Wave Optics

Level - I
Chapter 10
Wave Optics
Solutions (Set-1)
SECTION - A
School/Board Exam. Type Questions
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. Which phenomenon establish the wave nature of light?
Sol. Interference, diffraction and polarisation.
2. When a wave undergoes reflection at a denser medium, what happen to its phase?
Sol. Phase changes by  radian
3. Can two independent sources of light be coherent?
Sol. No
4. What is the ratio of slit widths when amplitudes of light waves from them have a ratio of 2 : 1.
2 2
w1 I1  a1   2
Sol.       2 :1
w 2 I2  a2   1 
5. Is head light of a car plane polarized?
Sol. No, it is unpolarized.
6. Name two commonly used devices which use polarised light.
Sol. Sunglasses and liquid crystal display.
7. Does the value of polarizing angle depend on colour of light?
Sol. Yes, it depends.
8. What does red shift in the spectra of galaxies indicate?
Sol. The universe is expanding.
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2 Wave Optics Solutions of Assignment (Set-1) (Level-I)
9. What is the angle between the reflected and refracted rays at polarising angle?
Sol. 90°
10. What is relationship between path difference and phase difference?
2
Sol.  = x

Short Answer Type Questions
11. Width of two slits in Young’s double slit experiment are in the ratio 4 : 1. What is the ratio of amplitudes and
intensities of light waves from them?
w1 4
Sol. Here, w  1
2
I1 w1 4
 
I2 w 2 1
2
I1  a1  a1 2
 , 
I2  a2  a2 1
12. Write two applications of dopplers effect of light.
Sol. 1. Measuring speed of star or galaxy w.r.t. us.
2. Estimation of velocities of satellite.
13. Write any four uses of polarised light.
Sol. 1. It is useful in three dimensional pictures i.e. in holography.
2. Improve colour contrast in old oil paintings.
3. Optical stress analysis.
4. In LCD calculators, electronic displays.
14. A slit 4.0 cm wide is irradiated with microwaves of wavelength 2.0 cm. Find the angular spread of central
maximum, assuming incidence normal to the plane of slit.
2 2  2  10 –2
Sol. 2 =   1rad
a 4  10 –2
15. What speed should a galaxy move with respect to us so that the sodium line at 589.0 nm is observed at
589.6 nm?
 v
Sol. 
 c
 v = 3.06 × 105 m/s
Solutions of Assignment (Set-1) (Level-I) Wave Optics 3
16. A slit or aperture diffracts light. Even then we say that light travels in a straight line. Comment.
a2
Sol. Diffraction becomes significant only after Fresnel’s distance ZF = .

17. Name one device for producing polarised light. Draw a graph showing the dependence of intensity of transmitted
light on the angle between polarizer and analyser.
Sol. Nicole prism or calcite prism.
Intensity relation is given by Malus law I = I0cos2

I


18. Explain Huygens’ principle. Also plot incident and refracted wavefronts for refraction through a concave lens.
Sol. According to Huygen’s principle, each point on a wavefront is a source of secondary wavelets and wavelets
emanating from these points spreads out in all directions with the speed of wave. The common envelop over
the wavelets in same phase gives new wavefront.
19. Two incoherent sources of light each with intensity I0 are used in Young’s experiment. Derive expression for
intensity observed on screen.
Sol. IR = I0 + I0 + 2I0 cos
  1
< I > = 4I0 < cos2   >. Time averaged value of < cos2 > is
2
  2 2
< I > = 2I0.
20. Find the maximum intensity in case of interference of n identical waves each of intensity I0 if the sources
are
(i) Coherent
(ii) Incoherent.
Sol. (i) Coherent sources
Let amplitudes be a for each wave.
AR = (a + a ...)n times = na
IR  AR2 = n2I0
(ii) Incoherent sources
I = (I0 + I0 ...)n times = nI0
21. In Young’s experiment light waves of wavelength 5.4 × 10–7 m and 6.85 × 10–8 m are used in turn keeping
the same geometry. Compare the fringe width in the two cases.
Sol. 1 = 5.4 × 10–7 m
2 = 6.85 × 10–8 m
D
=
d
1 1
  8  approx 
2  2
22. Why interference pattern is not detected, when the two coherent sources are far apart?
1
Sol. As fringe width  
d
Therefore, when d is so large, the width may reduce beyond the resolvable limit.
23. What is the shape of fringe pattern on the screen?
Sol. The locus of point P in plane of the screen, such that S2P-S1P is a constant, is a hyperbola. Thus fringe
pattern are hyperbola.
P
S1
S2
24. What is corpuscular theory of light? Which prediction of this theory was rectified by Huygens’ wave theory?
Sol. Corpuscular model : In 1637, Descartes gave the corpuscular model of light. According to this model, a
luminous body emits a stream of particles in all directions. The particles are assumed to be very-very tiny.
It explained the laws of reflection and refraction of light at an interface using concepts of elastic collisions
and momentum conservation. Newton further developed this model and explained sensation of colours at the
retina of the eye and spectrum formed due to prism. This model predicted that if the ray of light on refraction
bends towards the normal, then the speed of light would be greater in the second medium. This prediction
however proved wrong when Fermat formulated his famous principle of least time. Although this law could
explain reflection and refraction, this law could not satisfactorily explain phenomenon like interference,
polarization and diffraction.
25. Write two differences between interference and diffraction.
Sol. 1. Interference is due to superposition from two distinct sources. Unlike in diffraction in which infinite sources
are involve.
2. In interference all fringes are of same width and intensity. In diffraction intensity decreases rapidly.
26. Explain briefly resolving power of an optical instrument.
Sol. It is defined as the ability of an optical instrument to produce distinctly separate images of two close objects.
According to Rayleigh, two point object A and B will be just resolved, when central maximum of diffraction
pattern of B lies on first minimum of diffraction pattern of A.
27. What are resolving power and limit of resolution of microscope. Explain how the two depend upon the
wavelength of light used.
 2 sin  1
Sol. RP  , RP  
 1.22   
1.22 
Limit of resolution = dmin 
2 sin 
dmin (For detail see text)
28. Discuss the Intensity of transmitted light when a polaroid sheet is rotated between the two crossed polaroids.
Sol. Suppose, I0 is intensity of polarised light after passing through the first polariser P1. If  is the angle between
axes of P1 and P2.

