NCERT Solutions for Class 12

Physics
Chapter 9 – Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

1. A small candle, 2.5 cm in size is placed at 27 cm in front of a concave

mirror of radius of curvature 36cm . At what distance from the mirror
should a screen be placed in order to obtain a sharp image? Describe the
nature and size of the image. If the candle is moved closer to the mirror,
how would the screen have to be moved?
Ans: We have,
Size of the candle, h = 2.5cm
Let image size = h '
Object distance, u = −27cm
concave mirror’s curvature radius, R = −36cm
R
Focal length of the concave mirror, f = = −18cm
2
Using mirror formula,
1 1 1
+ =
u v f
1 1 1
 = −
v f u
Where, u is the object distance,
v is the image distance and
f is the focal length.
Now, we put given values,
1 1 1
 = −
v −18 −27
1 −3 + 2
 =
v 54
1 −1
 =
v 54
 v = −54cm
Therefore, the screen should be 54 cm away from the mirror to get a sharp image.
The formula for magnification of image is given by:
h' v
m= =−
h u

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 v
h ' = −  h
u
−54
 h' = −  2.5
−27
 h ' = −5cm
The height of the image of the candle is 5 cm . The negative sign shows that the
image is inverted and real.
If the candle is moved nearer to the mirror, then the screen will have to be moved
far from the mirror in order to get the image.

2. A 4.5 cm needle is placed 12cm away from a convex mirror of focal length
15cm . Give the location of the image and the magnification. Describe what
happens as the needle is moved farther from the mirror.
Ans: Given that,
Height of the needle, h1 = 4.5cm
Object distance, u = − 12cm
Focal length of the convex mirror, f = 15cm
Image distance = v
Using mirror formula,
1 1 1
+ =
u v f
1 1 1
 = −
v f u
Now, we put given values,
1 1 1
 = −
v 15 −12
1 4+5
 =
v 60
1 9
 =
v 60
 v = 6.7cm
Hence, the needle’s image is 6.7 cm away from the mirror and it is on the
mirror’s other side.
The formula for magnification of image is given by:
h v
m= 2 =−
h1 u

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 v
 h 2 = −  h1
u
6.7
 h2 = −  4.5
−12
 h 2 = 2.5cm
The image’s height is 2.5cm. The positive sign shows that the image is virtual,
erect, and diminished.If the needle is moved away from the mirror, the image
will also move farther from the mirror, and the size of the image will decrease
gradually.

3. A tank is filled with water to a height of 12.5 cm . The apparent depth of

a needle lying at the bottom of the tank is measured by a microscope to be
9.4cm . What is the refractive index of water? If water is replaced by a liquid
of refractive index 1.63 up to the same height, by what distance would the
microscope have to be moved to focus on the needle again?
Ans: Given that,
Actual depth of the needle in water, h1 = 12.5cm
Apparent depth of the needle in water, h 2 = 9.4cm
Refractive index of water = 
The formula for refractive index is given by:
h
= 1
h2
Put the given values,
12.5
=
9.4
  1.33
Hence, the water’s refractive index is about 1.33 .
When water is replaced by a liquid of refractive index,  ' = 1.63 .
The actual depth of the needle will be the same, but it's apparent depth will vary.
Let y be the new apparent depth of the needle.
We will use the relation given below:
h
' = 1
y
h
y = 1
'

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 12.5
y=
1.63
 y = 7.67cm
We get the new apparent depth of the needle to be 7.67cm . It is less than h 2 .
Therefore, the microscope should be moved up to focus the needle again.
The distance by which the microscope would be moved up
= 9.4 – 7.67 = 1.73cm .

4. Figures (a) and (b) show refraction of a ray in air incident at 60 with the
normal to a glass-air and water air interface, respectively. Predict the angle
of refraction in glass when the angle of incidence in water is 45 with the
normal to a water-glass interface [figure (c)].

Ans: Given that,

For the glass -air interface,
Angle of incidence, i = 60
Angle of refraction, r = 35
We can use Snell’s law,
sin i
ag =
sin r
sin 60
 ag =
sin 35
  g = 1.51……(i)
a

For the air-water interface,

Angle of incidence, i = 60
Angle of refraction, r = 47
We can use Snell’s law,
sin i
aw =
sin r

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 sin 60
 aw =
sin 47
  w = 1.184 ……(ii)
a

Using (i) and (ii), the relative refractive index of glass with respect to water can
be derived as:
ag
 =
w

aw
g

1.51
 gw =
1.184
 gw = 1.275

For the glass - water interface,

Angle of incidence, i = 45
Angle of refraction, = r
We can use Snell’s law,
sin i
gw =
sin r
sin 45
 1.275 =
sin r
 sin r = 0.5546
 r = sin −1 (0.5546)
 r = 38.68
Hence, the angle of refraction at the water – glass interface is 38.68 .

5. A small bulb is placed at the bottom of a tank containing water to a depth

of 80 cm . What is the area of the surface of water through which light from
the bulb can emerge out? Refractive index of water is 1.33. (Consider the
bulb to be a point source.)
Ans: Provided that,
Bulb’s actual depth in water, d1 = 80cm = 0.8m
Water’s refractive index,  = 1.33
The following diagram represents the given setup:

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Where, i is the Angle of incidence
r is the Angle of refraction, r = 90
As the bulb acts as a point source, the emergent light would be considered as a
AC
R= = AO = OB
circle of radius, 2
Snell’s law may be used as follows:
sin r
=
sin i
sin 90
 1.33 =
sin i
1
 sin i =
1.33
 i = 48.75
Considering the given diagram, we have the relation:
OC R
tan i = =
OB d1
 R = tan 48.75 0.8
 R = 0.91m
Area of the surface of water = R = (0.91) = 2.61m
2 2 2

Clearly, the area of the water surface through which the light from the bulb could
2
project is about 2.61m .

