physics 1

10 Light - Reflection and

Refraction

Introduction

l Light
 is that form of energy which produces the sensation of sight. Light energy travels through vacuum as well as different
transparent media in the form of electromagnetic waves. In vacuum as well as in air, light travels with a constant speed of
8
3 × 10 ms–1.
l L
ight travels from one point to other along a straight path. This is called rectilinear propagation of light. A bundle of rays constitutes
a light beam
l In this chapter we will study the phenomena of reflection and refraction using the property of light i.e. straight line propagation
(Light wave travel from one point to another, along a straight line).

1 Introduction of Light

1.1. Introduction of Light

• Light is the form of energy that provides sensation of vision.
• Some common phenomena associated with lights are image formation by mirrors, the twinkling of stars, the beautiful colours of a
rainbow, bending of light by a medium and so on.

1.2. Properties of Light

• Electromagnetic wave, so does not require any medium to travel.
• Light tends to travel in straight line.
• Light has dual nature i.e., wave as well as particle.
• Light casts shadow.
• When light travels from one medium to another medium it either:
(i) Reflection (bounces back)
(ii) Refraction (passes through or bends)
(iii) Absorption (gets absorbed)

1.3. Characteristics of Light

• Speed of light is given as, c = l × n . Where l is its wavelength and n is its frequency.
• Speed of light is a constant in vacuum which is 2.998×108 m/s or approximately 3.0×108 m/s.

1.4. Types of Objects

There are two types of objects as follows -
l Luminous objects
l Non Luminous objects
2 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

(1) Luminous Objects: They are those which have their own light. We can see them as they have their own light. When their
light reaches our eyes that is the time when we can see them. For example we have sun, tubelight, etc. It is not necessary that it
should possess light naturally. If any substance glows on passing current, that also falls under the same category.
(2) Non Luminous Objects: They are those which do not have their own light. So, if there is no light, we can’t see them. To see,
we need a luminous object around it. For example: furniture, walls, moon, etc.

2 Reflection of Light

2.1. Reflection of Light

The phenomenon of bouncing back of light rays in the same medium on striking a smooth surface is called reflection of light.
(1) Angle of Incidence: The angle of incidence is the angle between this normal and the incident ray.
(2) Angle of Reflection: The angle of reflection is the angle between this normal and the reflected ray.

2.1. Laws of Reflection

There are two laws of reflection:
(1) Angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection i.e., ∠ i = ∠ r .
(2) The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal at the point of incidence, all lie in the same plane.

y
ra
ed
In Normal

ct
cid
An

(r)

fle
Normal
en
gl

Re
e

io

tr
of

ct

ay
le

Mirror
in

f
re
cid

of
en

e
ce

gl
An
(i)

Mirror surface
Incident ray, normal and reflected ray
∠i=∠r all tall on the same flat surface.
!! Important Figure : Reflection of Light

l Silver metal is one of the best reflectors of light.

l A ray of light which is incident normally on a mirror is reflected back along its own path.
l Laws of reflection can be applied to all kinds of reflecting surfaces.

2.2. Real and Virtual Images:

If light rays coming from a point after reflection meet at another  Smooth sides of mirror

point or appear to meet at another point, then the second point is

called the image of the first point. Images are of two types: Incident
(1) Real Image: Real images are formed when rays of light that rays
comes from an object (or source) meets at a point after reflection
from a mirror (or refraction from a lens). Real images can be
formed on a screen and can be seen with the eyes.
d d
(2) Virtual Image: Virtual image is an image in which the outgoing Object Virtual image
rays from an object do not meet at a point. It will appear to meet
at a point in or behind the optical device (i.e., a mirror) but they Distance from = d = Distance from
do not actually meet after reflection from a mirror (or refraction object to the mirror to the
from a lens). A plane mirror always forms virtual images. mirror image

(3) Lateral Inversion: If an object is placed in front of the mirror,

then the right side of the object appears to be the left side and left
side of the object appears to be the right side of this image. This Figure : Image formed in Plane Mirror
change of sides of an object and its mirror image is called lateral
inversion.
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2.3. Source of Light

As we know, there are different objects that emit light so, depending upon the size of object, we have two types of sources of light:
(1) Point Sources: A point source is a single identifiable localised source of something. A point source has negligible extent, distinguishing
it from other source geometries.
(2) Finite Sources: These are the sources that have certain height.

2.4. Mirror
Mirror is a polished surface, which reflects almost all the light incident on it. Mirrors are of two types: Plane Mirror and Spherical Mirror.
(1) Plane Mirrors If the reflecting surface of a mirror is plane, then the mirror is called a plane mirror. Image formed by a plane mirror
has following properties:
l It is always virtual and erect.
l The size of the image is equal to the size of the object.
l The distance between the image and the mirror is equal to the distance between the object and the mirror.
l Focal length of a plane mirror is infinite.
Uses of Plane Mirror: Plane mirrors are commonly used as looking glass, in making periscopes, kaleidoscopes etc.
(2) Spherical Mirrors: If the reflecting surface of the mirror is curved inwards or outwards, then the mirror is called a spherical mirror.
Spherical mirrors are of two types: (i) Concave Mirror and 
M1
(ii) Convex Mirror.
(a) Concave Mirror: The spherical mirror with an inward curved Principal axis Aperture
reflecting C F
surface is called a concave mirror. A beam of light generally converges P (Pole)
after reflection from such surfaces, hence it is also called a converging
Centre of Focus
mirror. e.g. The inner curved surface of a shining spoon can be curvature
considered as a concave mirror. M2
Here, f is the focal length and R is the radius of curvature. f
!! Important R
Figure : Image formation by Concave Mirror

(b) Convex Mirror: The spherical mirror with outward curve reflecting 
Convex M1
surface is called a convex mirror. A beam of light generally diverges mirror
after reflection from this surface, hence it is also called a diverging
mirror. e.g. The outer curved surface of a shining spoon can be treated Principal axis P F C
or considered as a convex mirror.
Here, f is the focal length and R is the radius of curvature. Principal Centre of
focal curvature
2.5. Some terms Related to Spherical Mirrors M2 point
(1) Centre of Curvature: Centre of curvature of a spherical mirror is the centre f
!! Important R
of the imaginary sphere of which, the mirror is a part. In the above figures, it
igure: Image formation by Convex Mirror
is marked by C. In case of concave mirror, the centre of curvature lies in front
F
of it, while in case of convex mirror, the centre of curvature lies behind it.
(2) Radius of Curvature: Radius of curvature of a spherical mirror is the radius of an imaginary sphere of which, mirror is a part. In the
above figure, it is shown by R.
(3) Pole: Pole of the spherical mirror is the midpoint of the reflecting surface. In the above figure, it is shown by P.
(4) Principal Axis: The principal axis of a spherical mirror is the line joining the pole and centre of curvature. In the figure, PC is the
principal axis.
(5) Aperture: The diameter of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is called its aperture. It is that part of the reflecting surface of a
mirror which is exposed to the incident light. It is equal to the straight line distance between two ends of the mirror. In the figure, M1
M2 is the aperture of the mirror.
(6) Principal Focus of a Spherical Mirror: It is a point on the principal axis of the mirror at which the light rays coming parallel to the
principal axis, after reflection, actually meet. It is represented by F. For a concave mirror, the focus is in front of the mirror, while for a
convex mirror, the focus is behind the mirror. The focus of a concave mirror is real, while the focus of a convex mirror is virtual.
(8) Focal Length: The distance between pole and principal focus of a spherical mirror is called its focal length. It is represented by f. If the
aperture of the mirror is small, then f = R / 2. It means that the principal focus of a spherical mirror lies midway between the pole and
centre of curvature.
4 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

2.6. Representation of Images Formed by Spherical Mirrors Using Ray Diagrams

The reflection of light follows the same two laws everywhere. To construct a ray diagram in order to locate the image of an object, it is more
convenient to consider only two rays. The intersection of at least two reflected rays gives the object position of the image of the point object.

The following rays can be considered for locating the image:

(1) The rays coming parallel to the principal axis, pass through the focus after reflection in concave mirror or appear to come from focus
in convex mirror.

r
i
i
r
C F P P F C

Concave Mirror Convex Mirror

(2) The rays coming through the focus of a concave mirror or coming towards the focus of a convex mirror, become parallel to the principal
axis after reflection from the mirror.

i
r

F P P
C i F C
r

Concave Mirror Convex Mirror

(3) A ray coming through the centre of curvature of a concave mirror or towards the direction of centre of curvature of a convex mirror,
reflects back along the same path on striking the mirror surface.

F P P
C F C

Concave Mirror Convex Mirror

(4) A ray incident obliquely to the principal axis, towards a pole P of the concave or convex mirror is reflected obliquely, following the laws
of reflection. i.e., ∠i = ∠r.

