Multiple-choice Questions

1. Which of the following can make a parallel beam of light when light from a point
source is incident on it?

(a) Concave mirror as well as convex lens

(b) Convex mirror as well as a concave lens

(c) Two plane mirrors placed at 90° to each other

(d) Concave mirror as well as a concave lens

Soln:

The answer is (a) Concave mirror as well as convex lens

Explanation:

Emergent beams are parallel, and the image is produced at infinity when light rays from a
point source are incident on a concave mirror and convex lens.

249

2. A 10 mm long awl pin is placed vertically in front of a concave mirror. A 5 mm

long image of the awl pin is formed at 30 cm in front of the mirror. The focal length
of this mirror is

(a) – 30 cm

(b) – 20 cm

(c) – 40 cm

(d) – 60 cm

Soln:

The answer is (b) – 20 cm

Explanation:

Here, size of object = O = + 10.0 mm = + 1.0 cm (as, 1 cm = 10 mm)

Size of Image size = I = 5.0 mm = 0.5 cm

Image distance, v = − 30 cm (as the image is real)

Let, object distance = u

Focal length, f =?

Magnification m= I(size of image)/O(size of image)

Magnification is given by m= -v/u

i/o=-V/u

0.5/1=-30/u

U = -60cm

Focal length is given by 1/f =1/v + 1/u

1/f=1/-30 + 1/60

= -2-1/60

=-3/60

F= -20cm

12

3. Under which of the following conditions a concave mirror can form an image
larger than the actual object?

(a) When the object is kept at a distance equal to its radius of curvature

(b) When an object is kept at a distance less than its focal length

(c) When an object is placed between the focus and centre of curvature

(d) When an object is kept at a distance greater than its radius of curvature

Soln:

The answer is (c) When an object is placed between the focus and centre of curvature
Explanation:

When an object is placed between F and C, an enlarged image is formed beyond C.

201

4. Figure 10.1 shows a ray of light as it travels from medium A to medium B.

Refractive index of the

medium B relative to medium A is

(a) √3 / √2

(b) 2 / 3

(c) 1/ 2

(d) 2

Soln:

The answer is (a) 3 / 2

Refractive Index of B with respect to A

=sin i/sin r

=sin60/sin45

= ( √3 /2) /(1/ √2)

= √3 / √2

492

5. A light ray enters from medium A to medium B, as shown in Figure 10.2. The
refractive

index of medium B relative to A will be

(a) greater than unity

(b) less than unity

(c) equal to unity

(d) zero

Soln:

The answer is (a) greater than unity

611

6. Beams of light are incident through holes A and B and emerge out of the box
through holes C and D, respectively, as shown in the Figure10.3. Which of the
following could be inside the box?

(a) A rectangular glass slab

(b) A convex lens

(c) A concave lens

(d) A prism

Soln:

The answer is (a) A rectangular glass slab

Explanation:

When incident rays fall perpendicularly on the point of incidence. A rectangular glass slab
would refract and then re-refract it.

201

7. A beam of light is incident through the holes on side A and emerges out of the
holes on the other face of the box, as shown in Figure 10.4. Which of the following
could be inside the box?

(a) Concave lens

(b) Rectangular glass slab

(c) Prism

(d) Convex lens

Soln:

The answer is (d) Convex lens

Explanation:

Convex lenses are converging lenses. They have the ability to converge a parallel beam of
light into a point.

261

8. Which of the following statements is true?

(a) A convex lens has 4 dioptre power having a focal length 0.25 m

(b) A convex lens has –4 dioptre power having a focal length 0.25 m

(c) A concave lens has 4 dioptre power having a focal length 0.25 m

(d) A concave lens has –4 dioptre power having a focal length 0.25 m

Soln:

The answer is (a) A convex lens has 4 dioptre power having a focal length 0.25 m

Explanation:

A positive value for focal length indicates a convex lens.

163

9. Magnification produced by a rearview mirror fitted in vehicles

(a) is less than one

(b) is more than one

(c) is equal to one

(d) can be more than or less than one, depending upon the position of the object in
front of it

Soln:

The answer is (a) is less than one

Explanation:

A Convex mirror is used in the rearview mirror. The convex mirror always gives a smaller
image. Hence, the magnification produced by the rear view mirror is always less than 1.

261

10. Rays from Sun converge at a point 15 cm in front of a concave mirror. Where
should an object be placed, so that size of its image is equal to the size of the
object?

