10th ICSE Physics Notes and Question paper

Refraction of Light
“Change in path of a light ray as it passes from one medium to another medium is Chapter Objectives
called refraction of light.”
Laws of Refraction
When light travels from a rarer medium to a denser one, it bends towards the normal Refractive Index
(i > r) and when travels from a denser medium to a rarer one, it bends away from the Refraction Through a Rectangular
normal (i < r). Glass Block
where, i = angle of incidence, r = angle of refraction. Multiple Images in Thick Glass
Incident Incident Plate/Mirror
ray i ray i Simple Applications of
Rarer Denser
Refraction of Light
r
r Denser Rarer
Refracted Some Consequences of Refraction
ray
Refracted ray
of Light
Prism
Refraction of light Critical Angle

Some Important Terms Used in Refraction of Light Total Internal Reflection (TIR)

Some important terms used in refraction of light are as follow

(i) Incident Ray It is a ray of light which strikes the plane surface or a ray of light
which travels towards the another optical medium.
(ii) Point of Incidence It is that point where an incident ray strikes the other
optical medium.
(iii) Normal It is always perpendicular to the point of incidence.
(iv) Angle of Incidence It is an angle which an incident ray makes with the normal.
(v) Refracted Ray It is a ray of light which gets deviated from its path after entering in
another optical medium.
(vi) Angle of Refraction It is an angle which the refracted ray makes with the normal.
Causes of Refraction
The speed of light is different in different media. It is lesser in denser medium and
greater in rarer medium. So, when light enters a denser medium its speed reduces and it
bends towards the normal and when it enters rarer medium, its speed increases and it
bends away from the normal.
Note When light is incident normally (i = 0° ), the speed of light changes but the direction of light does
not change.

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Partial Reflection and Refraction due Refractive Index
to Change in Medium The extent of the change in direction that takes place in a
Partial reflection and refraction occurs when a wave is given pair of media is expressed in terms of the refractive
travelling between two mediums. Some of the wave is index.
reflected back and the rest is refracted through the other
medium. 1 µ 2 represents refractive index of medium 2 with respect
Normal
to medium 1, when light is going from medium 1 to
Incident ray medium 2.
Reflected ray
µ 2 sin i
1 µ2 = =
i i
Air
µ 1 sin r
Water
r The refractive index of a medium with respect to vacuum,
is called absolute refractive index of the medium. The
Refracted ray
absolute refractive index of a medium is simply called its
refractive index.
Note Partial reflection and refraction depends on angle of incidence.
For 0° angle of incidence-mostly refraction, little or no reflection.
For glass/water pair,
For angle θ ( 45° < θ < 90° ) little refraction, mostly reflection. µg
a
wµ g =
µw
Laws of Refraction a

There are two laws of refraction of light which are stated as below Note Refractive index of air is minimum and refractive index of
diamond is maximum.
First Law
The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal at the Refractive Index and Speed of Light
point of incidence, all lie in the same plane. If c is the speed of light in air and v is the speed of light in
N medium, then the refractive index of the medium is
Medium 1
i
Speed of light in vacuum /air c
µ= =
Speed of light in medium v
r Medium 2
Hence for any two media, the refractive index of second
medium with respect to first medium is equal to the ratio
Law of refraction of the velocities of lights in the medium.
Second Law Refractive index of glass with respect to air,
The ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of angle Velocity of light in air c
a µg = = …(i)
of refraction is constant for a given pair of media. This Velocity of light in glass vg
constant is known as refractive index of the second
medium w.r.t. first medium. It is expressed as Refractive index of water with respect to air,
sin i Velocity of light in air c
µ= = constant a µw = = …(ii)
sin r Velocity of light in water v w
This relation is also known as Snell’s law. On dividing Eq. (ii) from Eq. (i), we get
a µw
vg
CHECK POINT 01 = = gµ w
a µg vw
1 Define refraction.
Values of µ for common substances,
2 Mention the cause of refraction of light, when it passes from one
medium to another. µ of water = 1.33
3 What do you mean by optically rarer medium? µ of glass = 1.52
4 During the refraction of light, the frequency of light remains
constant. Explain the reason.
µ of diamond = 2.47
5 State second law of refraction.