As P1 and P3 are crossed, the angle between P1 and P3 = .
2
 Angle between axes of P2 and P3 = 90 – .
Intensity of light from P3
I = (I0cos2) cos2(90 – ) = I0cos2sin2
I0
= sin2 2
4
29. At what angle should the axes of two polaroids be placed so as to reduce the intensity of incident unpolarised
1
light to ?
3
Sol. By Malus law,
I = I0 cos2
I 1
cos2 = I =
0 3
1
cos =
3
–1  1 
 = cos   = 54.7°
3
30. Why two independent sources of light cannot be coherent?
Sol. Production of light is based on de-excitation of electrons in atoms, photons radiated during de-excitation not
necessarily in phase as well as photons radiated may of different frequencies so two independent light can
not be coherent.
Long Answer Type Questions
31. Prove reflection of light based on Huygens’ wave theory.
Sol. Reflection of a Plane Wave by a Plane Reflecting Surface
To prove laws of reflection from Huygens’ wave model. let us consider a plane wavefront PQ incident at an angle
i on a reflecting surface AA.
Incident Q
S wavefront
vt
Incident ray
i Reflected r
wavefront
i r
A A
P R
Time taken by the wave to advance to point R from point Q be t.
then QR = vt
Now, in order to construct the reflected wavefront we draw a sphere of radius vt from point P. Let RS represent
a tangent drawn from R to wavefront from P to the spherical wavefront.
 PS = vt
Consider, PSR and RQP
PR = PR (Common side)
PSR = RQP (Each 90°)
PS = QR (Each vt)
Hence, PSR  RQP
 i = r
which proves law of reflection.
32. Make neat and labeled diagram showing wavefronts during following cases:
(a) Reflection through (i) Plane mirror (ii) Curved mirror
(b) Refraction through (i) Plane surface (ii) Curved surface
(c) Refraction through a glass prism
Sol. (a) (i) Reflection from plane mirror
Reflected
Incident wavefront (plane)
wavefront (plane)
M M
(ii) Reflection from curved mirror
Incident wavefront Reflected wavefront Incident wavefront

(plane) (spherical) (plane)
Reflected wavefront
(spherical)
Reflection from concave mirror
Reflection from convex mirror
(b) (i) Refraction from plane surface
Incident
wavefront (plane)
Medium-1
Medium-2
Refracted
wavefront (plane)
(ii) Refraction through lens
Emergent
wavefront Incident
Incident wavefront (spherical) Emergent
wavefront
(plane) wavefront
(plane)
(spherical)
Refraction Through Convex Lens Refraction through concave Lens
(c) Refraction through prism (Monochromatic beam)
Incident Emergent
wavefront wavefront
(plane) (plane)
33. Explain interference. Derive conditions for constructive and destructive interference. Also, find maximum and
minimum intensity during constructive and destructive interference.
Sol. Interference : When two or more waves arrive at a particular point in space, they are said to superimpose
with each other and a new wave is formed in which the resultant displacement at any instant is equal to the
vector sum of the displacements produced due to individual waves at that instant.
i.e., y = y1 + y2 + ........
where y = resultant displacement
y1, y2 ........ being individual displacements.
A special case of superposition when two or more waves of same frequency superimpose, there
occurs redistribution of energy, this is called as Interference.
Let S1 & S2 be coherent sources emitting light waves reaching P.
Due to wave from S1 source, instantaneous displacement of P is

P
y1 = a1 sint (a1 = amplitude) S1
Due to wave from S2 source, instantaneous displacement of P is
S2
y2 = a2 sin(t + ) (a2 = amplitude;  = phase difference)
From superposition principle,
y = y1 + y2
= a1sint + a2 [sint cos + cost sin]
= sint[a1 + a2 cos] + cost (a2sin)
= A[sint cos + cost sin]
y = A[sin(t + )]
where ; Acos = a1 + a2cos
Asin = a2sin  A  a12  a22  2a1a2 cos 
Resultant intensity IR = A2 = a12  a22  2a1a2 cos 
IR = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 (cos)
For constructive interference
IR = maximum
cos = + 1
  = n(2)
where, n = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...
& path difference  = n()
 
2
Imax = (a1 + a2)2 = ( I1  I2
For destructive interference :
IR = min
cos = – 1
  = (2n – 1)
where, n = 1, 2, 3.....

and path difference  = (2n – 1)
2
 
2
and Imin = (a1 – a2)2 = I1 – I2
2
Imax  a1  a2 
 
Imin  a1 – a2 
34. In a two slit experiment with monochromatic light, fringes are obtained on a screen placed at some distance
from the plane of slits. If the screen is moved by 5 × 10–2 m towards the slits, the change in fringe width is
10–3 m, calculate the wavelength of the light used. Distance between the slits is 0.03 mm.
D
Sol.  =
d
D
 =
d
    d
=
 D 
3  10 –5  10 –3
=  6  10 –7 m
5  10 –2
 = 6000Å
35. An unpolarised beam of light is incident on a group of four polarising sheets, which are arranged in such a
way that the characteristic direction of each makes an angle of 30° with that of the preceding sheet. What
fraction of incident unpolarized light is transmitted?
I0
Sol. Let I0 be the intensity of unpolarised light, then intensity of light from Ist polarising sheet is equal to .
2
I0 3I
Intensity of light from 2nd polarizing sheet I = cos230° = 0
2 8
9I0
Intensity of light from 3rd polarising sheet I = I cos230° =
32
27
Intensity of light from 4th polarising sheet I = I
128 0
36. Derive expression for intensity of bright fringe and dark fringe in Young’s double slit experiment.
Sol. See theory.
37. Comment on the validity of Ray Optics. Also, discuss about Fresnel distance.
Sol. Whenever an aperture (hole or slit) of size a is illuminated by a parallel beam of light, the light after passing

through the aperture, get diffracted into an angle approximately  . This is the angular size of the bright
a
z
central maximum. Now as the beam progresses ahead a distance z, the diffracted beam acquires a width .
a
Now, when we talk about ray optics we only take propagation of light to be rectilinear. But actually the light
diffracts as it progresses. Now for value of z when the spreading becomes equal to size of aperture, the
divergence becomes significant and the ray optics doesn't seem to work with accuracy, beyond this distance.
z
Hence, when a
a
a2
or z  Fresnel distance

a2
This distance is called Fresnel distance oftenly denoted as ZF  . Now beyond this distance, the spreading

becomes significant and we can no longer directly apply the laws of ray optics.
The equation also reveals that as   0, ZF  . Hence, we can conclude that ray optics is actually an
approximation in the limit of wavelength tending to zero.
But as wavelength of light is usually very small (in m order) hence to a good distance ray optics seems to
hold good.
38. Explain by reflection and scattering how one can obtain plane polaried light. Explain what is Brewster’s law
and how is it related to refractive index of medium.
Sol. Polarization by Scattering : When light is incident on the small particles of atmosphere such as dust, air
molecules it is obsorbed by the electrons in the molecules, hence electrons start vibrating. These vibrating
electrons emit radiations in all directions except in its own line of vibration. The emitted radiations (light)
scattered in a direction perpendicular to direction of incident light is plane polarised. The light in all other
directions are partially polarised. The scattering of light by molecules was intensively investigated by C.V.
Raman and his collaborates in Kolkata in the 1920s. For this work he was awarded with Nobel Prize for
Physics in 1930.
Incident light (unpolarized light)
Scattered light
(Polarized)
To observer
Polarization by Reflection : When a light wave is incident on a boundary of a medium, a part of light wave
is reflected back into the medium from which it is incident and a part of the wave is refracted into the other
medium.
When unpolarized light is incident on the boundary between two transparent medium, for an angle of incidence
in which reflected wave travels at right angle to the refracted wave, the reflected light is polarized while the
refracted light is partially polarized.
AIR Reflected Polarised light
Incident Unpolarised light