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6. A prism is made of glass of unknown refractive index. A parallel beam of
light is incident on a face of the prism. The angle of minimum deviation is
measured to be 40 . What is the refractive index of the material of the
prism? The refracting angle of the prism is 60 . If the prism is placed in
water (refractive index 1.33 ), predict the new angle of minimum deviation
of a parallel beam of light.
Ans: The minimum deviation angle and the angle of prism is as shown in figure
given below:

Angle of minimum deviation, m = 40

Angle of the prism, A = 60
Refractive index of water,  = 1.33
Refractive index of the material of the prism =  '
The relation between angle of deviation with refractive index is given by:
 A + m 
sin  
' =  2 
A
sin  
2
 60 + 40 
sin   sin 50
 ' =  2 =
 60  sin 30
sin  
 2 
  ' = 1.532
Hence, the refractive index of the prism is 1.532 .
Since the prism is placed in water, let  'm be the new angle of minimum
deviation for the same prism.
The below figure shows the angle of prism and the unknown minimum deviation
angle.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 7

The refractive index of glass with respect to water is given by the relation:
 A +  'm 
sin  
'  2 
g = =
w

 A
sin  
2
'  A   A +  'm 
 sin   = sin  
 2  2 
 A +  'm  1.532  60 
 sin  = sin   = 0.5759
 2  1.33  2 
A +  'm
 = sin −1 ( 0.5759 ) = 35.16
2
 60 +  'm = 70.32
  'm = 10.32
Hence, the new minimum angle of deviation is 10.32 .

7. Double-convex lenses are to be manufactured from a glass of refractive

index 1.55 , with both faces of the same radius of curvature. What is the
radius of curvature required if the focal length is to be 20 cm ?
Ans: Given that,
Refractive index of glass,  = 1.55
Focal length of the double-convex lens, f = 20 cm
Radius of curvature of one face of the lens = R 1
Radius of curvature of the other face of the lens = R 2
Radius of curvature of the double-convex lens = R
 R 1 = R; R 2 = − R
We can use this formula:

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1 1 1 
= (  − 1)  − 
f  R1 R 2 
1 1 1
 = (1.55 − 1)  + 
20 R R 
1 2
 = ( 0.55)  
20 R 
R = 22cm
Hence, the radius of curvature of the double-convex lens is 22cm .

8. A beam of light converges at a point P . Now a lens is placed in the path

of the convergent beam 12 cm from P . At what point does the beam
converge if the lens is
a) a convex lens of focal length 20cm ?
Ans: Consider the given setup of a convex lens of focal length 20cm.

Here,
Object distance, u = +12 cm
Focal length of the convex lens, f = 20 cm
Image distance = v
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v u f
1 1 1
 − =
v 12 20
1 1 1 8
 = + =
v 20 12 60
60
v= = 7.5cm
8

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 9

Clearly, the image is formed 7.5cm away from the lens, toward its right.

b) a concave lens of focal length 16cm ?

Ans: Consider the given setup of a concave lens if focal length 16cm.

Here,
Focal length of the concave lens, f = −16cm
Image distance = v
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v u f
1 1 1
 =− +
v 16 12
1 −3 + 4
 =
v 48
1 1
 =
v 48
 v = 48cm
Clearly, the image is formed 48cm away from the lens, toward its right.

9. An object of size 3.0 cm is placed 14 cm in front of a concave lens of focal

length 21cm . Describe the image produced by the lens. What happens if the
object is moved further away from the lens?
Ans: Given that,
Size of the object, h1 = 3 cm
Object distance, u = − 14 cm
Focal length of the concave lens, f = −21 cm
Image distance = v
Using lens formula,

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 1 1 1
− =
v u f
1 1 1
 =− −
v 21 14
1 −2 − 3
 =
v 42
1 −5
 =
v 42
−42
v = = −8.4cm
5
Hence, the image is formed on the same side of the lens as the object, 8.4 cm
away from it. The negative sign indicates that the image is erect and virtual.
The formula for magnification of the image is given as:
h v
m= 2 =
h1 u
−8.4
h2 =  3 = 1.8cm
−14
 h 2 = 1.8cm
Hence, the height of the image is 1.8 cm.
If the object is moved further away from the lens, then the virtual image will
move towards the lens focus, but not beyond it. The image size will decrease
with the increase in the distance of the object.

10. What is the focal length of a convex lens of focal length 30 cm in contact
with a concave lens of focal length 20 cm ? Is the system a converging or a
diverging lens? Ignore thickness of the lenses.
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the convex lens, f1 = 30 cm
Focal length of the concave lens, f 2 = −20 cm
Focal length of the system of lenses = f
The equivalent focal length of two lenses system in contact is given by:
1 1 1
= +
f f1 f 2
1 1 1 −1
 = − =
f 30 20 60
 f = −60cm

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 11

Hence, the focal length of the combination of lenses is 60 cm . The negative sign
shows that the system of lenses acts as a diverging lens.

11. A compound microscope consists of an objective lens of focal length

2.0 cm and an eyepiece of focal length 6.25 cm separated by a distance of
15 cm . How far from the objective should an object be placed in order to
obtain the final image at:
a) the least distance of distinct vision ( 25 cm )? What is the magnifying
power of the microscope?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f1 = 2.0 cm
Focal length of the eyepiece, f 2 = 6.25 cm
Distance between the objective lens and the eyepiece, d = 15 cm
Least distance of distinct vision, d' = 25 cm
lmage distance for the eyepiece, v 2 = −25 cm
Object distance for the eyepiece = u 2
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v2 u 2 f 2
1 1 1
 = −
u 2 v2 f 2
1 1 1
 = −
u 2 −25 6.25
1 −5
 =
u 2 25
 u 2 = −5cm
The distance of image for the objective lens, v1 = d + u 2 = 15 − 5 = 10cm .
The distance of object for the objective lens = u1
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v1 u1 f1
1 1 1
 = −
u1 v1 f1

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 1 1 1
 = −
u1 10 2
1 −4
 =
u1 10
 u1 = −2.5cm
Magnitude of the object distance, | u1 |= 2.5cm .
The compound microscope’s magnifying power is given by the relation:
v  d' 
m = 1 1 + 
| u1 |  f 2 
10  25 
m= 1 + 
2.5  6.25 
 m = 4(1 + 4) = 20
Hence, the magnifying power of the microscope is 20 .

b) at infinity? What is the magnifying power of the microscope?