F P P
C F C

Concave Mirror Convex Mirror

 physics 5

3 Image Formation by Concave Mirror

3.1. Image Formation by Concave Mirrors:

The table given below illustrates the ray diagram along with the position and nature of the image, formed by a concave mirror at various
positions of the object. Formation of image by concave mirror for different positions of object is given below:

S. No. Position of the object Position of the image Size of the image Nature of the image

(a) At infinity At the focus F Highly diminished, point-sized Real and inverted

(b) Beyond C Between F and C Diminished Real and inverted

(c) At C At C Same size Real and inverted

(d) Between C and F Beyond C Enlarged Real and inverted

(e) At F At infinity Highly enlarged Real and inverted

(f) Between P and F Behind the mirror Enlarged Virtual and erect

M
M
A D A
i
r
B
At P
C F B C F P
infinity A
B
N D N
(a) (b)

M
A M
E
D A D
B P B′ C B
B′ C F F P
E
A′
N N
(c) (d)

M A′
M E
E A
A
C B D C
F P F B P B′

At infinity
N
N
(e) (f)
igure : Ray diagrams for the image formation by a concave mirror
F
3.2. Uses of Concave Mirrors
(1) Concave mirrors are commonly used in torches, search-lights and vehicles headlights to get powerful parallel beams of light.
(2) Concave mirrors are used as shaving mirrors to see a larger image of the face.
(3) Dentists use concave mirrors to see large images of the teeth of patients.
(4) Large concave mirrors are used to converge sun rays on a point to produce large amount of concentrated heat in a solar furnace
6 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

4 Image Formation by Convex Mirror

4.1. Image Formation by a Convex Mirror:

For studying the image formed by a convex mirror, there are two positions of the object which are considered. Firstly, when the object is at
infinity and the second position is, when the object is at a finite distance from the mirror. The table given below illustrates the ray diagrams
along with the position and nature of the image, formed by a convex mirror for the below two positions of the object.

4.2. Formation of Image by Convex Mirror for Different Positions of Object

S. No. Position of the Object Position of the Image Size of the Image Nature of the Image
(a) At infinity At the focus F, behind the mirror Highly diminished, point-sized Virtual and erect
(b) Between infinity and the Between P and F, behind the mirror Diminished Virtual and erect
pole P of the mirror

M i M
A A r

A′
P F C B P B′ F C

B
At infinity N N

(a) (b)
!! Important Figure : Formation of image by a convex mirror

4.3. Uses of Convex Mirrors

(1) Convex mirrors are commonly used as rear view mirrors in vehicles because they always give an erect image and have wider field of
view as they are curved outward.
(2) Big convex mirrors are used as shop security mirrors, the shop owner can keep an eye on the customers to look for thieves and
shoplifters among them.

5 Sign Convention for Reflection by Spherical Mirrors

5.1. Sign Convention for Reflection by Spherical Mirrors

While dealing with the reflection of light by spherical mirrors, we shall follow a set of sign conventions called the new Cartesian sign convention
based on Cartesian coordinates. In this convention, the pole (P) of the mirror is taken as the origin. The principal axis of the mirror is taken
as the X-axis of the coordinate system.
Direction of
Object on the left M
incident light (+ve)
A
Height Distance towards Direction towards
upwards the left (–ve) the right (+ve)
(+ve)
X′ B B′ P X
Height
downwards Mirror
(–ve)
A′
N
!! Important Figure : The new cartesian sign convention for spherical mirrors
The conventions are as follows:
(1) The object is always placed to the left of the mirror.
(2) All distances parallel to the principal axis (X - axis) are measured from the pole of the mirror.
(3) Distances to the left of the pole (–ve X - axis) are negative.
 physics 7

(4) Distances to the right of the pole (+ve X-axis) are positive.
(5) Distances measured perpendicularly above the principal axis (along +ve Y-axis) are taken as positive.
(6) Distances measured perpendicularly below the principal axis (along –ve Y-axis) are taken as negative.
(7) Also, focal length of convex mirror is taken as positive whereas focal length of concave mirror is taken as negative.

6 Mirror Formula and Magnification by a Spherical Mirror

6.1. Mirror Formula

In a spherical mirror, the distance of the object from its pole is called the object distance (u). The distance of the image from the pole of
the mirror is called the image distance (v). The distance of the principal focus from the pole is called focal length (f). The relation between
quantities u, v and f is called the mirror formula. It is expressed as:

1 1 1
= +
f v u

Where u, v and f are to be used according to their new cartesian sign convention. This formula is valid in all situations for all spherical mirrors
and for all positions of the object.
Example: If an object is placed 10 cm from a convex mirror of radius of curvature 60 cm, then find the position of image.

Solution: Object distance, u = – 10 cm, Radius of curvature, R = 60 cm, Focal length, f = R / 2 = 30 cm.

1 1 1 =1 1 1 1 1 4
Using the mirror formula: + =⇒ u = –
u
–= ⇒ v = 7.5 cm.
v u f f 30 –10 30

6.2. Magnification by a Spherical Mirror

Magnification produced by a spherical mirror gives the relative extent to which the image of an object is magnified with respect to the object
size. It is expressed as the ratio of height of image to the height of object. It is represented by m.

Height of image(hi )
m=
Height of object(ho )

Magnification is also related to the object distance (u) and image distance (v). It can be expressed as

Image distance(v) v
=m = –
Object distance(u) u

Where, u and v are to be used with their appropriate sign. The magnitude of magnification of a mirror or a lens gives information about the
size of the image relative to the object.

Magnification (m) Size of image (hi)

m=1 hi = ho
m<1 hi < ho
m>1 hi > ho

Sign of magnification by mirror or lens gives information about the nature of the image produced.

Sign on magnification Image

– ve Real and inverted
+ ve Virtual and erect
Example: An object is placed at a distance of 12 cm in front of a concave mirror. It forms a real image four times larger than the object.
Calculate the distance of the image from the mirror.
Solution: Object distance, u = – 12 cm, Magnification, m = – 4.

v –v
Using the magnification formula,=
m –= –=
4 ⇒ v = – 48 cm.
u – 12
 8 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

6.3. Identification of Mirrors

By observing the images produced by a mirror for different positions of objects, its nature can be identified.
(1) If the image formed by the water is of the same size as that of the object for different positions of the object, then the mirror is a plane
mirror.
(2) If the image formed by the mirror is diminished and positions of the object, then the mirror is a convex mirror.
(3) If the image formed behind the mirror is longer than the object, then the mirror is a concave mirror.
(4) Focal length of a spherical mirror is independent of the medium in which it is placed.

7 Refraction of Light

7.1. Refraction of Light

Change in path of a light ray as it passes from one medium to another medium is called refraction of light.
When light travels from a rarer medium to a denser one, it bends towards the normal (i > r) and when it travels from a denser medium to a
rarer one, it bends away from the normal (i < r), where, i is the angle of incidence, and r is the angle of refraction.

7.2. Causes of Refraction

Speed of light is different in different media, i.e. more in rarer medium and comparatively less in denser medium. So, when light enters a
denser medium, its speed reduces and it bends towards the normal and when it enters a rarer medium, its speed increases and it bends away
from the normal.

7.3. Examples of refraction of light

(1) The bottom of a tank or pond containing water appears to be raised due to refraction of light which takes place when light rays pass
from the pool of water into the air.
(2) The letters appear to be raised when viewed through a glass slab placed over the document because of refraction of light.
(3) A pencil partially immersed in water appears to be bent because of the refraction of light coming from the part of the pencil that is under
water.
(4) A lemon kept in water in a glass tumbler appears to be bigger than its actual size, when viewed from the sides.

7.4. Refraction through a rectangular Glass Slab

When a light ray enters a glass slab, then the emergent ray is parallel to the incident ray but it is shifted sideward slightly. In this case, refraction
takes place twice, first when ray enters glass slab from air and second when exits from glass slab to air. Both refractions have been shown in figure
(here glass slab is denser medium and air is rarer medium). The extent of bending of the ray of light at opposite parallel faces PQ and SR of the
rectangular glass slab is equal and opposite. So, the ray emerging from the face SR is parallel to the incident ray but shifted sideward slightly.

A Normal (N)
In
cid
en i
tr
ay
Air O
P Q
Rectangular
glass slab
Re
fr

Glass
act

N1
N´
ed
ray

S B R Direction of
Air original ray
E D
e me
N1´ rg Lateral
ent
ra displacement
Normal y
C
!! Important Figure : Refraction through a rectangular glass slab

Where, i is the angle of incidence, r is the angle of refraction and e is angle of emergence.
 physics 9

7.5. Lateral displacement

The perpendicular distance between the emergent ray and incident ray when the light passes out of a glass slab is called lateral displacement.

l Angle of incidence = Angle of emergence, i.e., ∠i=∠e.

l If the incident ray falls normally to the surface of a glass slab, then there is no bending of the ray of light, it goes straight

without any deviation

7.6. Laws of Refraction:

Refraction of light occurs according to the following laws:
(1) The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal to the interface of two transparent media at the point of incidence, all lie in the same
plane.

(2) The ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of angle of refraction for light of given colour is constant for a given pair of media
(Snell’s law). It is expressed as

sin i
µ=
sin r

This constant is known as refractive index (m).