i i
90°
Partially Polarised
r
Refracted light
Medium
sin i
By Snell's Law : 
sin r
Now, since Reflected ray  Refracted ray
 i + 90° + r = 180°
 i + r = 90°
 r = 90° – i
sin i sin i
Now sin r  sin 90 – i = tan i = 
 
or i = tan–1()
This is called Brewster's law.
39. Explain in detail what do you mean by diffraction of light. Also discuss about diffraction of light at single slit.
Also, determine positions of bright and dark fringes with respect to the path difference.
Sol. Spreading out of wave when it passes through a narrow opening is known as the phenomenon of diffraction.
The single slit diffraction : When the double slits in Young’s experiment is replaced by a single narrow slit
(illuminated by a monochromatic source), a broad pattern with a central bright region is seen. On both sides
of this central bright fringe, there are alternate dark and bright regions, the intensity becoming weaker away
from the centre. To understand this observation, let us mathematically study diffraction due to single slit.
Consider a parallel beam of light falling normally on a single slit LN of width a. Mid point of slit is M.
To P
L 
M1
From S M  To C
M2 Q M2

N
40. What do you mean by Doppler’s effect in light? Explain how it differs from Doppler’s effect on sound. Explain
the concept of Red shift and Blue shift with context of Doppler’s effect.
Sol. The Doppler’s effect
When light producing source moves away from the observer the frequency as measured by the observer will
be smaller than that is actually generated by the source. Astronomers call the increase in wavelength due
to Doppler effect as red shift. When observer moves towards the source or the source moves towards observer,
then apparent wavelength decreases and visible spectrum appear to be shifted towards shorter wavelength.
Hence, we call this as blue shift. However the formulae are different from that of sound. Here when either
source or detector or both are in motion, only two cases are possible as speed of light is independent of
relative motion between source and the observer.
Case-1 : Source and observer approach each other
c v S O
fA  f
c v
Here, c is the speed of light
v is the relative speed of approach
f is the frequency of wave emitted by source
fA is the observed frequency
Now, if v << c, then by binomial expansion, we have
1/2 1/2
 v  v
fA  f 1   1  c 
 c  
 v  v   v
 fA  f 1   1    neglecting higher powers of c 
 2c  2c  
 v
 fA  f 1  
 c
Case-2 : If the source or the observer recede from each other
c v
fR  f S O
c v
 v
which again reduces to fR  f 1   for v << c, here fR represents frequency of recession.
 c
The same relationship can be transformed in terms of the wavelength.
c

f
c c  v
  1  
A   c 
–1
 v
  A   1  
 c
 v
  A   1  
 c
v
  A    
c
 v
 
 c
Note that in the above formulae v is the component of the source velocity along the line joining the observer
to the source relative to the observer.
v is positive when source moves relatively away from observer and v is negative when source moves
towards the observer. The Doppler effect for the light is very important in astronomy. It is the basis for the
measurements of the radial velocities of distant galaxies. Doppler effect in light is symmetric while in sound
it is asymmetric.
41. Two sources S1 and S2 emitting light of wavelength 600 nm are placed at a distance of 1.0 × 10–2 cm apart.
A detector can be moved on the line S1P which is perpendicular to S1S2. (a) What would be the minimum
and maximum path difference at the detector as it is moved along the line S1P? (b) Locate the position of
the farthest minimum detected.
S2
S1 P
Sol. (a) The situation is shown in Fig. (in question) The path difference is maximum when the detector is just at
the position of S1 and its value is equal to d = 1.0 × 10–2 cm.
The path difference is minimum when the detector is at a large distance from S1. The path difference is
then close to zero.

(b) The farthest minimum occurs at a point P, where path difference is equal to . If S1P = D .
2