Ans: Given that, the final image is formed at infinity.
The distance of image of the eyepiece, v 2 = 
The distance of object of the eyepiece = u 2
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v2 u 2 f 2
1 1 1
 = −
u 2 v2 f 2
1 1 1
 = −
u 2  6.25
 u 2 = −6.25cm
The distance of image for the objective lens, v1 = d + u 2 = 15 − 6.25 = 8.75cm .
The distance of object for the objective lens = u1
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v1 u1 f1
1 1 1
 = −
u1 v1 f1

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 1 1 1
 = −
u1 8.75 2
 u1 = −2.59cm
Magnitude of the object distance, | u1 |= 2.59cm .
The compound microscope’s magnifying power is given by the relation:
v  d' 
m= 1  
| u1 |  | u 2 | 
8.75  25 
m=  
2.59  6.25 
 m = 13.51
Hence, the magnifying power of the microscope is 13.51.

12. A person with a normal near point ( 25 cm ) using a compound

microscope with objective of focal length 8.0 mm and an eyepiece of focal
length 2.5 cm can bring an object placed at 9.0 mm from the objective in
sharp focus. What is the separation between the two lenses? Calculate the
magnifying power of the microscope.
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f o = 8 mm = 0.8 cm
Focal length of the eyepiece, f e = 2.5 cm
The distance of the object for the Objective lens, u o = −9.0 mm = −0.9 cm
Least distance of distant vision, d = 25 cm
Image distance for the eyepiece, v e = −d = −25 cm
Object distance for the eyepiece, u e
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
ve u e f e
1 1 1
 = −
u e ve f e
1 1 1
 = −
u e −25 2.5
1 −11
 =
u e 25

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 u e = −2.27cm
Using lens formula, we can obtain image distance for the objective lens, vo , is
given by:
1 1 1
− =
vo u o f o
1 1 1
 = +
vo u o f o
1 1 1
 = −
vo 0.8 0.9
1 0.1
 =
vo 0.72
 vo = 7.2cm
The distance between the objective lens and the eyepiece,
| u e | + v o = 2.27 + 7.2 = 9.47cm
The microscope’s magnifying power is given by the relation:
vo  d
m=  1 + 
| u o |  fe 

7.2  25 
m= 1 + 
0.9  2.5 
 m = 8(1 + 10) = 88
Hence, the magnifying power of the microscope is 88 .

13. A small telescope has an objective lens of focal length 144 cm and an
eyepiece of focal length 6.0 cm . What is the magnifying power of the
telescope? What is the separation between the objective and the eyepiece?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f o = 144 cm
Focal length of the eyepiece, f e = 6.0 cm
The telescope’s magnifying power is given by:
f
m= o
fe
144
m=
6

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 15

 m = 24
The separation between the objective lens and the eyepiece is given by:
x = fo + fe
 x = 144 + 6 = 150cm
Hence, the magnifying power of the telescope is 24 and the distance between
the objective lens and the eyepieces is 150cm .

14. a) A giant refracting telescope at an observatory has an objective lens of

focal length 15 m . If an eyepiece of focal length 1.0 cm is used, what is the
angular magnification of the telescope?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f o = 15m = 15  100 = 1500cm
Focal length of the eyepiece, f e = 1.0 cm
The telescope’s angular magnification is given as:
f
= o
fe
1500
= = 1500
1
Hence, the refracting telescope’s angular magnification is 1500.

b) If this telescope is used to view the moon, what is the diameter of the
image of the moon formed by the objective lens? The diameter of the moon
is 3.48  106 m , and the radius of lunar orbit is 3.8  108 m .
Ans: Given that,
Diameter of the moon, d o = 3.48  106 m
Radius of the lunar orbit, ro = 3.8  108 m
Let d ' be the diameter of the moon image formed by the objective lens.
The angle subtended by the moon’s diameter is equal to the angle subtended by
the image.
do d '
=
ro f o
3.48  106 d '
 =
3.8  108 15
 d' = 13.74 10−2 m = 13.74cm
Hence, the diameter of the moon’s image formed by the objective lens is
13.74 cm .

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15. Use the mirror equation to deduce that:
a) an object placed between f and 2f of a concave mirror produces a real
image beyond 2f .
Ans: For a concave mirror, f  0 .
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, then u  0 .

Using mirror formula,

1 1 1
+ =
u v f
1 1 1
 = − ……(1)
v f u
If the object placed between f and 2f i.e.,2f  u  f :
1 1 1
  
2f u f
1 1 1
− − −
2f u f
1 1 1 1
 −  −  0 ……(2)
f 2f f u
Using equation (1), we get
1 1
  0
2f v
1
Since is negative, v is negative.
v
1 1
 
2f v
 2f  v
 −v  −2f
Therefore, image will lie beyond 2f .

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 17

b) a convex mirror always produces a virtual image independent of the
location of the object.
Ans: For a convex mirror, f  0 .
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, then u  0 .