µ 2 sin i
1 µ 2= =
µ1 sin r

The refractive index of a medium with respect to vacuum is called the absolute refractive index of the medium. The absolute refractive
index of a medium is simply called its refractive index.
For glass/water pair,
a
w µg
µ g =a
µw

Refractive index of air is minimum and refractive index of diamond is maximum.

7.7. Refractive index and Speed of Light

If c is the speed of light in air and is the speed of light in medium, then the refractive index of the medium is,

Speed of light in vaccum/air c

=µ =
Speed of light in medium v

Hence, for any two media, the refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first medium is equal to the ratio of the velocities of
light in the mediums.
Refractive index of glass with respect to air,

a Velocity of light in air c

= µg =
Velocity of light in glass v g

Refractive index of water with respect to air,

a Velocity of light in air c

= µw =
Velocity of light in water v w

From the two equations, we can write the refractive index of water with respect to glass as:

a
a µw c g
µ=
w =
a
µg vw
10 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

7.8. Absolute refractive index of some material medium

Material medium Refractive index Material medium Refractive index

Air 1.0003 Crown glass 1.52

Ice 1.31 Canada Balsam 1.53

Water 1.33 Rock salt 1.54

Alcohol 1.36 Carbon disulphide 1.63

Kerosene 1.44 Dense flint glass 1.65

Fused quartz 1.46 Ruby 1.71

Turpentine oil 1.47 Sapphire 1.77

Benzene 1.50 Diamond 2.42

Example 3: Light enters from air to diamond with refractive index 2.42. What is the speed of light diamond? Given, the speed of light in air
is 3 × 108 ms–1.
a Speed of light in air (c) c 3 × 108
Solution: aµd = 2.42, c = 3 × 108 ms–1. .Therefore, µ=d ⇒= v a = = 1.24 × 108 m/s
Speed of light in diamond (v) µd 2.42

8 Lens

8.1. Lens
Lens is a transparent medium bounded by two surfaces of which, one or both surfaces are spherical. Lenses are of two types:
(1) Convex or Converging lens: A lens which is thicker at the centre and thinner at its ends is called convex lens. Convex lenses are of
three types as shown below:
onvex lens Biconvex lens Plano-convex lens
C
Figure : Converging lenses

l A convex lens is also known as converging lens because it converges a parallel beam of light rays passing through it.
l A double convex lens is simply called a convex lens

(2) Concave or Diverging lens:

A lens which is thinner at the centre and thicker at its ends is called a concave lens. Concave lenses are of three types as shown below:

Concave lens Bio-concave lens Plano-concave lens

Figure : Diverging lens

 physics 11

l A concave lens is also known as diverging lens because it diverges a parallel beam of light rays passing through it.
l A double concave lens is simply called a concave lens.

8.2. Some Terms Related to Lenses

M M

C1 C2
O
2F1 F1 F2 2F2 2F1 F1 O

N N
(a) (b)

!! Important Figure : (a) Converging action of a convex lens, (b) Diverging action of a concave lens
(1) Optical Centre: The centre point of a lens is known as its optical centre. lt is represented by O. The optical centre is a point of the
lens, directed to which incident rays refract without any deviation in the path.
(2) Centres of Curvature: The centres of the two imaginary spheres of which the lens is a part are called centres of curvature of the lens.
It is represented by C. A lens has two centres of curvature with respect to its two curved surfaces.
(3) Radii of Curvature: The radii of the two imaginary spheres of which the lens is a part are called radii of curvature of the lens. A lens
has two radii of curvature. These may or may not be equal.
(4) Principal Axis: The imaginary line joining the two centres of curvature is called the principal axis of a lens. Principal axis also passes
through the optical centre.
(5) Principal Focus: A lens has two principal foci:
(a) First Principal Focus: It is a point on the principal axis of the lens, the rays starting from or directed to which, become parallel
to the principal axis after refraction.
(b) Second Principal Focus: It is the point on the principal axis at which the rays coming parallel to the principal axis, converge
on the other side of the lens (convex) or appear to meet on the same side of the lens (concave), after refraction from the lens.
Both the foci of convex lenses are real while that of concave lenses are virtual.
(6) Focal Length of Lens: The distance between focus and optical centre of lens is called focal length of lens.
(7) Focal Plane: The plane passing through the focus and perpendicular to the principal axis is called focal plane.
(8) Aperture: The effective diameter of the circular outline of a spherical lens is called its aperture.

8.3. Representation of Images Formed by Lenses Using Ray Diagram

We can represent image formation by lenses using ray diagrams:
For drawing ray diagrams in lenses alike spherical mirrors, we consider any two of the following rays:-
(1) Rays which are parallel to the principal axis after refraction will pass through principal focus in case of convex lens and will appear to
be coming from principal focus in case of concave lens.

O
F1 F2 F1 O F2

(a) Convex lens (b) Concave lens

12 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

(2) Ray passing through or directed to the focus will emerge parallel to the principal axis.

O
F1 F2 F1 O F2

(a) Convex lens (b) Concave lens

(3) Ray directed to the optical centre will emerge undeviated.

O O
F1 F2 F1 F2

(a) Convex lens (b) Concave lens

8.4. Image Formation in Lenses

(1) Image Formation by a Convex Lens: The table given below illustrates the ray diagrams along with the position and nature of the
image, formed by a convex lens at various positions of the object.

S. No. Position of the Position of the Size of the image Nature of the image
object image

(a) At infinity At focus F2 Highly diminished, point-sized Real and inverted

(b) Beyond 2F1 Between F2 and 2F2 Diminished Real and inverted

(c) At 2F1 At 2F2 Same size Real and inverted

(d) Between F1 and 2F1 Beyond 2F2 Enlarged Real and inverted

(e) At focus F1 At infinity Infinitely large or highly Real and inverted

enlarged

(f) Between focus F1 On the same side of Enlarged Virtual and erect
and optical centre O the lens as the object

M A C M

C2
C1 O B C1 B´
C2

2F1 F1 F2 2F2 2F1 F1 O F2 2F2

f
A´
N N
(a) u v
(b)
Contd...
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M M
A A

B O F2 2F2 C1 O F2 2F2 B´
2F1 F1 C2 B´ 2F1 F1 C2
C1

N A´ N
(c) (d)

A´
A´
M M
A

F2 2F2 A F2 2F2
B O O
2F1 F1 C2 B´ 2F1 F1 B C2
C1 C1

N N
(e) (f)
Figure : The position, size and the nature of the image formed by a convex lens for various positions of the object
(2) Formation of Image by Concave Lens for Different Positions of Object

S. No. Position of the object Position of the image Size of the image Nature of the image

(a) At infinity At focus F1 Highly diminished, point-sized Virtual and erect

Between infinity and optical Between focus F1 and

(b) Diminished Virtual and erect
centre O of the lens optical centre O

2F1 F1 O 2F1 B F1 B´ O

(a) (b)
igure : Nature, position and relative size of the image formed by a concave lens
F
8.5. Sign Convention for Spherical Lenses
(1) All the distances are measured from the optical center of the lens.
(2) The distances measured in the same direction as that of incident light are taken as positive.
(3) The distances measured against the direction of incident light are taken as negative.
(4) The distances measured upward and perpendicular to the principle axis are taken as positive.
(5) The distances measured downwards and perpendicular to principle axis is taken as negative.

8.6. Lens Formula

This formula gives the relationship between object distance (u), image distance (v) and the focal length ( f ). The lens formula is expressed as:

1 1 1
– =
v u f

The lens formula is general and is valid in all situations for any spherical lens.
 14 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

Example 4: An object is placed 25 cm in front of a concave lens of focal length 25 cm. Find the location and nature of the image
Solution: Object distance, u = – 25 cm, Focal length, f = – 25 cm, Image distance, v = ?
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
From lens formula, – = ⇒ = + =– – =– ⇒ –12.5 cm
v u f v f u 25 25 25
8.7. Magnification by a Lens:
The ratio of height of image (hi) and the height of object (ho) is called the magnification (m). It is expressed as:

hi v
=
m =
ho u

Magnification is positive when image formed is virtual and linear magnification is negative when image formed is real.
Example 5: A 5 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a convex lens of focal length 20 cm. The distance of the object
from the lens is 30 cm. Determine the (i) position (ii) nature (iii) size of the image formed.

Solution: Object size, ho = 5 cm, Object distance, u = – 30 cm, Focal length, f = + 20 cm

1 1 1 1 1 1
Using lens formula, = + ⇒ =– + ⇒ v = 60 cm
v f u v 30 20
h v h 60
Using the formula for magnification, m = i = ⇒ i = ⇒ hi = – 10 cm
ho u 5 – 30
Therefore, the image is real, inverted and magnified.