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Example 1. If refractive index of water is 1.33, then Conditions for No Refraction
determine the speed of light in this medium, if the There are following two conditions under which a ray of light
speed of light in vacuum is given by 3 × 10 8 ms −1 . passes undeviated from medium 1 to medium 2
Sol. Since, refractive index of water can be given by
Speed of light in vacuum
(i) When the refractive index of medium 2 is same as
µw = that of medium1.
Speed of light in water
3 × 108 (ii) When the angle of incidence at the boundary
⇒ 1.33 = surface of the two media is zero (i = 0° ).
Speed of light in water
3 × 108
∴ Speed of light in water = = 2.25 × 108 ms−1 Relation between Speed, Frequency
1.33
and Wavelength of Light
Example 2. Refractive indices of water and glass are
The equation that relates wavelength and frequency is
4/3 and 3/2 respectively. A ray of light travelling in
water is incident on the water glass interface at 30°. ν = fλ
Calculate the angle of refraction. where, ν = speed of light in vacuum,
4
Sol. Given, refractive index of water, aµ w = f = frequency of light and λ = wavelength of light.
3
3
Refractive index of glass, a
µg = Effect on Speed, Wavelength and
2
Angle of incidence in water, i = 30° Frequency Due to Refraction of Light
Angle of refraction, r = ? The effects due to refraction of light on speed, frequency and
a
µ 3/ 2 9 wavelength are given below as
As, w
µg = a g = ⇒ wµ g =
µw 4/ 3 8 (i) Speed of light increases when light passes from
According to Snell’s law, denser to rarer medium and it decreases when light
sin i w
= µg ⇒
sin i 9
=
passes from rarer to denser medium.
sin r sin r 8 (ii) Frequency is a characteristic light, therefore it remains
8 8 8 1 same as light travels from one medium to another.
sin r = sin i ⇒ sin r = sin 30° = × = 0. 444
9 9 9 2
(iii) Wavelength of light increases when light passes from
sin r = 0. 444
denser to rarer medium (as speed also increases) and
⇒ r = sin –1 (0. 444) = 26.38°
it decreases when light passes from rarer to denser
Factors Affecting the Refractive Index medium (as speed also decreases) but its frequency
of Medium remains constant.
There are following two factors on which the refractive index of Principle of Reversibility of Light
medium depends When a light ray after suffering any number of reflections
(i) Wavelength of Incident Light The refractive index and refractions, its final path has reversed, it travels back
of a medium decreases with increase in wavelength along its entire initial path. This is called principle of
of incident light. reversibility of light.
O
Since, the speed of light is different for different
colours thus, the light travels slower in case of low i Medium 1
wavelength which leads to increase in refractive index. A
∴ µ red < µ violet
Medium 2
(ii) Temperature The refractive index of a medium r
decreases with increase in temperature of medium. B
(Q velocity of light increases with increase in
temperature of medium)
Reversibility of light
∴ µ T > µ T as T1 < T2
1 2 In the given figure, OA is an incident ray in medium 1 and
(iii) Optical Density of a Medium Refractive index of a AB is the refracted ray in medium 2. By Snell’s law, the
medium depends on optical density of a medium, refractive index of medium 2 relative to medium 1 is given by
more optical denser medium has larger value of sin i
refractive index and vice-versa.
1
µ2 = ...(i)
sin r

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where, i and r are the angles of incidence and refraction Lateral Displacement
respectively. The perpendicular distance between the emergent ray and
Suppose, the ray AB is reflected back by a plane mirror. incident ray when the light passes out of a glass slab is called
Now, BA is the incident ray and AO is the refracted ray. lateral displacement.
Correspondingly, r is angle of incidence and i is angle of It can be calculated by the formula,
refraction. Again by Snell’s law, the refractive index of t sin (i − r )
medium 1 relative to medium 2 is given by lateral displacement =
sin r cos r
2
µ1 = …(ii) where, t = thickness of the glass block,
sin i
i = angle of incidence and r = angle of refraction.
Multiplying Eqs. (i) and (ii), we have The lateral displacement depends upon the following factors
sin i sin r 1 (i) thickness of the glass block,
1
µ2 × 2 µ1 = × = 1 or 1
µ2 =
sin r sin i 2
µ1 (ii) angle of incidence and
(iii) refractive index of glass.
Thus, the refractive index of medium 2 relative to Example 3. A ray of light is incident at angle of 45°
medium 1 is equal to the reciprocal of the refractive index on one face of a rectangular glass slab of thickness
of medium 1 relative to medium 2. 10 cm and refractive index 1.5. Calculate the lateral
shift produced.
Refraction Through a Sol. Here, i = 45°, t = 10 cm, µ = 1. 5
Rectangular Glass Block Lateral shift = ?
sin i sin i
So, µ= ⇒ sin r =
When a light ray enters in a glass slab, then the emergent sin r µ
ray is parallel to the incident ray but it is shifted sideward sin 45° 0.707
sin r = ⇒ sin r =
slightly. In this case, refraction takes place twice, first 1.5 1.5
when ray enters glass slab from air and second when exits ⇒ sin r = 0.4713 ⇒ r = sin –1 (0.4713)
from glass slab to air. ⇒ r = 28.14°
t sin(i – r ) 10 sin(45° –28.14° )
Both refractions have been shown in figure (here, glass slab is ∴ Lateral shift = =
cos r cos 28.14°
denser medium and air is rarer medium). The extent of
10 sin 16. 86° 10 × 0.2900
bending of the ray of light at opposite parallel faces AB = = = 3.3 cm
cos 28.14° 0.8818
and CD of rectangular glass slab is equal and opposite. So,
the ray emerging from face CD is parallel to incident ray
but shifted sideward slightly. Multiple Images in Thick
Glass Plate/Mirror
Inc
ide