Using mirror formula,

1 1 1
+ =
u v f
1 1 1
 = −
v f u
Using equation (2), we get:
1
0
v
v0
Thus, the image is formed on the mirror’s back side.
Hence, a convex mirror always gives a virtual image, regardless of the object
distance.

c) the virtual image produced by a convex mirror is always diminished in

size and is located between the focus and the pole.
Ans: For a convex mirror, f  0 .
Using mirror formula,
1 1 1
+ =
u v f
1 1 1
 = −
v f u
But we have, u  0
1 1
 
v f

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vf
Hence, the image formed is diminished and is located between the focus and the
pole.

d) An object placed between the pole and focus of a concave mirror

produces a virtual and enlarged image.
Ans: For a concave mirror, f  0 .
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, then u  0 .
The object is placed between the focus and the pole.
f  u  0
1 1
  0
f u
1 1
 − 0
f u
1
 0
v
v0
The image is formed on the mirror’s right side. Hence, it is a virtual image.
For u  0,v  0
1 1
 
u v
vu
v
Magnification, m =  1
u
Hence, the formed image is enlarged.

16. A small pin fixed on a table top is viewed from above from a distance of
50 cm . By what distance would the pin appear to be raised if it is viewed
from the same point through a 15 cm thick glass slab held parallel to the
table? Refractive index of glass 1.5. Does the answer depend on the location
of the slab?
Ans: According to question,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 19

Actual depth of the pin, d = 15 cm
Apparent depth of the pin = d'
Refractive index of glass,  = 1.5
The refractive index of glass is equal to the ratio of actual depth to the apparent
depth, that is,
d
=
d'
d
d ' =

15
 d' = = 10cm
1.5
The distance at which the pin appears to be raised = d'− d = 15 − 10 = 5cm .
For a small incidence angle, this distance does not depend upon the slab location.

17. a) Figure shows a cross-section of a 'light pipe' made of a glass fibre of

refractive index 1.68 . The outer covering of the pipe is made of a material
of refractive index 1.44 . What is the range of the angles of the incident rays
with the axis of the pipe for which total reflections inside the pipe take place,
as shown in the figure?

Ans: Given that,

Refractive index of the glass fibre, 1 = 1.68
Refractive index of the outer covering of the pipe,  2 = 1.44
Angle of incidence = i
Angle Of refraction = r
Angle of incidence at the interface = i'
The refractive index (  ) of the inner core - outer core interface is given as:
 1
= 2 =
1 sin i'

 sin i' = 1
2
1.44
 sin i' = = 0.8571
1.68

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For the critical angle, total internal reflection (TIR) takes place only when i  i'
That is, when i  59 .
Maximum angle of reflection, rmax = 90 − i ' = 90 − 59 = 31 .
Let i max be the maximum incidence angle.
The refractive index at the air – glass interface, 1 = 1.68 .
We can use the relation for the maximum angles of incidence and reflection as:
sin i max
1 =
sin rmax
 sin i max = 1  sin rmax
 sin i max = 1.68  sin 31
 sin i max = 0.8652
 i max  60
Thus, all the ray’s incident at angles lying in the range 0  i  60 will suffer
total internal reflection.

b) What is the answer if there is no outer covering of the pipe?

Ans: If the outer covering of the pipe is not present, then:
Refractive index of the outer pipe = 1
Refractive index of air = 1
For the angle of incidence i =90 , we can use Snell’s law at the air – pipe
interface as
sin i
2 =
sin r
sin 90
 1.68 =
sin r
1
 sin r =
1.68
 r = 36.5
i' = 90 − 36.5 = 53.5
Since, i'  r , all incident rays will suffer total internal reflection.

18. Answer the following questions:

a) You have learnt that plane and convex mirrors produce virtual images of
objects. Can they produce real images under some circumstances? Explain.
Ans: Yes. Plane and convex mirrors can provide real images as well. If the light
rays converging at a point behind a plane mirror (or a convex mirror) are

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 21

reflected on a screen placed in front of the mirror, then an actual image will be
formed.

b) A Virtual image, we always say, cannot be caught on a screen. Yet when

we ‘see' a virtual image, we are obviously bringing it on to the ‘screen' (i.e.,
the retina) of our eye. Is there a contradiction?
Ans: No. A virtual image is made when light rays diverge. The convex lens of
the eye makes these divergent rays converge at the retina. The virtual image
works as an object for the lens to provide an actual image in this situation.

c) A diver underwater, looks obliquely at a fisherman standing on the bank

of a lake. Would the fisherman look taller or shorter to the diver than what
he actually is?
Ans: The diver is in the water, and the fisherman is on the land. Water is a denser
medium than air. It is provided that the diver is viewing the fisherman. This
shows that the light rays are traveling from a denser medium to a rarer medium.
Hence, the refracted rays will go away from the normal. As a result, the
fisherman will seem to be taller.

d) Does the apparent depth of a tank of water change if viewed obliquely?

If so, does the apparent depth increase or decrease?
Ans: Yes, the apparent depth decreases. The tank's apparent depth of water
varies when viewed obliquely. This is because the light deviates on traveling
from one medium to another. The tank's apparent depth, when viewed obliquely,
is less than the near-normal viewing.

e) The refractive index of diamond is much greater than that of ordinary

glass. Is this fact of some use to a diamond cutter?
Ans: The diamond's refractive index is more than that of ordinary glass.The
critical angle for diamond is smaller than that for glass. A diamond cutter utilizes
a large angle of incidence to guarantee that the light entering the diamond is
totally reflected from its face. This is the cause for the sparkling effect of a
diamond.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 22

19. The image of a small electric bulb fixed on the wall of a room is to be
obtained on the opposite wall 3 m away by means of a large convex lens.
What is the maximum possible focal length of the lens required for the
purpose?
Ans: Given that,
Distance between the object and the image, d = 3 m
Maximum focal length of the convex lens = f max
The maximum focal length is given by for real image:
d
f max =
4
3
 f max = = 0.75m
4
Hence, for the required purpose, the maximum possible focal length of the
convex lens is 0.75 m.

