u\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}

Substitute the values:

115=1v+120\frac{1}{-15} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-20} 1v=115+120=4+360=160\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{-15} + \frac{1}{20} = \frac{-4 + 3}{60} = \frac{-1}{60} v=60cmv = -60 \, \text{cm}

The image is formed 60 cm in front of the mirror and is real, inverted, and magnified.


Question 29:

Q: Explain the phenomenon of chromatic aberration in lenses.

Solution: Chromatic aberration occurs due to the dispersion of light as it passes through a lens. Different wavelengths (colors) of light refract by different amounts due to the varying refractive indices for each wavelength. This causes different colors to focus at different points, resulting in a blurred image with colored fringes. Chromatic aberration can be minimized by using achromatic lenses, which are made by combining two lenses with different dispersive properties.


Question 30:

Q: A concave lens has a focal length of 10 cm. What is its power?

Solution: Power of a lens is given by:

P=1f(in meters)P = \frac{1}{f} \quad (\text{in meters})

Given f=10cm=0.1mf = -10 \, \text{cm} = -0.1 \, \text{m} :

P=10.1=10DP = \frac{1}{-0.1} = -10 \, \text{D}

Thus, the power of the lens is 10diopters-10 \, \text{diopters} .