S2P – S1P =
2

 D2  d 2 – D 
2
2
 d 2 = D 
4
d2 
or, D= –
 4
1.0  10 m–4 2
D=
 600  10 m–9 – 150 × 10–9 m = 1.7 cm
42. Explain and discuss comparatively the corpuscular and wave theory of light. How wave theory was a step
forward towards understanding of light?
Sol. 1. Corpuscular model : In 1637, Descartes gave the corpuscular model of light. According to this model,
a luminous body emits a stream of particles in all directions. The particles are assumed to be very-very
tiny. It explained the laws of reflection and refraction of light at an interface using concepts of elastic
collisions and momentum conservation. Newton further developed this model and explained sensation of
colours at the retina of the eye and spectrum formed due to prism. This model predicted that if the ray
of light on refraction bends towards the normal, then the speed of light would be greater in the second
medium. This prediction however proved wrong when Fermat formulated his famous principle of least time.
Although this law could explain reflection and refraction, this law could not satisfactorily explain
phenomenon like interference, polarization and diffraction.
2. Wave model : The wave theory of light was first put forward by Christian Huygens in 1678. During that
period, everyone believed in Newton’s corpuscular theory, which had satisfactorily explained the
phenomenon of reflection, refraction, the rectilinear propagation of light and the fact that light could
propagate through vacuum. So empowering was Newton’s authority that scientist fraternity highly believed
in Newton’s theory. When Huygens put forward his wave theory, no one readily accepted it. Light as a
wave model was not accepted as it was believed that a wave necessarily require a medium for propagation.
On the basis of his wave theory. Huygen explained satisfactorily the phenomenon of reflection, refraction
and total internal reflection. This model actually got acceptance when Thomas Young performed his famous
interference experiments in 1801. Following Young’s experiments many experiments were carried out
involving the interference and diffraction of light waves, these experiments could only be satisfactorily
explained by assuming a wave model of light. Thus around the middle of nineteenth century, the wave
theory gained well acceptance.
The only phenomenon that wave theory failed to explain at that time was propagation of light in vacuum,
as it was a firm belief that no wave could travel without a medium, till Maxwell propounded his famous
electromagnetic theory. Maxwell had developed a set of equations describing the laws of electricity and
magnetism and using these equations he derived what is known as the wave equation of electromagnetic
waves. From these equations Maxwell calculated theoretically the speed of electromagnetic waves as
1
c which was later found quite close to the measured value of speed of light. According to
0 0
Maxwell, light consists of varying electric and magnetic field.
43. Explain coherent and incoherent source of light.
Sol. Two sources which vibrate with a constant phase difference between them are said to be coherent. Two different
light sources can never produce coherent waves. The reason of this lies in the origin of emission of light. In
a conventional light source, light comes from a large number of independent atoms, each emitting a light for
about 10–9 sec, i.e., light emitted by an atom is essentially a pulse lasting for only 10–9 sec.
Even if different atoms were emitting under similar conditions, waves from different atoms would differ in their
initial phases. Hence we summarise from the above result that light beams from two different light sources
can never have constant phase difference between them and thus will not be coherent. However if light from
single monochromatic source is used, then even if the phases change as time passes but still the phase
between the two or more sub-sources from this single source will remain constant and thus these two sources
originating from a single source will be called coherent sources. The independent sources of light are called
as incoherent sources.
44. Unpolarised light of Intensity 32 Wm–2 passes through three polarisers such that the transmission axis of the
last polarizer is crossed with the first. If the intensity of emerging light is 3 Wm–2, what is the angle between
the transmission axis of first two polarisers? At what angle will the transmitted intensity be maximum?
Sol. Let  = angle between transmission axis of P1 and P2
 = angle between transmission axis of P2 and P3
  +  = 90° or  = (90° – )
Here, I0 = 32 Wm–2
I0
I1 = = 16 Wm–2
2
I2 = I1cos2 and I3 = I2 cos2
I3 = I1cos2 cos2
= I1cos2sin2 = 16 cos2 sin2
3 = 4 (sin2)2
 = 30°
I3 will be maximum, when sin2 = 1  = 45°
45. What is Huygen’s principle? Explain the formation of spherical wavefronts. Write drawback of Huygen’s
principle.
Sol. According to Huygens’ principle, each point on a wavefront is a source of secondary disturbance and the
wavelets emanating from these points spread out in all directions with the speed of wave. The envelope of
these wavelets gives the shape of the new wavefront. Let us suppose we want to determine the shape of the
wavefront after a time interval of say t. Then, with each point on the wavefront as centre, we draw spheres
of radius vt, where v is the speed of the wave in that medium. If we draw a common tangent to all these
spheres, then we obtain an envelope which is again a sphere centered at point source.
S1
S1
vt
S2
S2
S1S2 = Shape of the wavefront at time t = t
S1S2 = Shape of the wavefront at time t = t + t
Drawback with Huygens’s Principle : Though Huygens’ Principle could very well explain the various
phenomenon unexplainable from corpuscular model, but it had one drawback. As we draw the wavefronts as
suggested by Huygen we also obtain a backward wavefront which is not actually present. Huygen argued that
presence of backwave is avoided by assuming that the amplitude of the secondary wavelets is not uniform in
all directions, indeed it is maximum in the forward direction and zero in the backward direction. However this
assumption was later explained by rigrous wave theory.
SECTION - B
Model Test Paper
Very Short Answer Type Questions :
1. What do you mean by wavefront?
Sol. Locus of points of same phase.
2. Who proposed wave theory of light?
Sol. Christian Huygen.
3. Define diffraction in one line.
Sol. Bending of light around the corners of obstacle/aperture.
4. What is the expression of fringe width?
D
Sol.  =
d
5. What do you mean by coherent sources of light?
Sol. Light sources with constant phase difference.
6. Why light waves shows polarisation and sound waves do not?
Sol. Because light waves are transverse and sound waves are longitudinal.
7. What is the shape of wavefront from a point source?
Sol. Spherical wavefront.
8. Out of frequency, wavelength and velocity which characteristics change on reflection?
Sol. All three, do not change.
Short Answer Type Questions :
9. The intensity of light from two sources is I0 and 2I0. The maximum and minimum intensity in the interference
pattern will be.
   
2 2
Sol. Imax = I0  2I0 = 1  2 I0
   
2 2
Imin = I0 – 2I0 2 – 1 I0
10. What do you mean by resolving power of an optical instrument?
Sol. It is the ability of an optical instrument to make

two closely situated object as distinct object.
Microscope Telescope
2sin a
R.P. = R.P. =
 1.22 
11. In Young’s double slit experiment what will be the effect on fringe width when the separation between slits is
doubled and distance to the screen is quadrupled keeping wavelength constant?
D
Sol.  =
d
new D = 4D
d = 2d
  = 2, Fringe width doubled.
12. Explain the statement, ‘light added to light can produce darkness’.
Sol. When light waves are added in opposite phase. They cancel effect of each other hence darker region is
produced.
13. What is Brewster’s law?
Sol. tanP =  (Tangent of angle of incident is equal to refractive index of densor medium with respect to rarer
medium.)
14. The refractive index of a medium is 3 . What is the angle of refraction, if the unpolarised light is incident on
it at the polarising angle of the medium?
Sol. Here,  = 3,r=?
As, tan ib =  = 3
 ib = 60°
 r = 90° – ib = 30°
15. What is polarisation? What are different methods of polarization?
Sol. Confining all oscillating electric field vector in one direction is called polarisation of light. Light can be polarised
by
(i) Polaroid (ii) Reflection
(iii) Scattering (iv) Dichroism
16. What is Malus law? What is intensity of unpolarised light after passing through a polariser?
Sol. I = I0cos2
When unpolarised is polarized its intensity becomes half.
17. Coloured spectrum is seen when we look through a muslin cloth. Why?
Sol. It is due to diffraction of light on passing through fine slits made by fine threads in the muslin cloth.
18. What is red shift? Why is it observed?
Sol. When light producing star goes away from observer, there is decrease in frequency or increase in wavelength
which is known as red shift. It is observed because wavelength shifts towards larger wavelength.
Short Answer Type Questions :
19. Calculate the resolving power of a microscope with cone angle of light falling on the objective equal to 30°.
Take = 600 nm and  for air = 1.
1 2 sin 
Sol. Here R.P. = 
d 
= 1.67 × 10+6
20. What do you mean by constructive and destructive interference? Explain phase condition for such type of
interference.
Sol. Interference : When two coherent waves superpose the amplitude of oscillation of get modified, this is known
as interference. If amplitude becomes maximum it is constructive interference and if amplitude becomes
minimum it is called destructive interference.If instantaneous displacement due to two coherent waves are
y1 = A1sint and
y2 = A2sint + 
On superposition,
y = y1 + y2
y = A1sint + A2sin(t + )
y = sint (A1 + A2cos) + (cost(A2sin)
Here, Rcos = A1 + A2cos
Rcos = A2sin
R= A12  A22  2 A1A2 cos 
At site of constructive and destructive interference resultant amplitude is maximum & minimum respectively.
Constructive interference (cos = +1) Destructive interference(cos = –1)