20. A screen is placed 90 cm from an object. The image of the object on the
screen is formed by a convex lens at two different locations separated by
20 cm . Determine the focal length of the lens.
Ans: The figure shows the given arrangement of convex lens.

Here,
Distance between the image (screen) and the object, D = 90 cm .
Distance between two locations of the convex lens, d = 20 cm .
Focal length of the lens = f
Focal length is related to d and D by:
D2 − d 2
f=
4D

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 23

 902 − 202 770
f = =
4  90 36
 f = 21.39cm
Clearly, the focal length of the convex lens is 21.39cm.

21. a) Determine the 'effective focal length' of the combination of the two
lenses in Exercise 9.10, if they are placed 8.0 cm apart with their principal
axes coincident. Does the answer depend on which side of the combination
a beam of parallel light is incident? Is the notion of effective focal length of
this system useful at all?
Ans: Consider the diagram below which represents the combination of two
lenses.

Here,
Focal length of the convex lens, f1 = 30 cm
Focal length of the concave lens, f 2 = −20 cm
Distance between the two lenses, d = 8.0 cm
First, consider the case when the parallel beam of light falls on the convex lens.
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v1 u1 f1
Where, object distance, u1 = 
Image distance = v1
1 1 1 1
 = − =
v1 30  30
 v1 = 30cm
The image will serve as a virtual object for the concave lens.
Using lens formula,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 24

 1 1 1
− =
v2 u 2 f 2
Where, object distance = u 2 .
u 2 = 30 − 8 = 22cm
Image distance = v 2 .
1 1 1 −1
 = − =
v 2 22 20 220
 v 2 = −220cm
The parallel incident beam seems to diverge from a point, that is,
d
220 − = 220 − 4 = 216cm from the centre of the combination of the two lenses.
2
Secondly, when the parallel beam of light falls, from the left, on the concave
lens;
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v2 u 2 f 2
Where, object distance, u 2 = − .
Image distance = v 2 .
1 1 1 1
 = − =
v 2 −20  −20
 v 2 = −20cm
The image will serve as a real object for the convex lens.
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v1 u1 f1
Where, object distance, = u1 .
u1 = −(20 + 8) = −28cm .
Image distance = v1 .
1 1 1 −1
 = + =
v1 30 −28 420
 v1 = −420cm
Hence, the parallel incident beam seems to diverge from a point, that is
= 420 − 4 = 416cm from the left of the centre of the combination of the two
lenses.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 25

Thus, the answer does depend on the combination side at which the parallel beam
of light is incident. The notion of effective focal length does not appear to be
useful for this combination.

b)An object 1.5 cm in size is placed on the side of the convex lens in the
arrangement (a) above. The distance between the object and the convex lens
is 40cm . Determine the magnification produced by the two-lens system, and
the size of the image.
Ans: Consider the given diagram of the previous arrangement as follows:

Here, it is said that,

Height of the image, h1 = 1.5 cm
Object distance from the side of the convex lens, u1 = −40cm
| u1 |= 40cm
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v1 u1 f1
1 1 1 1
 = + =
v1 30 −40 120
 v1 = 120cm
v
Magnification, m = 1
| u1 |
120
m= =3
40
Hence, the magnification due to the convex lens is 3 .
The image made by the convex lens acts as an object for the concave lens.
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
− =
v2 u 2 f 2

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 26

Where, object distance = u 2 .
u 2 = 120 − 8 = 112cm .
Image distance = v 2 .
1 1 1 −92
 = + =
v 2 −20 112 2240
2240
 v2 = − cm
92
|v |
Magnification, m' = 1
| u1 |
2240 1 20
 m' =  =
92 112 92
20
Hence, the magnification due to the concave lens is .
92
The magnification due to the combination of the two lenses is calculated as:
20
m  m' = 3  = 0.652
92
Thus,
h2
= 0.652
h1
 h 2 = 0.652  1.5 = 0.98cm
Clearly, the height of the image is 0.98cm .

22. At what angle should a ray of light be incident on the face of a prism of
refracting angle 60 so that it just suffers total internal reflection at the
other face? The refractive index of the material of the prism is 1.524 .
Ans: Consider the given figure below:

Angle of prism, A = 60

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 27

i1 is the incidence angle.
r1 is the refracted angle.
r2 is the angle of incidence at the face AC.
e is the emergent angle, e = 90 .
Using Snell’s law,
sin e
=
sin r2
sin 90
 1.524 =
sin r2
 sin r2 = 0.6562
 r2  41
For refraction through prism, angle A = r1 + r2 .
We get,
r1 = A − r2 = 60 − 41
 r1 = 19
Using Snell’s law,
sin i1
=
sin r1
sin i1
 1.524 =
sin19
 sin i1 = 0.496
 i1 = 29.75
Hence, the incidence angle is 29.75 .

23. You are given prisms made of crown glass and flint glass with a wide
variety of angles. Suggest a combination of prisms which will
a)deviate a pencil of white light without much dispersion,
Ans: Place the two prisms nearby each other. Make sure that their feet are on the
opposite sides of the incident white light, with their planes touching each other.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 28

When the white light falls on the first prism, it will get dispersed.
When this dispersed light falls on the second prism, it will recombine, and the
white light will emerge from combining the two prisms. Mathematically, the
total angular dispersion produced must be equal to zero as follows:
( V − R ) A1 + (  V ' −  R ' ) A 2 = 0

b)disperse (and displace) a pencil of white light without much deviation.