8.8. Power of a Lens

The ability of a lens to converge or diverge a light ray called power (P) of the lens. Lt is defined as the reciprocal of focal length, i.e.,

1
P=
f

Its SI unit is dioptre (D) (1 D = 1m–1). If f is expressed in metres, then power is expressed in dioptres. Thus, dioptre is the power of a lens whose
focal length is 1 metre If focal length is given in centimetres then:

100
P=
f (in cm)

For concave lenses, power and focal length are negative. For convex lenses, power and focal length are positive.

8.9. Power of a Combination of Lenses

When two or more thin lenses are used in combination, the equivalent focal length ( f ) and power of the combination (P) can be calculated as,

1 1 1
= + + ... and P = P + P + ...
f f1 f 2 1 2

Magnification of lens in combination (m) is given by m = m1 + m2 + ...

Example 6: A converging lens of power 8D is combined with a diverging lens of power –10D. Calculate
(i) power of combination (ii) focal length of combination

Solution: Power of convergent lens, P1 = 8D, Power of divergent lens, P2 = – 10D,

(i) Power of combination P = P1 + P2 = 8 – 10 = – 2D

1 1
(ii) Focal length of combination =
f = – = – 0.5 cm = 50 cm
P 2

l The use of a combination of lenses increases the sharpness of an image, the image produced is also free from many defects.
l The additive property of the powers of the lenses cart used to design lens systems to minimise certain defects in images
produced by a single lens. Such a lens system, consisting of several lenses in contact, is commonly used in designing camera
lenses and the objectives of microscopes and telescopes.
 ? Chapter
? Practice

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Focal length of a plane mirror is 9. Beams of light are incident through the holes A and B and
(a) Zero (b) Infinite emerge out of the box through the holes C and D respectively
(c) 25 cm (d) – 25 cm as shown in the figure
2. An object is placed at a distance of 10 cm in front of a plane
mirror, then the distance of image from mirror will be A
(a) 5 cm (b) 10 cm C
(c) 20 cm (d) 0 cm
3. The image of an object placed in front of a convex mirror is B
formed at D
(a) The object itself
(b) Twice the distance of the object in front of the mirror Box
(c) Half the distance of the object in front of the mirror Which of the following could be inside the box?
(d) Behind the mirror (a) A rectangular glass slab
4. The radius of curvature of a concave mirror is 12 cm. Then, (b) A convex lens
the focal length will be (c) A concave lens
(a) 12 cm (b) 6 cm (d) A prism
(c) – 24 cm (d) – 6 cm 10. The path of a ray of light coming from air passing through a
5. An object is placed 20 cm from the concave mirror of focal rectangular glass slab traced by four students shown as A, B,
length 10 cm, then image is formed at C and D in the figure. Which one of them is correct?
(a) Behind the mirror
(b) Between the mirror and focus
(c) At focus
(d) Centre of curvature of mirror
6. Velocity of light in air is 3 × 108 m/s. While its velocity in a A B
medium is 1.5 × 108 m/s. Then, refractive index of this medium
is
(a) 3 (b) 5
(c) 0.5 (d) 2
7. Figure shows a ray of light as it travels from medium A to
C D
medium B. Refractive index of the medium B relative to
medium A is
(a) A (b) B
(a) 3/2 45° (c) C (d) D
(b) 2/3 Medium B
45° 11. You are given water, mustard oil, glycerine and kerosene. In
(c) 1/ 2 30° which of these media, a ray of light incident obliquely at the
(d) 2 60° same angle would bend the most?
Medium A (a) Kerosene (b) Water
8. A light ray enters from medium A to medium B as shown in (c) Glycerine (d) Mustard oil
the figure. The refractive index of medium B relative to A will
12. An object of height 8 cm is placed at a distance of 40 cm in
be front of a convex lens of focal length 20 cm. The size of image
(a) Greater than unity is
Medium B
(b) Less than unity
(c) Equal to unity (a) 12 cm (b) 4 cm
Medium A
(d) Zero (c) – 8 cm (d) 16 cm
16 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

13. Two thin lenses of power 3D and –2D are placed in contact, 3. If you want to see an enlarged image of your face, which type
then power and focal length of the lens combination is of mirror will you use? Where will you place your face?
(a) +2D, +100 cm (b) +1D, +100 cm 4. A ray of light is refracted as shown in figure.
(c) +5D, +20 cm (d) +1D, –100 cm

1 Marks Questions A

1. A ray is incident on a spherical mirror whose centre of

B
curvature is 2 F. In which direction will it reflect?
2. A ray of light is incident at angle of 35° to a plane surface.
What will the angle of reflection? Which medium A or B is optically denser than the other?
3. How does image changes when the face is slowly moved 5. Arrange air, glass and water in terms of descending order of
away from inner face of a shining spoon? refractive index..
4. Where is the image formed in a convex mirror, when the 6. When light of two colours A and B is passed through a plane
object is anywhere in front of it?. boundary. A bends aways from the normal more than B.
5. A person uses concave minor for shaving, where should he Which colour travels more slowly in the second medium?
position his face in front of it? Explain briefly.
6. A ray of light is incident on a concave mirror along its principal 7. The refractive index of diamond is 2.42 and that of glass
axis. What will be the angle of reflection? is 1.52. How much faster does light travel in glass than in
7. What will happen to ray of light when it travels from rarer diamond?
medium to a denser medium? 8. What is the minimum distance between an object and its real
8. What does negative sign in the value of magnification of a image formed by a convex lens?
mirror indicate? 9. If the magnification of a body of size 1 m is 2. What is the size
9. Name the point inside the lens through which a ray of light of the image?
goes undeviated?
10.

11.
Which of the two has a great power? A lens of short focal
length or a lens of large focal length?
Name the lens which always gives an erect and diminished
3 Marks Questions

1. A concave mirror of focal length f can form a magnified, erect

image?
as well as an inverted image of an object placed in front of
12. Which mirror is used as rear view mirror in vehicles and why?
it.” Justify this statement stating the position of the object with
13. Define one dioptre? respect to the mirror in each case for obtaining these images.
14. The size of an object is 2 cm. The magnification produced by 2. (i) An object 1 cm high produces a real image 1.5 cm high
a mirror is +1. What is the size of the image?
when placed at a distance of 15 cm from a concave
15. When a ray of light passes from a denser medium to a rarer mirror. Calculate the position of the image and the
medium which angle is greater, angle of incidence or angle of magnification.
refraction?
(ii) Write two uses of concave mirrors.
16. An image formed in a spherical mirror has magnification –2.
3. When a plane mirror is placed horizontally on leveled ground
Is the image real or virtual?
at a distance of 60 m from the foot of a tower, the top of the
17. The power of a lens is – 2D. Is the lens convex or concave?
tower and its image in the mirror subtend an angle of 90° at
18. Focal length of a convex mirror is 10 cm. Find the radius of the eye. What is the height of the tower?
curvature of the mirror?
4. Figure shows a ray of light meeting the glass of the window of

2 Marks Questions a car at an angle of incidence of 40o.

(i) Assuming that the refractive index of glass is 1.5, find the
1. Due to which property of light do we obtain sharp shadows of angle of refraction for this ray in the glass.
opaque objects? Name the phenomenon (ii) Complete the diagram by sketching the path of the ray
through the glass and out on the other side.
2. A ray is incident on a plane mirror shown in figure.
(iii) Use the diagram to explain the effect of the glass on what
N is seen by the driver.
Inc
A ide ray B

5
nt ted
ray c
Refle Marks Questions

30°
1. Draw a labeled diagram showing how an image of a small size
O
can be projected on a large screen. State two characteristics of
What is the angle of reflection for the above incident ray? an image.
 physics 17

2. A student focussed the image of a candle flame on a white Analise the above table and give the answers of the following
screen by placing the flame at various distances from a convex questions.
lens. He noted his observation in the following table. (i) What is the focal length of the convex lens?
Distance of the Distance of the (ii) Which set of observations is incorrect and why?
.No. screen from the flame from the (iii) In which case, the size of the object and image will be
S
lens (in cm) lens (in cm)
same ? Give reason for your answer.
(a) 20 60 3. Ravi is given lenses with powers +5D, – 5D, +10D, – 10D
(b) 24 40 and – 20D. Considering a pair of lenses at a time, which two
lenses will he select to have a combination of total focal length
(c) 30 30 when two lenses are kept in contact in each case?