Air When an object is placed in front of thick glass mirror,

nt

i
(rarer)
ra

then its multiple images are formed. It happens due to

y

A B
r multiple reflection from different layers (top and bottom
Glass surfaces). As only the second surface is silvered,
Refr

slab
therefore, the second image would be brightest.
acte

(denser)
r Main
d ra

I′ image
y

D C P I I1
e Air I2
(rarer)
Em
er
g

O
en
t

Lateral
ra
y

displacement

Refraction of light through a glass block R Silvered

back
where, i = angle of incidence, r = angle of refraction Glass/
mirror
and e = angle of emergence. Multiple images formed by a thick glass plate/mirror

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Further images would be formed due to multiple If x is the real depth of water surface and a µ w is the
reflections. These images would become fainter due to refractive index of water with respect to air, then the
absorption of light by medium. normal shift (d ) in position of point object is given by
d = Real depth − Apparent depth
CHECK POINT 02 x
∴ d = x− a
1 Write the two factors on which the refractive index of a medium µw
depends.  
2 If a ray of light falls perpendicularly on a glass slab, what will be its Q Apparent depth = Real depth = x 
 a
µw a
µ w 
angle of refraction? Give the reason in support of your answer. 
3 State principle of reversibility.
4 A ray of monochromatic light enters a liquid as shown in diagram.  1 
or d = x 1 − a 
i.e., ∠i = 45° , ∠r = 30° µw

Air
The shift by which an object seemed to be raised, depends upon
Liquid
(i) refractive index of the medium,
Plane
mirror (ii) thickness of the denser medium and
(iii) the colour of the incident light.
Show the path of ray after it strikes the mirror and goes into air.
Note The apparent depth of an object lying in a denser medium is
5 Which image formed by the thick glass plate is brightest?
always less than its real depth for all angles of observation in a
rarer medium.
Simple Applications of
Example 4. A mark is made at the bottom of a
Refraction of Light beaker and a microscope is focused on it. The
Simple applications of refraction of light are givne below. microscope is then raised through 0.015 m. To what
height water must be poured into the beaker to
Real and Apparent Depth bring the mark again at focus?
An object placed in a denser medium when viewed from a  4
 Take, µ w = 
a
rarer medium, appears to be at a depth lesser than its real  3
depth. This is because of refraction of light. Consider an object 4
Sol. Given, aµ w =
is placed in water (denser medium) and is being seen from air 3
(rarer medium). Let O be a point object at an actual depth OA Normal shift = 0.015 m
below the free surface of water XY . A ray of light incident If x is the height upto which water must be poured into
the beaker, then
normally on XY , along OA passes straight along OAA ′.  1 
N normal shift, d = x  1 − a 
A′ C  µw 
0.015 = x  1 −
r 1   1
Air  ⇒ 0.015 = x   ⇒ x = 0.060m
A  4 / 3  4
X Y
B
Example 5. Velocity of light in glass is 2 × 10 8 m/s
i
Apparent r Water and that in air is 3 × 10 8 m/s. By how much would
depth
an ink dot appear to be raised, when covered by a
O′ i glass plate 6 cm thick?
Real depth N′
Sol. Given, velocity of light in glass, v = 2 × 108 m/s
O
Velocity of light in air, c = 3 × 108 m/s
Real depth and apparent depth
Thickness of glass plate, x = 6 cm
Another ray of light from O incident at ∠i on surface XY Normal shift, d = ?
along OB deviates away from normal. It is refracted at ∠r Refractive index of glass with respect to air
along BC. On drawing backwards CB meets OA at O ′. µ= =
c 3 × 108
= 1.5
Therefore, O′ is virtual image of O. v 2 × 108
Hence, apparent depth = O ′A 
Normal shift, d = x 1 − 
1
Real depth = OA  µ
1  6 × 0. 5
OA Real depth d = 6  1 − = = 2 cm
∴ a
µw = =  1.5  1.5
O ′A Apparent depth

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Apparent Bending of Stick Under Water atmospheric refraction, the Sun can be seen for about
two minutes even after the Sun has set below horizon.
A stick partially immersed in water appears to be bent
Sun is seen Sun is seen
because of the refraction of light coming from the part of above horizon above horizon
stick that is under water.
If we consider a stick YX immersed obliquely in water, Horizon
with its part ZX is submerged within the water. Consider Observer
a point X on the tip of the stick. Sun on Earth Sun

Eye Sunset

Y Note At sunrise and sunset, the Sun appears flattened. This apparent
Air
Stick flattening of the Sun’s disc is also due to atmospheric refraction.