Ans: Take the system of the two prisms. Increase the angle of the flint-glass
prism so that the variations due to the combination of the prisms become equal.
This combination will scatter the pencil of white light without significant
deviation. Mathematically, the total deviation provided by the combination is
zero. (  − 1) A1 + (  '− 1) A 2 = 0

24. For a normal eye, the far point is at infinity and the near point of distinct
vision is about 25cm in front of the eye. The cornea of the eye provides a
converging power of about 40 dioptres, and the least converging power of
the eye-lens behind the cornea is about 20 dioptres. From this rough data
estimate the range of accommodation (i.e., the range of converging power
of the eye-lens) of a normal eye.
Ans: Given that,
Least distance of distinct vision, d = 25 cm
Far point of a normal eye, d' = 
Converging power of the cornea, Pc = 40D
Least converging power of the eye-lens, Pe = 20D
To see the objects at infinity, the eye uses its least converging power.
Power of the eye-lens, P = Pc + Pe = 40 + 20 = 60D
Power of the eye-lens is given as:
1
P=
f
1
f =
P
1 5
 f = m = cm
60 3
Object distance, u = −d = −25cm
5
Image distance, v = f = cm
3

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 29

Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f' v u
1 3 1 16
 = − = cm −1
f ' 5 −25 25
1
Power, P =  100
f'
16
 P =  100 = 64D
25
Power of the eye lens = 64 − 40 = 24D
Hence, the range of accommodation of the eye-lens is from 20 D to 24 D.

25. Does short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hypermetropia)

imply necessarily that the eye has partially lost its ability of
accommodation? If not, what might cause these defects of vision?
Ans: A myopic or hypermetropic person can also hold the normal ability of
accommodation of the eye-lens. Myopia happens when the eyeballs get
elongated from front to back. Hypermetropia occurs when the eyeballs get
shortened.The ability of the eye lens to accommodate its focal length is called
accommodation.
No,short-sightedness(myopia) or long-sightedness (hypermetropia) does not
necessarily imply that the eye has partially lost its accommodation ability.When
the eye-lens lose their ability to accommodate, the defect is called presbyopia.
The accommodation power of the eye usually reduces with aging. For most
people, the near point slowly falls away. They find it hard to see nearby objects
conveniently and distinctly without improving eyeglasses. This defect is called
presbyopia.

26. A myopic person has been using spectacles of power – 1.0 dioptre for
distant vision. During old age he also needs to use separate reading glass of
power + 2.0 dioptres. Explain what may have happened?
Ans: Given that,
The power of the spectacles used by the myopic person, P = −1.0 D
1
Focal length of the spectacles, f = = −100cm
P
Hence, the person’s far point is 100 cm . He might have a normal near point of
25 cm .

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 30

When he utilises the spectacles, the objects set at infinity produce virtual images
at 100 cm.
He uses the ability of accommodation of the eye-lens to see the objects placed
between 100cm and 25cm.
During old age, the person uses glasses of power, P' = +2D
1 1
f = = = 50cm
P 2
u = −25cm
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f v u
1 1 1
 = −
50 v −25
 v = 50cm
So, his near point has receded to 50cm.
The ability of accommodation is lost in old age. This defect is called presbyopia.
As a result, he is unable to see clearly the objects placed between 25 cm and
50cm.

27. A person looking at a person wearing a shirt with a pattern comprising

vertical and horizontal lines is able to see the vertical lines more distinctly
than the horizontal ones. What is this defect due to? How is such a defect of
vision corrected?
Ans: In the given case, the person can see vertical lines more precisely than
horizontal lines. This means that the eye's refracting system (cornea and eye-
lens) is not working similarly in different planes. This defect is named
astigmatism. The person's eye has sufficient curvature in the vertical plane.
However, the horizontal plane's curvature is insufficient. Hence, sharp vertical
lines are made on the retina, but horizontal lines seem blurred.
This defect can be fixed by using cylindrical lenses.

28. A man with normal near point ( 25 cm ) reads a book with small print
using a magnifying glass: a thin convex lens of focal length 5 cm.
a)What is the closest and the farthest distance at which he should keep the
lens from the page so that he can read the book when viewing through the
magnifying glass?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the magnifying glass, f = 5 cm

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 31

Least distance of distance vision, d = 25 cm
Closest Object distance = u
Image distance, v = −d = −25cm
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f v u
1 1 1
 = −
5 −25 u
−25
u= cm = −4.167cm
6
Hence, the nearest distance at which the person can read the book is 4.167 cm.
For the object at the farthest distance (u ') , the image distance (v') = 
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f v' u '
1 1 1
 = −
5  u'
 u ' = −5cm
Hence, the farthest distance at which the person can read the book is 5cm.

b)What is the maximum and the minimum angular magnification

(magnifying power) possible using the above simple microscope?
Ans: The formula for maximum angular magnification is given by:
d
a max =
|u|
25
 a max = =6
25
6
The formula for minimum angular magnification is given by:
d
a min =
| u'|
25
 a min = =5
5
Thus, the maximum and the minimum angular magnification (magnifying
power) possible using the given simple microscope are 6 and 5 respectively.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 32

29. A card sheet divided into squares each of size 1 mm2 is being viewed at
a distance of 9 cm through a magnifying glass (a converging lens of focal
length 9 cm ) held close to the eye.
a)What is the magnification produced by the lens? How much is the area of
each square in the virtual image?
Ans: Given that,
Area of each square, A = 1 mm2
Object distance, u = −9cm
Focal length, f = 10cm
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f v u
1 1 1
 = −
10 v −9
 v = −90cm
v
Magnification, m =
u
−90
m= =9
−10
Area of each square in the virtual image = 10 2 A
102 1 = 100mm2 = 1cm2

b). What is the angular magnification (magnifying power) of the lens?

d
Ans: Magnifying power of the lens, m =
|u|
25
m= = 2.8
9

c) Is the magnification in (a) equal to the magnifying power in (b)? Explain.