Required phase difference Required phase difference is
is 0, 2, 4 ... 2n , 35 (2n – 1)
(n = 0, 1, 2, ...) (n = 1, 2, 3...)
21. What are the conditions for sustained interference of light?
Sol. (i) Coherent sources
(ii) Amplitudes should be equal
(iii) Sources should be monochromatic
(iv) Slit separation should not be very large.
(v) Screen should be largerly separated.
22. In Young’s double slit experiment, if slits are illuminated by two identical bulbs, will interference be observed.
If no, then why?
Sol. No, because the sources are non-coherent. We will observe average intensity on the screen equal to total of
each bulb intensity.
23. What is effect on the interference fringes in Young’s experiment due to each of the following operations:
(a) Screen is moved away from the plane of slits
(b) Wavelength of source is decreased
(c) Two light sources are used instead of one
(d) Width of either one of the slits is increased
D
Sol.  =
d
(a) Fringe width increases
(b) Fringe width decreases
(c) Fringes disappears
(d) Bright fringe becomes less brighter while dark fringe becomes less darker.
24. What is corpuscular theory of light ? What was its prediction for speed of light as it changes its medium?
Sol. Corpuscular model : In 1637, Descartes gave the corpuscular model of light. According to this model, a
luminous body emits a stream of particles in all directions. The particles are assumed to be very-very tiny. It
explained the laws of reflection and refraction of light at an interface using concepts of elastic collisions and
momentum conservation. Newton further developed this model and explained sensation of colours at the retina
of the eye and spectrum formed due to prism. This model predicted that if the ray of light on refraction bends
towards the normal, then the speed of light would be greater in the second medium. This prediction however
proved wrong when Fermat formulated his famous principle of least time.
25. Explain briefly how you can obtain plane polarised light from reflection.
Sol. Polarization by Reflection : When a light wave is incident on a boundary of a medium, a part of light wave
is reflected back into the medium from which it is incident and a part of the wave is refracted into the other
medium.
AIR
Reflected
Incident
Polarised light
i r
Unpolarised 90°
light (Partially Polarised)
r Refracted
Medium
When unpolarized light is incident on the boundary between two transparent medium, for an angle of incidence
in which reflected wave travels at right angle to the refracted wave, the reflected light is polarized while the
refracted light is partially polarized.
sin i
By Snell's Law : 
sin r
Now, since Reflected ray  Refracted ray
 i + 90° + r = 180°
 i + r = 90°
 r = 90° – i
sin i sin i
Now sin r  sin 90 – i = tan i = 
 
or i = tan–1()
This is called Brewster's law.
26. In Young’s double slit experiment, light of wavelength 5000Å is used. The third bright band on the screen is
formed at a distance of 1 cm from the central bright band. If the screen is at a distance of 1.5 m from the
centre of two narrow slits, calculate the separation between the slits.
3D
Sol. 3rd Bright band 1 cm =
d
 = 5000 Å, D = 1.5 m,
d = 0.225 mm
27. The intensity ratio in the interference pattern is 1 : 9. What is amplitude ratio and ratio of the slits?
2
Imin  a – b  1
 
Imax  a  b 
Sol.
9
a 2
  amplitude ratio
b 1
2
w1 I1 4  a 
   
w 2 I2 1  b 
Long Answer Type Questions :
28. Explain Huygens’ principles. Also draw different types of wavefronts.
Sol. According to Huygens’ principle, each point of a wavefront is a source of secondary disturbance and the wavelets
emanating from these points spread out in all directions with the speed of wave. The envelope of these wavelets
gives the shape of the new wavefront. Let us suppose we want to determine the shape of the wavefront after
a time interval of say t. Then, with each point on the wavefront as centre, we draw spheres of radius vt,
where v is the speed of the wave in that medium. If we draw a common tangent to all these spheres, then
we obtain an envelope which is again a sphere centered at point source.
S1
S1
vt
S2
S2
S1S2 = Shape of the wavefront at time t = t
S1S2 = Shape of the wavefront at time t = t + t
Drawback with Huygens’s Principle : Though Huygens’ Principle could very well explain the various
phenomenon unexplainable from corpuscular model, but it had one drawback. As we draw the wavefronts as
suggested by Huygen we also obtain a back wavefront which is not actually present. Huygen argued that
presence of backwave is avoided by assuming that the amplitude of the secondary wavelets is not uniform in
all directions, indeed it is maximum in the forward direction and zero in the backward direction. However this
assumption was later explained by rigrous wave theory.
Shapes of wavefronts in different situations
1. Reflection from plane mirror
Reflected
Incident wavefront (plane)
wavefront (plane)
2. Reflection from curved mirror
Incident wavefront Reflected wavefront Incident wavefront

(plane) (spherical) (plane)
Reflected wavefront
(spherical)
Reflection from concave mirror
Reflection from convex mirror
3. Refraction from plane surface
Incident
wavefront (plane)
Medium-1
Medium-2
Refracted
wavefront (plane)
4. Refraction through prism (Monochromatic beam)
Incident Emergent
wavefront wavefront
(plane) (plane)
5. Refraction through lens
Emergent
wavefront Incident
Incident wavefront (spherical) Emergent
wavefront
(plane) wavefront
(plane)
(spherical)
Refraction Through Convex Lens Refraction through concave Lens
29. Explain diffraction due to single slit in detail.
Sol. The single slit diffraction : When the double slits in Young’s experiment is replaced by a single narrow slit
(illuminated by a monochromatic source), a broad pattern with a central bright region is seen. On both sides
of this central bright fringe, there are alternate dark and bright regions, the intensity becoming weaker away
from the centre. To understand this observation, let us mathematically study diffraction due to single slit.
Consider a parallel beam of light falling normally on a single slit LN of width a. Mid point of slit is M.
To P
L 
M1
From S M  To C
M2 Q M2

N
A straight line through M perpendicular to the slit plane meets the screen at C. We want to obtain
resulting intensity at any point P on the screen. Since the screen is largely placed from slits hence straight lines
joining P to the different points L, M, N etc can be almost treated as parallel making an angle  with normal MC.
Now, in order to determine the intensity at a point P on the screen we proceed as follows. We divide the slits
into much smaller parts, and add their contributions at point P with calculation of proper phase differences. We
are treating different parts of the wavefront at the slits as secondary sources according to the Huygen’s principle.
The exact calculation of the resultant intensity was done by Fresnel using integral calculus which is beyond
our reach to discuss at present, so we would rather analytically understand the diffraction pattern using the
concepts that we have already learnt in superposition and Young’s double slit experiment.
Locating the minima : Locating the minima is easier than locating the maxima. To proceed with the discussion
we first recall the conditions for destructive interference on screen.
L 

a C
Q

N
Viewing
D screen
Path difference of the waves reaching point P will be  = NP – LP NQ = asin  a (as for small angle sin  )
a
Now, let us divide the slit into two equal halves LM and MN each of size . For every point M1 in LM, there
2
a
is a corresponding point M2 in MN such that M1M2 = . The path difference between M1 and M2 at point
2
a
P = M2P – M1P = .
2

Now when M2P – M1P =  = we have destructive interference for the waves reaching to point P from M1
2
and M2.
a 

2 2

  is the condition for first minima.
a
We can also generalise the above condition
a n