(d) 40 24 (i) – 10 cm

(e) 70 12 (ii) 20 cm
(iii) – 20 cm

Questions
HOTS
1. When an object is placed at a distance of 60 cm from a convex 3. A convex mirror of focal length, f produces an image (1/n)th of
spherical mirror, the magnification produced is 1/2. Where the size of the object. What is the distance of the object from
should the object be placed to get a magnification of 1/3 ? the mirror?
2. An air bubble in water is shown in the figure. Three rays of
4. A thick plane-convex lens made of crown glass (refractive
light are incident on the air bubble.
index 1.5) has thickness of 3 cm at its centre. The radius of
Ray 1 curvature of the spherical surface is 5 cm
Air
Ray 2 bubble
P
Ray 3 Water r2

The angle of incidence of ray 1 on the air bubble is greater

r1
than the critical angle. The angle of incidence of ray 2 on the
bubble is less than the critical angle. Ray 3 is perpendicular to O
the surface of the bubble.
An ink mark made at the centre of its plane face, when viewed
(i) In the figure at the point where ray 1 meets the air bubble,
normally through the curved face, appears to be at a distance
mark:
x from the curved face. Find the value of x.
(a) the normal to the surface
(b) the angle of incidence 5. An object is placed in front of a screen and a convex lens is
(ii) Complete the ray diagram to show how all three rays placed at a position such that the size of the image formed is
continue after they meet the air bubble. 9 cm. When the lens is shifted through a distance of 20 cm,
(iii) Define refractive index of water. If the speed of light in air the size of the image becomes 1 cm. Find the focal length of
is 3 × 108 ms–1 and the speed of light in water is 2.2 × 108 the lens.
ms–1. Calculate the refractive index of water.

BASED Questions
cASE
ead the following and answer any four questions from A highly smooth polished surface is called a mirror. The mirror whose
R
1 (I - V) reflecting surface is curved inwards or outwards is called a spherical
Case - 1: The curved surface of a spoon can be considered as a mirror. Inner part works as a concave mirror and the outer bulging
spherical mirror. part acts as a convex mirror.

Convex mirror Concave mirror

Principal
Pole axis Pole

Image from the Image from the Reflecting Reflecting

inner side of a spoon outer side of a spoon surface surface
 18 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

The center of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is called pole 9. When light passes from glass to water, the speed of light
and the radius of the sphere of which the mirror is formed is called
(a) Increases
radius of curvature.
(b) Decreases
1. When a concave mirror is held towards the sun and its sharp
image is formed on a piece of carbon paper for some time, a (c) Remains same
hole is burnt in the carbon paper. What is the name given to (d) First increases then decrease
the distance between the mirror and carbon paper?
10. The bottom of pool filled with water appears to be _________
(a) Radius of curvature (b) Focal length due to refraction of light
(c) Principal focus (d) Principal axis
(a) Shallower (b) Deeper
2. The distance between pole and focal point of a spherical
(c) At same depth (d) Empty
mirror is equal to the distance between
(a) Pole and center of curvature Read the following and answer any four questions from
(b) Focus point and center of curvature 3 (I - V)
(c) Pole and object Case - 3: A lens is a piece of any transparent material bounded by
(d) Object and image. two curved surfaces. There are two types of lenses: convex lens and
concave lens.
3. The focal length of a mirror is 15 cm. The radius of curvature is
(a) 15 cm (b) 30 cm Outer part
(c) 45 cm (d) 60 cm Inner part
is convex
is concave
4. The normal at any point on the mirror passes through
(a) focus (b) pole
(c) center of curvature (d) any point
5. In a convex spherical mirror, reflection of light takes place at Convex lens is made up of a transparent medium bounded by two
(a) A flat surface (b) A bent-in surface spherical surfaces that are thicker at the middle and thinner at the
(c) A bulging-out surface (d) An uneven surface edges. Concave lens is also made up of a transparent medium such
Read the following and answer any four questions from that thicker at the edge and thinner at the middle.
2 (I - V) Optical center
Case - 2: When the rays of light travel from one transparent medium
to another, the path of light is deviated. This phenomenon is called Center of
refraction of light. The bending of light depends on the optical density curvature R1 Radius of
of the medium through which the light passes. curvature
P1
Rarer Denser C2 P2 C1
i i
R2
Principal
axis
r (a)
r
Denser Rarer
Optical center
The speed of light varies from medium to medium. A medium in
which the speed of light is more is optically rarer whereas in which the Center of
speed of light is less is optically denser medium. Whenever light goes curvature R2 Radius of
from one medium to another, the frequency of light does not change curvature
however, speed and wavelength change. It concluded that change in
speed of light is the basic cause of refraction C1 P1 P2 C2
6. When light travels from air to glass, the ray of light bends R1
Principal
(a) Towards the normal (b) Away from normal axis
(c) Anywhere (d) None of these (b)

7. A ray of light passes from a medium A to another medium B. The midpoint of the lens is called the optical centre. A point on the
No bending of light occurs if the ray of light hits the boundary principal axis, where the incident parallel rays meet or appear to come
of medium B at an angle of out after refraction is called focus. A convex lens converges a parallel
beam of light to the other side whereas a concave lens spreads out.
(a) 0º (b) 45º
(c) 90º (d) 120º 11. Which of the following lenses would you prefer to use while
reading small letters found in a dictionary?
8. When light passes from one medium to another, the frequency
(a) A convex lens of focal length 50 cm
of light
(b) A concave lens of focal length 50 cm
(a) Increases (b) Decreases (c) A convex lens of focal length 5 cm
(c) Remains same (d) None of these (d) A concave lens of focal length 5 cm
 physics 19

12. Which type of lenses are shown in given figure (i) and (ii)? 19. If Sameer has two mirrors that can produce a real, inverted,
and sharp image when an object is placed at a distance of
(a) Plano concave, concavo convex 
10 cm and 15 cm towards the left of the mirror. Choose the
(b) Plano convex, convexo concave correct statement among the following.
(c) Double concave, concave convex
(d) Convexo concave, double convex (a) Both mirrors Sameer has are convex.
(b) Both mirrors Sameer has are concave.
(i) (ii) (c) Sameer has one concave mirror and one convex mirror.

13. A small bulb is placed at the focal point of a converging lens. (d) Insufficient information.
When the bulb is switched on, the lens produces 20. An object of height 1.5 cm is situated at a distance of 15 cm
(a) A convergent beam of light from a concave mirror. The concave mirror forms its real
(b) A divergent beam of light image of height 3.0 cm. The focal length of concave mirror
will be
(c) A parallel beam of light
(d) A patch of coloured light. (a) – 10 cm (b) – 20 cm
14. The part of lens through which the refraction takes place is (c) 20 cm (d) 30 cm
called Read the following and answer any four questions from
(a) Aperture (b) Centre of curvature 5 (I - V)
(c) Principal axis (d) Focus
Case - 5: We know that a lens can bend light rays by converging or
15. A water drop acts as a diverging them depending on its focal length. For example, a concave
(a) Convex lens (b) Concave lens lens of short focal length causes much higher divergence than a lens
(c) Double concave lens (d) None of these with a long focal length. And from this, we can conclude that the
Read the following and answer any four questions from power of a lens is the reciprocal of its focal length, or in other words,
4 (I - V) the power of a lens is represented by the letter P. i.e., we can say that
power is the measurement of a lens’s ability to focus light at different
Case - 4: We use the term, spherical mirror for a polished surface that distances. The SI unit of power is the dioptre and it is expressed as D.
is curved inwards or outwards. A curved mirror, whose shiny surface Hence the relation between power P and the focal length f of a lens
is curved inwards facing towards the center of curvature of the mirror, is given by
is termed a concave mirror. Whereas a curved mirror whose shiny 1
surface is curved in outwards direction is termed a convex mirror. For P=
f
a curved mirror, the distance between object and lens is given as u
similarly distance between image and lens is given as v and f is the We must also note that the convex lenses are given as a positive
power value and concave lenses are given as a negative power value.
focal length of the lens which is the distance between principle focus
and lens. For a curved mirror, the sign convention is given using the 21. Power in terms of meter is given as
cartesian sign convention. Whereas the magnification power of a lens
(a) m1/2 (b) m–1/2
is given as the ratio of the height of object and image or the distance
between image and object. Also, the mirror formula is used to find (c) m1 (d) m–1
the relation between u, v, and f respectively and we must note that 22. Concave lens is ________ lens, whereas convex lens is
the image formed by the concave mirror can be real as well as virtual, _________ lens.
whereas for convex mirror the image formed will always be virtual. (a) Converging, diverging (b) Diverging, converging
16. For a curved mirror, the object is always placed towards (c) Diverging, diverging (d) Converging, converging
__________ of the lens. 23. If a lens is converging then the power and focal length of such
(a) Right side lens are _____ & ______ respectively.
(b) Left side (a) Positive, negative (b) Negative, positive
(c) Both (a) and (b) (c) Negative, negative (d) Positive, positive
(d) Only towards the right for the concave mirror. 24. The power of a converging lens is ______, its focal length is
approximately 50 cm.
17. Magnification power of convex mirror is ___________.
(a) + 5 D (b) + 2 D
(a) Always positive
(c) – 2 D (d) – 5 D
(b) Always negative
25. A doctor prescribes Suman a corrective lens of –1.5 D, then
(c) Only positive when the virtual image is formed
which of the following statements are incorrect among all.
(d) Only negative when the inverted image is formed.
(a) The focal length of a prescribed lens is 0.666 m.
18. If an object is placed at a distance – f from a concave mirror, (b) The focal length of a prescribed lens is – 0.666 m.
then the image distance will be
(c) Lens prescribed is a diverging lens.
(a) – f / 2 (b) f / 2 (d) The lens prescribed by the doctor is a concave lens.
(c) f (d) ∞  ❑❑❑
 eXAM Practice
NCERT QUESTIONS