Ans: The magnification in (a) is not the same as the magnifying power in (b).
v d
The magnification magnitude is and the magnifying power is .
u |u|
The two quantities will be same when the image is formed at the close point
( 25cm ) .

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 33

30. a) At what distance should the lens be held from the figure in Exercise
9.29 in order to view the squares distinctly with the maximum possible
magnifying power?
Ans: The maximum possible magnification got when the image is made at the
near point ( d = 25 cm ) .
Image distance, v = −d = −25 cm
Focal length, f = 10 cm
Object distance = u
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f v u
1 1 1
 = −
10 −25 u
−50
u= cm = −7.14cm
7
Hence, to view the squares distinctly, the lens should be kept 7.14cm away from
them.

b) What is the magnification in this case?

v
Ans: Magnification, m =
u
25
m= = 3.5
50
7

c) Is the magnification equal to the magnifying power in this case? Explain.

d
Ans: Magnifying power, m ' =
u
25
 m' = = 3.5 = m
50
7
Since the image is made at the near point ( 25 cm ) , the magnifying power is
equal to the magnification magnitude.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 34

31. What should be the distance between the Object in Exercise 9.30 and the
magnifying glass if the virtual image of each square in the figure is to have
an area of 6.25 mm 2 . Would you be able to see the squares distinctly with
your eyes very close to the magnifier?
Ans: Given that,
Area of the virtual image of each square, A = 6.25 mm 2
Area of each square, A o = 1 mm 2
Hence, the linear magnification is given by:
A
m=
Ao
6.25
m= = 2.5
1
But,
v
m=
u
 v = 2.5u
Focal length of the magnifying glass, f = 10cm
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f v u
1 1 1
 = −
10 2.5u u
−1.5  10
u= cm = −6cm
2.5
And,
v = 2.5u
 v = 2.5  −6 = −15cm
The virtual image is made at a distance of 15 cm , which is less than the near
point of a normal eye. Hence it cannot be visible by the eye distinctly.

32. a) The angle subtended at the eye by an object is equal to the angle
subtended at the eye by the virtual image produced by a magnifying glass.
In what sense then does a magnifying glass provide angular magnification?
Ans: Though the image size is larger than the object, the angular size of the
image is equivalent to the angular size of the object. A magnifying glass supports
one seeing the objects closer than the least distance of distinct vision. A closer

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 35

object produces a larger angular size. A magnifying glass gives angular
magnification. Without magnification, the object cannot be located closer to the
eye. With magnification, the object can be set much closer to the eye.

b) In viewing through a magnifying glass, one usually positions one's eyes

very close to the lens. Does angular magnification change if the eye is moved
back?
Ans: Yes, the angular magnification varies. When the length between the eye
and a magnifying glass rises, the angular magnification reduces slightly because
the subtended angle at the eye is imperceptibly less than the lenses. Image
distance does not have any impact on angular magnification.

c) Magnifying power of a simple microscope is inversely proportional to the

focal length of the lens. What then stops us from using a convex lens of
smaller and smaller focal length and achieving greater and greater
magnifying power?
Ans: The convex lens's focal length cannot be reduced by a more significant
amount. This is because making lenses having tiny focal lengths is not easy.
Spherical and chromatic aberrations are created by a convex lens having a petite
focal length.

d) Why must both the objective and the eyepiece of a compound microscope
have short focal lengths?
Ans: The angular magnification produced by the compound microscope’s
eyepiece is:
 25  
  + 1
 f e  
Where, f e is the eyepiece's focal length.
It can be seen that if f e is small, then angular magnification of the eyepiece will
be great.
The angular magnification of the compound microscope’s objective lens is given
f
as o .
uo
u o : Object distance for the objective lens
f o : Objective's focal length
The magnification is large when u o  f o .

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 36

In the case of a microscope, the object is placed close to the objective lens.
Hence, the object distance is tiny. Since u o is small, f o will be smaller.
Therefore, f e and f o are both small for the given condition.

e) When viewing through a compound microscope, our eyes should be

positioned not on the eyepiece but a short distance away from it for best
viewing. Why? How much should be that short distance between the eye
and eyepiece?
Ans: We cannot collect much-refracted light when we put our eyes too close to
the compound microscope's eyepiece. As a result, the field view reduces
substantially. Hence, the image's clarity gets blurred. The best view of the eye
for seeing through a compound microscope is at the eye-ring connected to the
eyepiece. The exact location of the eye depends on the separation between the
objective lens and the eyepiece.

33. An angular magnification (magnifying power) of 30X is desired using an

objective of focal length 1.25 cm and an eyepiece of focal length 5 cm. How
will you set up the compound microscope?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f o = 1.25cm
Focal length of the eyepiece, f e = 5 cm
Least distance of distinct vision, d = 25 cm
Angular magnification of the compound microscope = 30X
Total magnifying power of the compound microscope, m = 30
The eyepiece’s angular magnification is given by:
d
me = 1 +
fe
25
 me = 1 +
5
 me = 6
The objective lens angular magnification is given by:
m = mome
m
 mo =
me
30
 mo = =5
6

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 37

We have,
v
mo = o
−u o
v
5= o
−u o
 v o = −5u o ……(1)
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f o vo u o
1 1 1
 = −
1.25 −5u o u o
 u o = −1.5cm
And, v o = −5u o = −5  −1.5 = 7.5cm
The object should be placed 1.5cm away from the objective lens to get the
desired magnification.
Using lens formula,
1 1 1
= −
f e ve u e
Where, v e = −d = −25cm
1 1 1
 = −
5 −25 u e
 u e = −4.17cm
Separation between the eyepiece and the objective lens =| u e | + | v o |
| u e | + | v o |= 4.17 + 7.5 = 11.67cm
Therefore, the separation between the eyepiece and the objective lens should be
11.67cm.