2 2
n
   Condition for minima on the screen.
a
n being (± 1, ± 2, ± 3 ........) except 0
1
Also for a given wavelength  
a
Hence, we can conclude that angular size of the central maxima increases when the slit width a decreases.
Now, let us focus on maxima on the screen.
Clearly at the point C just infront of point M, wave from all points sources M1 M2 travel equal path length therefore
have zero path difference and we obtain central maxima at point C.
 1 
Other maxima occur when   n   and their intensity goes on decreasing as the value of n increases.
 2a
Let us understand how maxima occurs at aforesaid values of .
3
Let us take n = 1.   , to find the intensity pattern on the screen we divide the slit into three equal parts.
2a
The first two thirds of the slit can therefore be divided into two equal halves.
This is diagrammatically depicted in the figure.
M A
a/3
M
a/3 1 B
M2
a/3
N screen
a
Consider two points A and B separated by distance . Now path difference between two waves from A and
3
B reaching at point on the screen will be
a a 3 
   
3 3 2a 2
Hence, the two waves will be out of phase when they interfere on the screen. Similarly this entire 2/3rd slit
a
can be split into two point sources placed distance apart, for all such sources there will be destructive
3
interference on the screen. Only remaining one-third of the slit contributes to the intensity at a point between
two minima.
30. Define fringe width and derive expression of fringe width in Young’s double slit experiment.
Sol. Fringe Width : Separation between two successive bright or dark fringe is called fringe width.
Expression for fringe width : S1 & S2 are two coherent sources.
d = Separation between coherent sources
D = Distance between screen and plane of sources. P

For point P on screen, path difference between waves. S1 y
d  
D = (S2P – S1P) O O
N
S2
Screen
If D > > d D
(S2P – S1P) S2N
 D = S2N = dsin
OP y
If   0, sin = tan = 
OO D
 dy 
 D=  
D 
For constructive
dy
D = n   n
D
 Position of nth bright fringe
nD
yn = ; n = 0, 1, 2, 3......
d
n = 0 ; y0 = 0 Central bright fringe
D
n = 1 ; yI = I bright fringe
d
2D
n = 2 ; yII = II bright fringe
d
Separation between two successive bright fringes
2D D  D 
 = yII – yI = –  
d d  d 

For destructive : D = (2n – 1)
2
dy 
   2n – 1
D 2
 Position of nth dark fringe
 2n – 1 D ; n  1, 2, 3....
yn =
2d
D
n = 1; yI = I dark fringe
2d
3 D
n = 2; yII = II dark fringe
2d
3 D  D  D
Separation between two successive dark fringe  = yII – yI = – 
2d 2d d

Solutions (Set-2)
Objective Type Questions
(Huygens’ Principle)
1. Huygens' concepts of secondary wavelets
(1) Allow us to find the focal length of a thin lens (2) Give the magnifying power of a microscope
(3) Are a geometrical method to find a wavefront (4) Are used to determine the velocity of light
Sol. Answer (3)
Huygens' concepts of secondary wavelets are a geometrical method to find a wavefront.
2. The intensity at a point at a distance r from a source which produces cylindrical wavefronts varies as
1 1
(1) I  1 (2) I (3) I  r0 (4) I
r2 r r3
Sol. Answer (2)
The intensity at a point at a distance r from a source varies as I  1

r
Power
This is because intensity is and the surface area of wavefronts changes by 2rl.
Area
(The Doppler’s Effect)
3. If light from a galaxy observed on the earth's surface has a red shift, then
(1) Galaxy is stationary w.r.t. the earth (2) Galaxy is approaching the earth
(3) Galaxy is receding from the earth (4) Temperature of galaxy in increasing
Sol. Answer (3)
When there is Red shift, the wavelength is increased and frequency is decreased.
(Interference of Light Wave and Young’s Double Slit Experiment)

4. Four waves are expressed as
(i) y1 = a1 sin t, (ii) y2 = a2 sin 2t, (iii) y3 = a3 cos t (iv) y4 = a4 sin (t + ).
The interference is possible between
(1) (i) and (iii) (2) (i) and (ii) (3) (ii) and (iv) (4) Not possible at all
Sol. Answer (1)
Four waves are expressed as y1 and y3 can interfere with each other among the options as they have same
frequency.
5. Two waves having intensities in the ratio of 9 : 1 produce interference. The ratio of maximum to minimum
intensity is equal to
(1) 10 : 8 (2) 9:1 (3) 4:1 (4) 2:1
Sol. Answer (3)
I1 1 A12
I1  A12 = =
I2 9 A22
A1 1
I2  A22  A =3
2
Imax  (A1 + A2)2
Imin  (A2 – A1)2
Imax (3 + 1)2 16 4
= = =
Imin 22 4 1
 Imax : Imin = 4 : 1
6. In an interference pattern produced by two identical slits, the intensity at the site of the central maximum is
I. The intensity at the same spot when either of the two slits is closed is Io, then
(1) I = Io (2) I = 2 Io
(3) I = 4Io (4) I and Io are not related to each other
Sol. Answer (3)
Let amplitude of light from a slit be A.
Io  A2
or I  (A + A)2
Io 1
 =
I 4
or I = 4Io
7. The fringe width in Young’s double-slit experiment can be increased if we decrease
(1) Separation of the slits (2) Distance between the source and the screen
(3) Wavelength of the source (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (1)
λD
Fringe width () =
d
⎛ 1⎞
Hence if we decrease d ⎜ β ∝ ⎟
⎝ d⎠
 is increased.
8. In case of Young’s experiment
(1) There are two virtual sources of light from same monochromatic source of light
(2) Both the slits get light from a single monochromatic source of light
(3) Two separate monochromatic sources of light of same wavelength are used
(4) None of these
Sol. Answer (2)
In case of Young's double slit. Experiment the waves from the slit should be coherent. Since true coherence
is from the same source always answer will be (2).
9. In Young’s double slit experiment, the separation between the slits is halved and the distance between the
slits and screen is doubled. The new fringe width is
(1) Unchanged (2) Halved (3) Doubled (4) Quadrupled
Sol. Answer (4)
Dλ
β=
d
If d is halved and D is doubled
λ × 2D
β2 =
d /2
2 = 4
10. If one of the two slits of a Young’s double slit experiment is painted over so that it transmits half the light
intensity of the other then
(1) The fringe system would disappear
(2) The bright fringes will be more bright and dark fringes will be more dark
(3) The dark fringes would be less dark and bright fringes would be less bright
(4) Bright as well as dark fringes would be more dark
Sol. Answer (3)
The net intensity or energy per unit area interfering to form fringer will decrease. Hence observed brightness
will decrease.
11. Monochromatic light from a narrow slit illuminates two parallel slits producing an interference pattern on a screen.
The separation between the screen and the slits is reduced to half. The fringe width
(1) Is doubled (2) Becomes four times
(3) Becomes one fourth (4) Becomes half
Sol. Answer (4)
Monochromatic light
λD
β=
d
D
If becomes
2
λD β
β2 = =
2d 2
12. Two slits separated by a distance of 1mm are illuminated with red light of wavelength 6.5 × 10–7 m.
The interference fringes are observed on a screen placed 1m from the slits. The distance between the third
dark fringe and the fifth bright fringe on the same side of central maxima is
(1) 0.65 mm (2) 1.62 mm (3) 3.25 mm (4) 4.88 mm
Sol. Answer (2)
 = 6.5 × 10–7 mm
d = 1 mm
D=1m
⎛ nD λ ⎞ 5D λ
⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ 5th bright fringe =
d d
⎛ Dλ ⎞ 5D λ
⎜⎝ (2n − 1) ⎟ 3rd dark fringe
2d ⎠ 2d
5D λ 5 D λ
Distance (d) = −
d 2 d
5 Dλ
=
2 d
13. A double slit interference experiment is carried out in air and the entire arrangement is dipped in water. As a
result
(1) The fringe width decreases (2) The fringe width increases
(3) The fringe width remains unchanged (4) Fringe pattern disappears
Sol. Answer (1)
λ
In water or any other medium  becomes hence
μ
λD
β= becomes
d
λD β
β2 = or β2 >
μd μ
So, fringe width decreases.
14. Double slit interference experiment is carried out with monochromatic light and interference fringes are observed.
If now monochromatic light is replaced by white light; what change is expected in interference pattern?
(1) No change
(2) Pattern disappears
(3) White and dark fringes are observed throughout