1. Which one of the following materials cannot be used to make 13. Find out from table given below, the medium having highest
a lens? optical density. Also, find the medium with the lowest optical
(a) Water (b) Glass density.
(c) Plastic (d) Clay Absolute Refractive Index of Some Material Media
2. The image formed by a concave mirror is observed to be Material Refractive Material Refractive
virtual erect and larger than the object. Where should be the medium index medium index
position of the object?
Air 1.0003 Canada 1.53
(a) Between principal focus and centre of curvature Balsam
(b) At centre of curvature
lce 1.31 Rock salt 1.54
(c) Beyond centre of curvature
(d) Between pole of the mirror and principal focus Water 1.33 Carbon 1.63
3. Where should an object be placed in front of a convex lens to disulphide
get a real image of the size of the object? Alcohol 1.36 Dense flint 1.65
(a) At the principal focus of the lens glass
(b) At twice the focal length Kerosene 1.44 Ruby 1.71
(c) At infinity
(d) Between the optical centre of the lens and its principal Fused quartz 1.46 b Sapphire 1.77
focus Turpentine oil 1.47 Diamond 2.42
4. A spherical mirror and a thin spherical lens have each of a Benzene 1.50
focal length –15 cm. The mirror and lens are likely to be
Crown glass 1.52
(a) both concave
(b) both convex 14. The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. What is the meaning
(c) mirror is concave and lens is convex of this statement?
(d) mirror is convex and lens is concave 15. Define 1 D of power of lens.
5. No matter how far you stand from a mirror, your image appear 16. A convex lens forms a real and inverted image of a needle at a
erect. The mirror is likely to be distance of 50 cm from it. Where is the needle placed in of the
(a) plane (b) concave convex lens, if the image is equal to the size of object? Also,
(c) convex (d) either plane or convex find the power of the lens.
6. The radius of curvature of spherical mirror is 20 cm. What is 17. Find the power of concave lens of focal length 2m.
its focal length?
18. We wish to obtain an erect image of an object, using a concave
7. Name a mirror that can give an erect and enlarged image of
mirror of focal length 15 cm. What should be the range of
an object. distance of the object from the mirror? What is the nature of
8. Why do we prefer a convex mirror as rear view mirror in image? Is the image larger or smaller than the object? Draw a
vehicles? ray diagram to show the image formation in this case.
9. Find the focal length of a convex mirror whose radius of 19. Name the type of mirror used in following situations:
curvature is 32 cm. (i) Headlight of car
10. A concave mirror produces three times magnified (enlarged) (ii) Side/rear view mirror of vehicle
real image of object placed at 10 cm in front of it. Where is the (iii) Solar furnace
image located? Support your answer with a reason.
11. A ray of light travelling in air enters obliquely into water. 20. One-half of a convex lens is covered with a black paper, will
Does the light ray bend towards the normal or away from the this lens produce a complete image of the object? Verify your
normal? Why? answer experimentally.
12. Light enters from air to glass having refractive index 1.60.
21. An object 5 cm in length is placed 25 cm away from a
What is the speed of light in glass? The speed of light in converging lens of focal length 10 cm. Draw the ray diagram
vacuum is 3 × 108 ms–1. and find position, size and nature of image formed.
 physics 21

22. A concave lens of focal length 15 cm forms an image 10 cm 26. An object of size 7 cm is placed at 27 cm in front of a concave
from the lens. How far is the object placed from the lens? mirror of focal length 18 cm. At what distance from the mirror
Draw the ray diagram. should the screen be placed, so that a sharp focussed image
23. An object is placed at a distance of 10 cm from a convex can be obtained? Find the size and nature of image.
mirror of focal length 15 cm. Find the position and nature of
27. Find the focal length of a lens of power – 2D. What type of
image.
lens is this?
24. The magnification produced by a plane mirror is +1. What
does it mean? 28. A doctor has prescribed corrective lens of power +1.5 D. Find
the focal length of the lens. Is the prescribed lens diverging or
25. An object 5 cm in length is placed at a distance of 20 cm in
converging?
front of a convex mirror of radius of curvature 30 cm. Find the
position of image, its nature and size.

CBSE Past Year Questions

1. “The magnification produced by a spherical mirror is – 3.” List 7. The absolute refractive indices of glass and water are 4/3 and
four informations you obtain from this statement about the 3/2 respectively. If the speed of light in glass is 2 × 108 ms–1,
mirror/image. [CBSE 2016] calculate speed of light in
2. Rohit wants to have an erect image of an object using a (i) vacuum (ii) water [CBSE 2015]
converging mirror of focal length 40 cm. 8. (i) In refraction of light through rectangular glass slab, the
(i) Specify the range of distance where the object can be emergent ray is parallel to the direction of the incident
placed in front of the mirror. Give reason for your answer. ray. Why?
(ii) Will the image be bigger or smaller than the object? (ii) What happens when a light ray is incident normally on
(iii) Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation in this one of the faces of a rectangular glass slab?
case.  [CBSE 2015]  [CBSE 2012]
3. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on a 9. A concave lens made of a material of refractive index n1 is kept
screen 48 cm in front of a mirror by keeping the flame at a in a medium of refractive index n2. A Parallel beam of light is
distance of 12 cm from its pole. incident on the lens. Trace the path of rays of light parallel
(i) Suggest the type of mirror he should use. to principal axis incident on the concave lens after refraction
(i) Find the linear magnification of the image produced. when
(iii) How far is the image from its object?
(iv) Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation in this (i) n1 > n2 (ii) n1 = n2
case [CBSE 2014] Give reason for each.  [CBSE 2015]
4. A spherical mirror produces an image of magnification – 1 on 10. Observe the following incomplete ray diagram of an object
a screen placed at a distance of 50 cm from the mirror. where the image A’B’ is formed after refraction from a convex
(i) Write the type of mirror. lens.
(ii) Find the distance of the image from the object.
(iii) What is the focal length of the mirror?
A´
(iv) Draw the ray diagram to show the image formation in
this case. [CBSE 2014] 2F1 F1 F2 2F2
B´
40° On the basis of above information fill in the blanks.
Glass (i) The position of object AB would have been...
(ii) Size of the object would have been…than the size of
image. [CBSE 2015]
5. (i) “The refractive index of kerosene is 1.44.” What is meant
by this statement? 11. An object is placed at 2F1 in front of a convex lens. What is the
(ii) A ray of light strikes a glass slab at an angle of incidence (i) position (ii) size [CBSE 2020]
equal to 30°. Find the refractive index of glass such that 12. An object of height 5 cm is placed perpendicular to the
the angle of refraction is 19.5°. [CBSE 2015] principal axis of a concave lens of focal length 10 cm. If the
1 1 distance of the object from the optical centre of the lens is
(Take, sin 19.5° = and sin 30° = )
3 2 20 cm, determine the position, nature and size of the image
6. (i) Draw a ray diagram to show the refraction of light formed using the lens formula. [CBSE 2020]
through a glass slab and mark an angle of refraction and 13. The image of an object formed by a lens of magnification –1.
the lateral shift suffered by the ray of light while passing
If the distance between the object and its image is 60 cm,
through the slab.
(ii) If the refractive index of glass for light going from air to what is the focal length of the lens? If the object is moved
glass is 3/2, find the refractive index of air for light going 20 cm towards the lens, where would the image be formed?
from glass to air. [CBSE 2016] State reason and also draw a ray diagram in support of your
answer. [CBSE 2016]
22 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

14. A student has three concave mirrors A, B and C of focal lengths 17. One half of a convex lens of focal length 10 cm is covered
20 cm, 15 cm and 10 cm, respectively. For each concave with a black paper. Can such a lens produce an image of a
mirror, he performs the experiment of image formation for complete object placed at a distance of 30 cm from the lens?
three values of object distance of 30 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm. Draw a ray diagram to justify your answer.
Give reasons for the following: A 4 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to principal axis
(i) For the three object distances, identify the mirror which of a convex lens of focal length 20 cm. The distance of the
will form an image equal in size to that of object. Find at object from the lens is 15 cm. Find the nature, position and
least one value of object distance. the size of the image. [CBSE 2015]
(ii) Out of the three mirrors, identify the mirror which would
18. (i) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of image by a
be preferred to be used for shaving purpose.
convex lens when an object is placed in front of the lens
(iii) For the mirror B, draw ray diagram for image formation between its optical centre and principal focus.
for any two given values of object distance.  (ii) In the above ray diagram mark the object distance (u)
 [CBSE 2015] and the image distance (v) with their proper signs (+ve
15. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on the or -ve as per the new cartesian sign convention) and state
walls of the school laboratory by using a mirror. how these distances are related to the focal length (f) of
(i) Which type of mirror should he use and why? the convex lens in this case.
(ii) At what distance, in terms of focal length of the mirror, (iii) Find the power of convex lens which forms a real and
should he place the candle flame to get the magnified inverted image of magnification – 1 of an object placed
image on the wall? at a distance of 20 cm from its optical centre.
(iii) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the image  [CBSE 2018]
in this case. 19. (i) Two lenses have power of
(iv) Can he use this mirror to project a diminished image of (a) +2D (b) – 4D
the candle flame on the same wall? What is the nature and focal length of each lens?
State ‘how’, if your answer is ‘Yes’ and ‘why not’, if (ii) An object is kept at a distance of 100 cm from each of
your answer is ‘No’. [CBSE 2014] above lenses. Calculate
16. (i) Define optical centre of spherical lens. (a) Image distance and
(ii) A divergent lens has a focal length of 20 cm. At what (b) Magnification in each of the two cases.
distance should an object of height 4 cm from the optical  [CBSE 2020]
centre of the lens be placed, so that its image is formed 20. You have two lenses A and B of focal lengths +10 cm and
10 cm away from the lens. Find the size of the image also. –10 cm, respectively. State the nature and power of each lens.
(iii) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of image in Which of the two lenses will form a virtual and magnified
above situation. [CBSE 2016] image of an object placed 8 cm from the lens? Draw a ray
diagram to justify your answer. [CBSE 2020]