(a) 15 cm in front of the mirror

(b) 30 cm in front of the mirror

(c) between 15 cm and 30 cm in front of the mirror

(d) more than 30 cm in front of the mirror

Soln:

The answer is (d) more than 30 cm in front of the mirror

Explanation:

Here f= 15,

The radius of curvature is double the focal length

hence c=30

When an object is placed on c, its image is of the same size, inverted and is formed on c.

319

11. A full-length image of a distant tall building can definitely be seen by using
(a) a concave mirror

(b) a convex mirror

(c) a plane mirror

(d) both concave as well as plane mirror

Soln:

The answer is (b) a convex mirror

Explanation:

The field of a convex mirror is more than any type of mirror. Hence the full-length size of the
building can be seen by using a convex mirror.

95

12. In torches, searchlights and headlights of vehicles, the bulb is placed

(a) between the pole and the focus of the reflector

(b) very near to the focus of the reflector

(c) between the focus and centre of curvature of the reflector

(d) at the centre of curvature of the reflector

Soln:

The answer is (b) very near to the focus of the reflector

Explanation:

Headlight reflectors and searchlights are in the shape of a concave mirror. When the source of
light is placed at the focus, reflected light appears like a beam.

190

13. The laws of reflection hold good for

(a) plane mirror only

(b) concave mirror only

(c) convex mirror only

(d) all mirrors, irrespective of their shape

Soln:

The answer is (d) all mirrors, irrespective of their shape

17

14. The path of a ray of light coming from air passing through a rectangular glass
slab traced by four students are shown as A, B, C and D in Figure 10.5. Which one
of them is correct?

(a) A

(b) B

(c) C

(d) D

Soln:

Soln:

The answer is b) B

Explanation:

Light bends towards normal when it passes from air to glass. Light bends away from normal
when it passes from glass to air. This is appropriately shown in figure b).

16

15. You are given water, mustard oil, glycerine and kerosene. In which of these
media a ray of light incident obliquely at the same angle would bend the most?

(a) Kerosene

(b) Water
(c) Mustard oil

(d) Glycerine

Soln:

The answer is (d) Glycerine

Explanation:

Refractive indices

Water-1.33

Kerosene-1.44

Mustard oil-1.46

Glycerine-1.47

Hence Glycerine is optically dense hence ray of light bends more with glycerine.

62

16. Which of the following ray diagrams is correct for the ray of light incident on a
concave mirror as shown in Figure 10.6?

(a) Fig. A

(b) Fig. B

(c) Fig. C

(d) Fig. D

Soln:

The answer is (d) Fig. D

Explanation:
In the case of the concave mirror, an incident ray is parallel to the principal axis and passes
through F after reflection.

12

17. Which of the following ray diagrams is correct for the ray of light incident on a
lens shown in Fig. 10.7?

(a) Fig. A.

(b) Fig. B.

(c) Fig. C.

(d) Fig. D.

Soln:

The answer is (a) Fig. A.

Explanation:

In a convex lens, the incident ray passing through F goes parallel to the principal axis after
refraction.

22

18. A child is standing in front of a magic mirror. She finds the 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 order of combinations for the magic mirror from the top.

(a) Plane, convex and concave

(b) Convex, concave and plane

(c) Concave, plane and convex

(d) Convex, plane and concave

Soln:

The answer is (c) Concave, plane and convex

Explanation:

When the object is between F and P of the concave mirror enlarged image is formed behind
the mirror. Hence child can see her head bigger in a concave mirror. She can see her body
size of the same size because the plane mirror gives an image of the original size. Convex
mirror gives diminished images, and the baby’s legs appear smaller.

42

19. In which of the following, the image of an object placed at infinity will be highly
diminished and point sized?

(a) Concave mirror only

(b) Convex mirror only

(c) Convex lens only

(d) Concave mirror, convex mirror, concave lens and convex lens

Soln:

The answer is (d) Concave mirror, convex mirror, concave lens and convex lens

53

Short Answer Questions

20. Identify the device used as a spherical mirror or lens in the following cases,
when the image formed is virtual and erect in each case.

(a) Object is placed between the device and its focus, and an image formed is
enlarged and behind it.

(b) Object is placed between the focus and device, and an image formed is
enlarged and on the same side as that of the object.

(c) Object is placed between infinity and device, an image formed is diminished and
between focus and optical centre on the same side as that of the object.

(d) Object is placed between infinity and device, image formed is diminished and
between pole and focus, behind it.
Soln:

(a) Concave mirror

179

(b) Convex lens

98

(c) Concave lens

75

(d) Convex mirror

76

21. Why does a light ray incident on a rectangular glass slab immersed in any
medium emerges parallel to itself? Explain using a diagram.