(4) A few coloured fringes are observed on either side of central white fringe
Sol. Answer (4)
Central fringe is white because all the wavelengths are super-imposing at central position with maxima. On
either sides all wavelengths make their maximas and minimas so they appeared coloured.
15. In a Young’s double slit experiment the wavelength of red light is 7.8 × 10–5 cm and that of blue light is
5.2 × 10–5cm. The value of n for which (n + 1)th blue bright band coincides with nth bright red band is
(1) 1 (2) 2
(3) 3 (4) 4
Sol. Answer (2)
n λR D
Distance of nth red band from central fringe =
d
(n + 1) λB D
Distance of (n + 1)th band (blue) from fringe =
d
n λR D (n + 1)λB D
=
d d
16. In Young’s double-slit experiment, a glass plate of refractive index 1.5 and thickness 5 × 10–4 cm is kept in
the path of one of the light rays. Then
(1) There will be no shift in the interference pattern
(2) The fringe width will increase
(3) The fringe width will decrease
(4) The optical path of the ray will increase by 2.5 × 10–4 cm
Sol. Answer (4)
Optical path of the ray will become =  × 
Hence new path = 7.5 × 10–4
 Increase in optical path length = (7.5 – 5) × 10–4
= 2.5 × 10–4
17. If Young’s experiment is performed using two separate identical sources of light instead of using two slits and
one light source then the
(1) Interference fringes will be darker
(2) Interference fringes will be brighter
(3) Fringes will not be obtained
(4) Contrast between bright and dark fringes increases
Sol. Answer (3)
Two independent sources of light identical in nature are not coherent.
18. In a Young's double slit experiment, the intensity at the central maximum is I0. The intensity at a distance
/4 from the central maximum is ( is fringe width)
I0 I0 I0
(1) I0 (2) (3) (4)
2 2 4
Sol. Answer (2)

Let the intensity of each source is I
I0 = 4I
β
y=
4
(Path difference at y distance from central maxima)
yd λ
x = =
D 4
λ ⎛ 2π ⎞ π
(phase difference)  = ⎜ ⎟=
4⎝ λ ⎠ 2
(Intensity at y distance)
I = 2I (1 + cos )
⎛I ⎞ ⎛ π⎞
I = 2 ⎜ 0 ⎟ ⎜1 + cos ⎟
⎝ 4 ⎠⎝ 2⎠
I0
I =
2
19. White light is used to illuminate the two slits in Young’s experiment. The separation between the slits is b
and the screen is at a distance d (>> b) from the slits. At a point directly in front of one of the slits, certain
wavelengths are missing. The missing wavelength(s) is/are
(1)  = b2/d (2)  = b2/5d (3)  = b2/3d (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
b
Those wavelength will be missing for which the destructive interference occurs at the position, y =
2
For destructive interference

d = b
D=d
yd ′ (2m − 1) λ
=
D 2
b ⎛ b ⎞ (2m − 1) λ
⎜ ⎟=
2 ⎝d ⎠ 2
b2
=
(2m − 1) d
The possible wavelength are for m = 1, 2, 3