34. A small telescope has an objective lens of focal length 140 cm and an
eyepiece of focal length 5.0 cm . What is the magnifying power of the
telescope for viewing distant objects when
a) the telescope is in normal adjustment (i.e., when the final image is at
infinity)?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f o = 140cm

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 38

Focal length of the eyepiece, f e = 5 cm
Least distance of distinct vision, d = 25 cm
When the telescope is in normal adjustment, formula for magnifying power is
given by:
f
m= o
fe
140
m= = 28
5

b) the final image is formed at the least distance of distinct vision ( 25 cm ) ?

Ans: When the final image is formed at d , the formula for magnifying power of
telescope is given by:
f  f 
m = o 1 + e 
fe  d

140  5 
m= 1 +  = 28[1 + 0.2]
5  25 
 m = 33.6

35. a) For the telescope described in Exercise 9.34 (a), what is the separation
between the objective lens and the eyepiece?
Ans: Given that,
Focal length of the objective lens, f o = 140 cm
Focal length of the eyepiece, f e = 5 cm
The separation between the objective lens and the eyepiece in normal adjustment
= f o + f e = (140 + 5) cm = 145cm

b) If this telescope is used to view a 100 m tall tower 3 km away, what is the
height of the image of the tower formed by the objective lens?
Ans: Given that,
Height of the tower, h1 = 100 m
Distance of the tower from the telescope, u = 3 km = 3000 m
The angle subtended by the tower at the telescope is given as:
h
= 1
u

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 39

 100 1
= = rad
3000 30
The angle subtended by the image made by the objective lens is given by:
h
= 2
fo
1 h
 = 2
30 140
 h 2 = 4.7cm
Therefore, the objective lens forms a 4.7cm tall image of the tower.

c) What is the height of the final image of tower if it is formed at 25 cm ?

Ans: Given that,
Image is formed at a distance, d = 25cm
The eyepiece’s magnification is given by:
d
m =1+
fe
25
 m =1+
5
m=6
Height of the final image, = m  h 2 = 6  4.7 = 28.2cm
Hence, the final image’ height of the tower is 28.2cm .

36. A Cassegrain telescope uses two mirrors as shown in figure. Such a

telescope is built with the mirrors 20 mm apart. If the radius of curvature
of the large mirror is 220 mm and these all mirror is 140mm , where will
the final image of an object at infinity be?

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 40

Ans: A Cassegrain telescope contains two mirrors, one is objective mirror and
second one is secondary mirror. We need to find the distance of final image from
secondary mirror.
Given: distance between the objective mirror and the secondary mirror,
d = 20mm
Radius of curvature of the objective mirror, R1 = 220 mm
R
Hence, objective mirror’s focal length, f1 = 1 = 110mm
2
Secondary mirror’s radius of curvature, R 2 = 140 mm
R
Secondary mirror’s focal length, f 2 = 2 = 70mm
2
The image of an object set at infinity, made by the objective mirror, will serve
as a virtual object for the secondary mirror.
Hence, the secondary mirror’s virtual object distance, u = f1 − d
 u = 110 − 20 = 90mm
Using mirror formula,
1 1 1
+ =
u v f2
1 1 1
 = −
v f2 u
Now, we put given values,
1 1 1
 = −
v 70 90
1 9−7
 =
v 630
1 2
 =
v 630
 v = 315mm
Clearly, the final image will be made 315 mm away from the secondary mirror.

37. Light incident normally on a plane mirror attached to a galvanometer

coil retraces backwards as shown in figure. A current in the coil produces a
deflection of 3.5 from the mirror. What is the displacement of the reflected
spot of light on a screen placed 1.5 m away?

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 41

Ans: Angle of deflection,  = 3.5
Screen distance from the mirror, D = 1.5 m
The reflected rays will deflect by an amount twice the deflection angle, 2 = 7
The displacement of the light’s reflected spot on the screen is given as:
d
tan 2 =
1.5
d = 1.5  tan7 = 0.184m = 18.4cm
Hence, the displacement of the reflected spot of light is 18.4 cm.

38. Figure shows an equiconvex lens (of refractive index 1.50 ) in contact
with a liquid layer on top of a plane mirror. A small needle with its tip on
the principal axis is moved along the axis until its inverted image is found
at the position of the needle. The distance of the needle from the lens is
measured to be 45.0 cm . The liquid is removed and the experiment is
repeated. The new distance is measured to be 30.0 cm . What is the
refractive index of the liquid?

Ans: An equiconvex lens is in touch with a liquid layer on a plane mirror top. A
small needle placed on the principal axis is moved along the axis until its inverted
image will be at the position of the needle.
Convex lens focal length, f1 = 30 cm

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The liquid will behave as a mirror.
Liquid’s focal length = f 2
System’s focal length, f = 45 cm
The equivalent focal length is given as:
1 1 1
= +
f f1 f 2
1 1 1
 = −
f 2 f f1
1 1 1 1
 = − =−
f 2 45 30 90
 f 2 = −90cm
Let the lens’s refractive index be 1 and curvature radius of one surface be R.
Hence, the curvature radius of the other surface is – R .
We use,
1 1 1 
= ( 1 − 1)  −
f1  R −R 
1 2
 = (1.5 − 1)  
30 R 
R = 30cm
Let  2 be the liquid’s refractive index.
Liquid’s curvature radius on the side of the plane mirror =  .
Curvature radius of the liquid on the side of the lens, R = − 30 cm .
We use,
1 1 1
= (  2 − 1)  − 
f2 R 
−1  1 
 = (  2 − 1)  − 0
90  −30 
1
 (  2 − 1) =
3
  2 = 1.33
Clearly, the liquid’s refractive index is 1.33.

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