NTSE & Olympiad QUESTIONS

3. For an object at infinity, a concave mirror produces an image

ECTION a Multiple Choice Questions
at its focus which is
s
(a) enlarged (b) virtual
DIRECTIONS: This section contains multiple choice questions. (c) erect (d) real, inverted and diminished
Each question has 4 choices (a), (b), (c) and (d) out of which only 4. According to the laws of reflection
one is correct. (a) angle i = angle r (b) sin i = sin r
(c) sin i / sin r = constant (d) All of these
1. Rays from the sun converge at a point 15 cm in front of a
5. An inverted image can be seen in a convex mirror,
concave mirror. Where should an object be placed so that size (a) under no circumstances
of its image is equal to the size of the object? (b) when the object is very far from the mirror
(a) 15 cm in front of the mirror (c) when the object is at a distance equal to the radius of
(b) 30 cm in front of the mirror curvature of the mirror
(c) between 15 cm and 30 cm in front of the mirror (d) when the distance of the object from the mirror is equal
(d) more than 30 cm in front of the mirror. to the focal length of the mirror
2. Under which of the following conditions a concave mirror can 6. Which of the following statements is true?
form an image larger than the actual object? (a) A convex lens has 4 dioptre power having a focal length
(a) When the object is kept at a distance equal to its radius of 0.25 m
curvature (b) A convex lens has – 4 dioptre power having a focal length
(b) When object is kept at a distance less than its focal length 0.25 m
(c) When object is placed between the focus and centre of (c) A concave lens has 4 dipotre power having a focal length
curvature 0.25 m
(d) When object is kept at a distance greater than its radius (d) A concave lens has – 4 dioptre power having a focal
of curvature length 0.25 m
 physics 23

7. In case of a concave mirror, when the object is situated at the 15. Magnification produced by a rear view mirror fitted in vehicles
principal focus, the image formed is (a)  is less than one
(a) real and inverted (b) of infinite size (b) is more than one
(c) lies at infinity (d) All of these (c) is equal to one
(d) can be more than or less than one depending upon the
8. An object is placed at the focus of a concave mirror. The
position of the object in front of it.
image will be
(a) Enlarged, inverted and virtual 16. An object placed at F of a convex mirror will produce an
(b) virtual image
(a) Behind the mirror (b) Diminished
(c) erect
(c) Virtual and erect (d) All of these
(d) real, inverted and diminished
17. When a ray of light passes from an optically denser medium to
9. The relation between u, v and R for a spherical mirror is
a rarer medium, it
2uv 2
(a) R = (b) R = (a) goes undeviated
u+v u + v (b) bends away from the normal
2(u + v) (c) bends towards the normal
(c) R= (d) None of these (d) None of these
(uv )
10. A 10 mm long awlpin is placed vertically in front of a concave 18. In torches, search lights and headlights of vehicles the bulb is
placed
mirror. A 5 mm long image of the awlpin is formed at 30 cm
(a) between the pole and the focus of the reflector
in front of the mirror. The focal length of this mirror is
(b) very near to the focus of the reflector
(a) – 30 cm (b) – 20 cm
(c) between the focus and centre of curvature of the reflector
(c) – 40 cm (d) – 60 cm
(d) at the centre of curvature of the reflector
11. A child is standing in front of a magic mirror. She finds the
19. An object placed at 2F of a convex lens will produce an image
image of her head bigger, the middle portion of her body of
the same size and that of the legs smaller. The following is the (a) at 2F (b) same size
order of combinations for the magic mirror from the top. (c) real and inverted (d) All of these
(a) Plane, convex and concave 20. A straight line graph is obtained by plotting sine of angle of
(b) Convex, concave and plane incidence versus sine of angle of refraction. The slope of this
(c) Concave, plane and convex graph represents
(d) Convex, plane and concave
(a) velocity of light
12. An object placed at infinity of a concave mirror will produce (b) refractive index
an image (c) gravitational constant

sin i
(a) at focus (b) highly diminished (d) None of these
(c) real and inverted (d) All of these O sin r
13. The linear magnification for a mirror is the ratio of the size of 21. Which of the following ray diagrams is correct for the ray of
the image to the size of the object, and is denoted by m. Then, light incident on a lens shown in fig?
m is equal to (symbols have their usual meanings):
f f −u
(a) (b)
f −u f
F O F
f +v
(c) (d)
f v f
14. Which of the following correctly represents the variation of 1/u
versus 1/v for a concave mirror?

(a) (b)
F O F F O F
1 1
(a) (b)
v v

O 1 O 1
u u
(c) F O F (d) F O F

1 1
(c) v (d) v 22. An object placed between F and 2F of a convex lens will
produce an image
O 1 O 1 (a) beyond 2F (b) enlarged
u u (c) real and inverted (d) All of these
24 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

23. A swimming pool looks shallower than it really is, when 31. Three student measured the focal length of a convex lens
seen by a person standing outside near it, because of the using parallel rays from a distant object. All of them measured
phenomenon of the distance between the lens and the inverted image on the
(a) refraction of light (b) reflection of light
screen.
(c) dispersion of light (d) None of these
(a)  Student A saw a sharp image on the screen and labelled
24. How will the image formed by a convex lens be affected if the the distance as f1.
upper half of the lens is wrapped with a black paper?
(b)  Student B saw a slightly larger blurred image on the
(a) The size of the image is reduced to one-half
(b) The upper half of the image will be absent screen and labelled the distance as f2.
(c) The brightness of the image is reduced (c)  Student C saw slightly larger blurred image on the screen
(d) There will be no effect Black paper and labelled the distance as f3.
25. Negative value of focal length of a spherical mirror indicates (d)  The relation between the three measurement would most
that it is likely be:
(a) Concave mirror (b) Convex mirror (a) f1 = f2 = f3
(c) Plane mirror (d) None of these (b) f1 < f2 and f3
26. A student sitting on the last bench can read the letters written (c) f1 < f2 and f1 = f3
on the blackboard but is not able to read the letters written in
his textbook. Which of the following statements is correct? (d) None of these
(a) The near point of his eyes has receded away
(b) The near point of his eyes has come closer to him ECTION B Matching Based MCQ

s
(c) The far point of his eyes has come closer to him
DIRECTIONS (Qs.32 to 35): Match Column-I with Column-II
(d) The far point of his eyes has receded away and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
27. A person cannot see distinctly objects kept beyond 2 m. This columns.
defect can be corrected by using a lens of power
(a) + 0.5 D (b) – 0. 5 D 32. Column-I Column-II
(c) + 0. 2 D (d) – 0. 2 D (Position of the (Nature and size of image
object) formed by a convex lens)
28. A ray of light propagates from an optically denser medium to
an optically rarer medium. (a) At infinity (p) At C
(a) It will bend towards the normal after refraction. (b) Beyond C (q) At infinity
(b) It will bend away from the normal after refraction. (c) At C (r) Behind the mirror
(c) It will continue to go on the same path after refraction.
Between C and F
(d) It will refract making an angle of refraction = angle of (d) (s) 343.2 m/s
water (distilled)
incidence.
(e) At F (t) Between F and C
29. The distance between a spherical lens and the image is
(f) Between P and F (g) Beyond C
–15 cm. The lens is
(a) concave lens (a)  (A) - (t); (B) - (r); (C) - (p); (D) - (u); E - (q); F - (s)
(b) convex lens (b)  (A) - (r); (B) - (t); (C) - (p); (D) - (u); E - (q); F - (s)
(c) either of the two irrespective of the object distance (c)  (A) - (r); (B) - (t); (C) - (p); (D) - (u); E - (s); F - (q)
(d) either concave lens or convex lens with object between O (d) (A) - (r); (B) - (t); (C) - (u); (D) - (p); E - (q); F - (s)
and F. 33.
Column-I Column-II
30. A ray of light travels from medium I to medium II. The figure (Position of the (Position of the image
given shows the variation of sin of angles of incidence (sin i) in object) formed by a convex mirror)
medium I with sin of angle of refraction (sin r) in medium II.
(a) At infinity (p) Real, inverted, same size
(b) Beyond 2F (q) Real, inverted, highly
sin r