20. Dark and colour patterns on thin soap films are due to
(1) Interference of light (2) Diffraction of light
(3) Dispersion of light (4) Polarization of light
Sol. Answer (1)
The colours are seen due to this film interference.
21. Choose the correct statement
(1) While watching television by means of an antenna, a passing nearby aeroplane can produce wavering ghost
images in the television picture
(2) Solar cells are often coated with a transparent thin film, such as silicon monoxide (SiO) to minimize
reflective losses.
(3) Glass lenses used in cameras and other optical instruments are usually coated with a transparent thin film,
such as magnesium fluoride (MgF2) to reduce or eliminate unwanted reflection
(4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
22. The beautiful iridescent (like a rainbow) colors on the wings of a tropical or morpho butterfly are due to
(1) Thin film interference of light (2) Diffraction of light
(3) Polarization of light (4) Dispersion of light
Sol. Answer (1)
23. Some currency notes (to avoid counterfeits) change their colour as you tilt them. This is due to
(1) Diffraction (2) Polarization (3) Interference (4) Refraction
Sol. Answer (3)
Thin film interference.
24. A parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 5000 Å is incident normally on a single narrow slit of
width 0.001 mm. The light is focussed by a convex lens on a screen placed on focal plane. The first minimum
will be formed for the angle of diffraction equal to
(1) 0° (2) 15° (3) 30° (4) 50°
Sol. Answer (3)
dsin  = 
5000 × 10−10 1
sin  =  sin  =
.001 × 10−3 2
 = 30º
(Diffraction)
25. Rainbows are classic example of the phenomenon of
(1) Refraction, reflection & dispersion (2) Diffraction
(3) Polarization (4) Absorption
Sol. Answer (1)
26. The phenomenon of diffraction can be exhibited by
(1) Infrared waves (2) Microwaves (3) X-rays (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
All electromagnetic waves can exhibit diffraction provided the size of aperture/obstacle is comparable to the
wavelength of light.
27. Though quantum theory of light can explain a number of phenomenon observed with light, it is necessary to
retain the wave nature of light to explain the phenomenon of
(1) Photoelectric effect (2) Diffraction (3) Compton effect (4) Black body radiation
Sol. Answer (2)
28. A diffraction pattern is obtained using a beam of red light. What happens, if the red light is replaced by blue
light?
(1) No change
(2) Diffraction bands become narrower and get crowded together
(3) Bands become broader and farther apart
(4) Bands disappear
Sol. Answer (2)
Position of minima in diffraction pattern
nλ
θ=
a
Decrease of  makes the diffraction bands narrower.
29. The main difference in the phenomenon of interference and diffraction in light waves is that
(1) Diffraction is due to interaction of light from the same wave-front whereas interference is the interaction of
waves from two isolated sources
(2) Diffraction is due to interaction of light from same wavefront, whereas the interference is the interaction of
two waves derived from the same source
(3) Diffraction is due to interaction of waves derived from the same source, whereas the interference is the
bending of light from the same wavefront
(4) Diffraction is caused by reflected waves from a source whereas interference is caused due to refraction
of waves from a surface
Sol. Answer (2)
30. The condition for observing Fraunhofer diffraction from a single slit is that the wave front incident on the slit
should be
(1) Spherical (2) Cylindrical (3) Plane (4) Elliptical
Sol. Answer (3)
Source is at far position from slit.
31. Monochromatic light of wavelength 580 nm is incident on a slit of width 0.30 mm. The screen is 2m from the
slit. The width of the central maximum is
(1) 3.35 × 10–3 m (2) 2.25 × 10–3 m (3) 6.20 × 10–3 m (4) 7.7 × 10–3 m
Sol. Answer (4)
2 Dλ
W=
a
D = 2m, a = 0.3 × 10–3 m
 = 580 × 10–9 m
32. If a classroom door is open just a small amount, we can hear sounds coming from the room but we can't see
what is going on inside the room because
(1) Diffraction of sound is easier as its wavelength is large
(2) Diffraction of light is easier as its wavelength is small
(3) Sound waves can be polarized
(4) Light waves can be polarized
Sol. Answer (1)
Audible frequency of sound is less and wavelength is large.
33. When you look at a clear blue sky you see tiny specks and hair like structures floating in your view, called
"floaters". This is basically
(1) Interference pattern (2) Diffraction pattern (3) Emission spectra (4) Absorption spectra
Sol. Answer (2)
(Resolving Power of Optical Instruments)
34. Which of the following is correct regarding microscope and telescope?
(1) Telescope provides magnification, whereas microscope provides resolution
(2) Telescope provides resolution whereas microscope provides magnification
(3) Both provide resolution
(4) Both provide magnification
Sol. Answer (2)
A telescope produces images of far object nearer to our eye. Therefore objects which are not resolved at far
distance, can be resolved by looking at them through a telescope. A microscope on the other hand magni-
fies object and produced their large image.
35. The resolving power of a compound microscope will be maximum when
(1) Red light is used to illuminate the object
(2) Violet light is used to illuminate the object instead of red light
(3) Infra red light is used to illuminate the object instead of visible light
(4) The microscope is in normal adjustment
Sol. Answer (2)

1
Resolving power ∝ ,  > violet
λ red
(Polarisation)
36. If the light is polarised by reflection, then the angle between reflected and refracted light is
(1)  (2) /2 (3) 2 (4) /4
Sol. Answer (2)
According to Brewster's law
37. Unpolarised beam of light of intensity I is incident on two polarisers in contact. The angle between the axes
of the two polarisers is . Intensity of the light finally emerging from the combination is
I  I 
(1) I cos2  (2)   cos 2  (3) I cos4  (4)   cos 
2 2
Sol. Answer (2)
I
After first polarisation intensity becomes
2
I
After second polarisation it is cos2  by law of malus.
2
38. A beam of light AO is incident on a glass slab (m = 1.54) in a direction as shown in the diagram. The reflected
ray OB is passed through a polariod. On viewing through the polariod, we find that on rotating the polariod
(Given tan 57° = 1.54)
B
A
33° 33°
O
(1) The intensity is reduced down to zero and remains zero

(2) The intensity reduces down some what and rises again
(3) There is no change in intensity
(4) The intensity gradually reduces to zero and then again increases
Sol. Answer (4)
The ray is incident at Brewster's angle so it reflected ray will be plane polarised.
When passed through polarises the ray will display intensity according to the law of malus (I0 cos2 ).


Wave Optics

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Level - I

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. Which phenomenon establish the wave nature of light?

Sol. Interference, diffraction and polarisation.

Sol. Phase changes by  radian

3. Can two independent sources of light be coherent?

5. Is head light of a car plane polarized?

Sol. No, it is unpolarized.

6. Name two commonly used devices which use polarised light.

Sol. Sunglasses and liquid crystal display.

7. Does the value of polarizing angle depend on colour of light?

Sol. Yes, it depends.

8. What does red shift in the spectra of galaxies indicate?

Sol. The universe is expanding.

10. What is relationship between path difference and phase difference?

Short Answer Type Questions

12. Write two applications of dopplers effect of light.

Sol. 1. Measuring speed of star or galaxy w.r.t. us.

2. Estimation of velocities of satellite.

13. Write any four uses of polarised light.

Sol. 1. It is useful in three dimensional pictures i.e. in holography.

2. Improve colour contrast in old oil paintings.

3. Optical stress analysis.

4. In LCD calculators, electronic displays.

 v = 3.06 × 105 m/s

Sol. Nicole prism or calcite prism.

Intensity relation is given by Malus law I = I0cos2

Sol. IR = I0 + I0 + 2I0 cos

Sol. (i) Coherent sources

Let amplitudes be a for each wave.

(ii) Incoherent sources

I = (I0 + I0 ...)n times = nI0

Sol. 1 = 5.4 × 10–7 m

23. What is the shape of fringe pattern on the screen?

25. Write two differences between interference and diffraction.

26. Explain briefly resolving power of an optical instrument.

dmin (For detail see text)

 Angle between axes of P2 and P3 = 90 – .

Intensity of light from P3

I = (I0cos2) cos2(90 – ) = I0cos2sin2

Sol. By Malus law,

30. Why two independent sources of light cannot be coherent?

Long Answer Type Questions

31. Prove reflection of light based on Huygens’ wave theory.

Sol. Reflection of a Plane Wave by a Plane Reflecting Surface

Time taken by the wave to advance to point R from point Q be t.

Consider, PSR and RQP

PSR = RQP (Each 90°)

Hence, PSR  RQP

which proves law of reflection.

(a) Reflection through (i) Plane mirror (ii) Curved mirror

(b) Refraction through (i) Plane surface (ii) Curved surface

(c) Refraction through a glass prism

Sol. (a) (i) Reflection from plane mirror

Incident wavefront Reflected wavefront Incident wavefront

(b) (i) Refraction from plane surface

(ii) Refraction through lens

Refraction Through Convex Lens Refraction through concave Lens

(c) Refraction through prism (Monochromatic beam)

where y = resultant displacement

y1, y2 ........ being individual displacements.

Let S1 & S2 be coherent sources emitting light waves reaching P.

Due to wave from S1 source, instantaneous displacement of P is