Soln:

When a light ray enters a denser medium from the rarer medium, it bends towards the normal
In this case extent of bending of the ray at the opposite parallel is the same. Hence emergent
ray is parallel to the incident ray.

304

22. A pencil, when dipped in water in a glass tumbler, appears to be bent at the
interface of air and water. Will the pencil appear to be bent to the same extent if,
instead of water, we use liquids like kerosene or turpentine? Support your answer
with reasons.

Soln:

The bending of light here is a function of refraction. Refraction is dependent on refractive

indices. Refractive indices of kerosene or turpentine would not be the same as water. Hence
the degree of the bend would be different in different mediums.

172

23. How is the refractive index of a medium related to the speed of light? Obtain an
expression for the refractive index of a medium with respect to another in terms of
the speed of light in these two media.
Soln:

Refractive Index can be seen as the factor by which the speed and the wavelength of the
radiation are reduced with respect to their vacuum values.

w=civ (where n:refractive index,c=speed of light,v:velocity of light in that medium)

The refractive index of one medium in relation to a second medium is given by the ratio of the
speed of light In the second medium to the speed of light in the first medium.

207

24. Refractive index of a diamond with respect to glass is 1.6, and the absolute
refractive index of glass is 1.5. Find out the absolute refractive index of the
diamond.

Soln:

Absolute RI of diamond= 1.6

Absolute RI of glass= 1.5

Multiplying them we get 2.4

298

25. A convex lens of focal length 20 cm can produce a magnified virtual as well as
real image. Is this a correct statement? If yes, where shall the object be placed in
each case for obtaining these images?

Soln:

When an object is placed in F and F2 of a convex lens, we get an inverted, enlarged and real
image is formed beyond 2F2, which is on the other side of the lens. Hence we need to place
the object between 20 and 40 cm of the lens.

When an object is placed between F and 0 of a convex lens, its enlarged, erect and virtual
image is formed beyond FL i.e. on the same side of the lens. So for this, we need to place the
object at a distance less than 20 cm from the lens.

154

26. Sudha finds out that the sharp image of the window pane of her science
laboratory is formed at a distance of 15 cm from the lens. She now tries to focus on
the building visible to her outside the window instead of the window pane without
disturbing the lens. In which direction will she move the screen to obtain a sharp
image of the building? What is the approximate focal length of this lens?

Soln:

To obtain a clear image of the building, Sudha has to move the screen towards the lens. The
focal length will be approximately 15 cm. The rays of light coming from a distant object such
as a tree (or a distant building or electricity pole) can be considered to be parallel to each
other. When parallel rays of light are incident on a convex lens, the rays, after refraction,
converge at focus on the other side of the lens.

430

27. How are the power and focal length of a lens related? You are provided with
two lenses of focal lengths 20 cm and 40 cm, respectively. Which lens will you use
to obtain more convergent light?

Soln:

The power of the lens is inversely proportional to the focal length of the lens. A lens with a
focal length of 20 has more power than a lens with a focal length of 40 cm. A lens with higher
power should be used to obtain more convergent light.

87

28. Under what condition in an arrangement of two plane mirrors, incident ray and
reflected ray will always be parallel to each other, whatever may be the angle of
incidence? Show the same with the help of a diagram.

Soln:

If two plane mirrors are placed perpendicular to each other, then the incident ray and
reflected ray will always be parallel to each other.

121

29. Draw a ray diagram showing the path of rays of light when it enters with
oblique incidence

(i) from air into water, (ii) from water into air.
Soln:

The speed of light decreases when it passes from a rarer medium to a denser medium, and
also, light rays bend towards normal.

When a ray of light passes from a denser medium to a rarer medium-light, rays bend away
from the normal.

26

Long Answer Questions

30. Draw ray diagrams showing the image formation by a concave mirror when an
object is placed

(a) between pole and focus of the mirror

(b) between focus and centre of curvature of the mirror

(c) at the centre of curvature of the mirror

(d) a little beyond the centre of curvature of the mirror

(e) at infinity

Soln:

a)

19

b)
10

C)

d)

e)

11

31. Draw ray diagrams showing the image formation by a convex lens when an
object is placed

(a) between optical centre and focus of the lens

(b) between focus and twice the focal length of the lens

(c) at twice the focal length of the lens

(d) at infinity (e) at the focus of the lens

Soln:

a)

24

b)

15
c)

d)

e)

32. Write laws of refraction. Explain the same with the help of a ray diagram, when
a ray of light passes through a rectangular glass slab.