enlarged
(c) At 2F (r) Real, inverted, point-sized
q > 45º
(d) Between F and 2F (s) Real, inverted, diminished
sin i
Consider the following statements (e) At focus F (t) Virtual, erect, enlarged
(i) Speed of light in medium I > Speed of light in medium II. (f) Between F and O (g) Real, inverted, enlarged
(ii) Speed of light in medium I < Speed of light in medium II.
(iii) Light travels from denser medium to rarer medium. (a) (A) - (r); (B) - (s); (C) - (p); (D) - (u); E - (q); F - (t)
Which of the statement given above is/are correct ? (b) (A) - (s); (B) - (r); (C) - (p); (D) - (u); E - (q); F - (t)
(a) (i) only (b) (ii) only (c) (A) - (r); (B) - (s); (C) - (u); (D) - (p); E - (q); F - (t)
(c) (i) and (iii) (d) (ii) and (iii) (d) (A) - (r); (B) - (s); (C) - (p); (D) - (u); E - (t); F - (q)
 physics 25

34. 40. Consider the following statements:

Column-I Column-II
(i) The values of u and f for a concave lens are always
(a) Power of convex mirror (p) Positive power negative by convention.
(b) Power of concave mirror (q) Negative power (ii) The power of a convex lens is negative and that of a
concave lens is positive.
(c) Power of plane mirror (r) Zero power (iii) A concave lens always forms a virtual, erect and smaller
image.
(a) (A) - (r); (B) - (p); (C) - (q)
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
(b) (A) - (q); (B) - (p); (C) - (r)
(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (A) - (q); (B) - (r); (C) - (p) (c) (ii) and (iii) (d) All are correct
(d) (A) - (p); (B) - (q); (C) - (r)
ECTION D Passage Based MCQ
35.

s
Column-I Column-II
(a) Speed (p) No unit DIRECTIONS (Qs. 41 to 44): Read the passage(s) given below
and answer the questions that follow.
(b) Focal length (q) Dioptre
(c) Power of a lens (r) ms–1 Passage-1: A convex mirror, fish eye mirror or diverging mirror, is a
curved mirror in which the reflective surface bulges toward the light
(d) Refractive index (s) cm
source. Convex mirrors reflect light outwards, therefore, they are not
(a) (A) - (q); (B) - (p); (C) - (r); (D) - (s) used to focus light. Such mirrors always form a virtual image, since the
(b) (A) - (s); (B) - (q); (C) - (p); (D) - (r) focus (F) and the centre of curvature (2F) are both imaginary points
“inside” the mirror, which cannot be reached. Therefore, images
(c) (A) - (r); (B) - (q); (C) - (p); (D) - (s)
formed by these mirrors cannot be taken on screen.
(d) (A) - (r); (B) - (s); (C) - (q); (D) - (p) (As they are inside the mirror) concave mirror, or converging mirror,
has a reflecting surface that bulges inward (away from the incident
ECTION C Statement Based MCQ light). Concave mirrors reflect light inward to one focal point, therefore,
s
they are used to focus light. Unlike convex mirrors, concave mirrors
36. Consider the following statements: show different image types depending on the distance between the
(i) Light has transverse wave nature. object and the mirror. These mirrors are called” converging” because
(ii) Light cannot travel in vacuum. they tend to collect light that falls on them, refocusing parallel incoming
(iii) No particle can ever move at a speed greater than the rays toward a focus. This is because the light is reflected at different
speed of light in vacuum. angles, since the normal to the surface differs with each spot on the
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct? mirror.
(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i) and (iii) 41. The centre of the sphere of which the spherical mirror forms a
(c) (ii) and (iii) (d) All are correct part is called –––––––.
37. Consider the following statements: (a) centre of curvature (b) focus
(i) The focal length of a spherical mirror has a smaller (c) pole (d) vertex
magnitude than that of its radius of curvature. 42. The focus of a concave mirror is _________
(ii) A spherical mirror cannot form an image whose size is (a) real (b) virtual
the same as that of the object. (c) undefined (d) at the pole
(iii) A ray of light incident parallel to the principal axis of a 43. A converging mirror is known as ________
spherical mirror retraces its path after reflection. (a) convex mirror (b) plane mirror
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct ? (c) concave mirror (d) cylindrical mirror
(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i) and (iii) 44. An image formed by a convex mirror is always
(c) Only (i) (d) Only (iii) (a)  virtual, erect and diminished
38. Consider the following statements: (b)  virtual, real and magnified
(i) The laws of reflection are valid for plane mirrors and not (c)  real, inverted and diminished
for spherical mirrors. (d)  real, erect and magnified
(ii) A real image of a point object can be formed only by a
concave mirror. ECTION E Assertion Reason Based MCQ
s
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct? DIRECTIONS (Qs. 45 to 51): Following questions consist of two
(a) (i) only (b) (i) only statements, one labelled as the ‘Assertion’ and the other as ‘Reason’.
(c) Both (i) and (ii) (d) Neither (i) nor (ii) You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the
39. Consider the following statements: answer to these items using the code given below.
(i) The speed of light is higher in a rarer medium than in a Codes:
denser medium. (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct
(ii) When a ray of light travels from air to water, its speeds explanation of A:
up. (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct? explanation of A.
(a) (i) only (b) (ii) only (c) A is true but R is false
(c) Both (i) and (ii) (d) Neither (i) nor (ii) (d) A is false but R is true.
26 Chapter 10 : Light - Reflection and Refraction

45. Assertion: Ladies use concave mirrors for doing make up.
ECTION F finition Based MCQ
Reason: Concave mirror makes a real and diminished image

s
De
of an object. 52. Snell’s law is defined as
46. Assertion: Convex mirror is used as a rear view mirror in (a) sin i / sin r = 1m2 (b) sin r / sin i = 1m2
vehicles. (c) sin i / sin r = 2m1 (d) 1 / sin i = m
Reason: Image of an object formed by a convex mirror is
53. The mirror formula:
inverted and diminished.
(a) is a relationship among u, v & f
47. Assertion: Convex mirror used is street lights. (b) is a relationship among u, v & m
Reason: Convex mirror diverges light over a small area than (c) is a relationship among f, m & u
the plane mirror. (d) is a relationship among f, m & v
48. Assertion: Light bends from its path, when it goes from one
medium to another medium. ECTION G Based MCQ

s
Feature
Reason: Speed of light changes, when it goes from one
54. On the basis of following features identify the correct option.
medium to another medium.
(i) Image formed is virtual and erect
49. Assertion: Wavelength of light decreases, when it travels (ii) Size of image formed is equal to size of object
from air to water. (ii) The right side of the object appears as the left of its image
Reason: Wavelength of light in water. and vice-versa.
(a) Concave mirror (b) Convex mirror
Wavelength of light in air
= (c) Plane mirror (d) Both (i) and (ii)
Refractive index of water
55. On the basis of following features identify the correct option.
50. Assertion: Convex lens is used in terrestrial telescope. (i) It is also known as diverging lens.
Reason: When an object is placed at 2F (F = focus of the (ii) This lens diverges rays of light.
lens) of a lens, its real and inverted image of the same size as (a) Convex lens (b) Concave lens
that of the object is formed. (c) Both (i) and (ii) (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)
51. Assertion: Convex lens of a small focal length is used as a 56. On the basis of following features identify the correct option.
magnifying glass. (i) It is curved lens
1 1 1
Reason: Convex lens forms an enlarged image of an object, (ii) It has lens formula = –
f v u
when the object is placed beyond the focus of the lens.
(a) Convex lens (b) Concave lens
(c) Both (i) and (ii) (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)
❑❑❑

Answer Keys

Multiple Choice Question

1 b 2 b 3 d 4 d 5 d 6 d 7 a 8 a 9 a 10 b
11 c 12 c 13 b

Case Based Question

1 b 2 b 3 b 4 c 5 c 6 a 7 c 8 c 9 a 10 a
11 c 12 a 13 c 14 a 15 a 16 b 17 a 18 b 19 b 20 a
21 d 22 b 23 c 24 b 25 bd

NTSE Olympiad

1 b 2 c 3 d 4 a 5 a 6 a 7 d 8 d 9 a 10 b
11 c 12 d 13 a 14 b 15 a 16 d 17 b 18 b 19 c 20 b
21 a 22 c 23 a 24 c 25 a 26 a 27 a 28 b 29 d 30 d
31 b 32 b 33 a 34 b 35 d 36 b 37 c 38 c 39 a 40 b
41 a 42 b 43 c 44 a 45 c 46 c 47 c 48 a 49 a 50 a
51 c 52 a 53 a 54 c 55 b 56 c