Soln:

Laws of refraction

1.Incident ray refracted ray and normal at the point of incidence lie in the same plane.
2.The ratio of the sine of incidence and sine of refraction is constant for the given
colour and pair of media.

• ABCD is a glass slab. EF is an incident ray which is incident on point 0 on the air-glass
interface.

• NO is normal and _LEON = : I; which Is angle of incidence.

• NV is normally extended towards the glass slab and ..LV ’00 = Zri; which is the angle of
refraction.

• 00′ is refracted ray from surface AB. It behaves like an incident rayon surface CD.

• the ray EF bends when it enters the slab to become 00′.

• MO’ and O’M’ are normal on surface CD.

• GH is the emergent ray.

• ZOO’ Al = Li,; which is the angle of Incidence at surface CD.

• Z.110′ H = Zr,; which is the angle of refraction at surface CD.

• It is observed that EF. NO and 00′ lie in the same plane: which is in accordance with the first
law of refraction.

• It is also observed that EF II GH, which means the emergent ray is parallel to the incident
ray. This happens because the degree of bend at opposite surfaces of the glass slab is the
same.

62

33. Draw ray diagrams showing the image formation by a concave lens when an
object is placed

(a) at the focus of the lens

(b) between focus and twice the focal length of the lens

(c) beyond twice the focal length of the lens

Soln:

(a) The ray diagram when the object is placed at the focus of the concave lens:

47

(b) The ray diagram when the object is placed between focus and twice the length of focal
length of the lens:

18

(c) Ray diagram when the object is beyond twice the focal length of the concave lens:

22
34. Draw ray diagrams showing the image formation by a convex mirror when an
object is placed

(a) at infinity

(b) at a finite distance from the mirror

Soln:

a) At Infinity

26

b) At infinite distance from the mirror

35. The image of a candle flame formed by a lens is obtained on a screen

placed on the other side of the lens. If the image is three times the size
of the flame and the distance between the lens and the image is 80 cm,
at what distance should the candle be placed from the lens? What is the
nature of the image at a distance of 80 cm and the lens?

Soln:

As the image is obtained on the screen, it is real.

so,

Magnification , m = –3 ,

v = 80 cm

u=?

As m = v/u

so,

–3 = 80/u,
u = –80/3 cm .

From

1/f = 1/v – 1/u

=1/80 + 3/80

= 4/80

= 1/20

1/f = 1/20cm

so,

f = 20 cm .

The lens is convex and the image formed at 80 cm from the lens is real and
inverted.

119

36. Size of the image of an object by a mirror having a focal length of 20

cm is observed to be reduced to 1/3rd of its size. At what distance has
the object been placed from the mirror? What is the nature of the image
and the mirror?

Soln:

m = 1/3

Using = 1/v+1/u=1/f

Calculate u;u = – 80 cm.

The image is real and inverted. The mirror is concave.

786

37. Define the power of a lens. What is its unit? One student uses a lens
with a focal length of 50 cm and another of –50 cm. What is the nature of
the lens and its power used by each of them?

Soln:
The degree of convergence and divergence provided by a lens is called the power
of the lens. The unit of power of the lens is Diopter D.

The focal length of the lens used by the first student is in positive; hence, it is a
convex lens. The lens of the second student is a concave lens.

p=1/f =1/0.5 =2

Power of lens (first student) =+2

Power of lens (second student) = ).2

91

38. A student-focussed the image of a candle flame on a white screen

using a convex lens. He noted down the position of the candle screen
and the lens as under

Position of candle = 12.0 cm

Position of convex lens = 50.0 cm

Position of the screen = 88.0 cm

i) What is the focal length of the convex lens?

ii) Where will the image be formed if he shifts the candle towards the
lens at a position of 31.0 cm?

iii) What will be the nature of the image formed if he further shifts the
candle towards the lens?

iv) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the image in case (iii),
as said above.

Soln:

Position of the candle flame = 12.0cm

Position of the lens= 50.0 cm

Position of the screen=88.0 cm

i) u= 50-12= 38 cm.
Image distance v= 88-50= 38cm

Focal length =1/v – 1/u= 1/f

f= 19cm

ii) Object distance u= 50-31= 19 cm

Here

Object distance = focal length

Hence the image is formed at infinity.

iii)

If he further shifts the candle towards the lens. The object comes between F and
0. In this case. The image is virtual, enlarged and erect and is formed on the same
side of the lens.

iv)