Z
2. Planets do not Twinkle
Planets are much closer to the Earth and hence appear
A larger in size as compare to stars. So, they can be taken as
Water
X a collection of large number of point sized sources of
light. The total variation in the amount of light entering
Apparent bending of stick under water
our eye from all these individual point sized sources will
average out to zero which nullify the twinkling effect of
A divergent beam coming from it after refraction will each other. So, planets do not twinkle.
bend away from the normal. So the moment, the
refracted beam refracted the eye, the eye retraces back a 3. Shimmering Effect Around a
straight line path. Camp Fire
Due to this, the rays appear to originate from point During camping, when we sit around a camp fire, the face of
A,which is higher than X. Thus, it is true for any point the person sitting opposite to you, appears to shimmer. This
between X and Y . So, the stick appears to be bent and occurs due to the refraction of light. The rays of light reflected
short within the water. It appears magnified because the from the face of the person sitting opposite to you on passing
the hot fire get refracted. As, we know that the hot air is rapidly
image is formed close to the eye.
moving and its optical density is continuously changing, due
to which the path of the refracted rays also changes. This gives
Some Consequences of rise to the shimmering effect.
Refraction of Light
Prism
Some consequences of refraction of light are given below.
A transparent refracting medium bounded by at least two
1. Advanced Sunrise and Delayed lateral surfaces, inclined to each other at certain angle is
Sunset called a prism. It has two triangular bases and three
The density of atmosphere around the earth is not rectangular lateral surfaces. The angle between two lateral
uniform throughout due to which, it has layers of surfaces is called angle of prism (A).
different densities which work as optically rarer and Refracting edge H
denser medium. The refraction of light due to these C
Angle of prism
atmospheric layers is called atmospheric refraction. Refracting
A
The Sun is visible to us about two minutes before the surface
actual sunrise and about two minutes after the actual Refracting
surface F G
sunset.
Base
This is because of atmospheric refraction. When the Sun D
E
is slightly below the horizon, the sunlight coming from Prism
less dense to more dense air, is refracted downwards.
The two rectangular plane inclined surfaces through
Because of this, the Sun appears to be raised above the which the light passes, are known as refracting surfaces.
horizon and so the rising of Sun can be seen about two The line along which the two surfaces (refracting) meet is
minutes before actual sunrise. Similarly, due to
called the refracting edge.

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Refraction of Light through a The position of prism with respect to the incident ray
Glass Prism at which the incident ray suffers minimum deviation
is known as position of minimum deviation.
In the diagram given below, a ray of light PQ is entering
from air to glass at the first surface AB. The light ray on At this position of minimum deviation,
refraction gets bent toward the normal. At the second D = D min , i = e and r1 = r2 = r
surface AC, the light ray enters from glass to air, so it Hence, A = 2r
bents away from the normal.
A
∴D min + 2 r = 2i ⇒ D min = 2i − 2 r ⇒ D min = 2i − A
N S sin i
D As, refractive index of prism, µ =
i
G
e
sin r
Q r M
D min + A 
N′ S′
sin  
P  2 
R
∴ µ=
sin  
A
B C 2
Refraction of light through a triangular glass prism
(ii) Dependence of Angle of Deviation on the
The above diagram shows refraction through a prism,
Refractive Index (µ ) Experimentally, it is found
where, that as the refractive index of the material decreases,
PQ = incident ray, QM = refracted ray, the angle of deviation decreases.
MR = emergent ray, ∠A = angle of prism, (iii) Dependence of Angle of Deviation on the Colour
∠i = angle of incidence, ∠r = angle of refraction, or Wavelength of Light ( λ ) For a given prism
∠e = angle of emergence and ∠D = angle of deviation. deviates, the violet light most and the red light least.
Note When a ray of light passes through a prism, it bends towards the
(iv) Dependence of Angle of Deviation on the Angle of
thicker part of the prism. Prism ( A ) The angle of deviation (D) increases with
increase in the angle of prism.
Angle of Deviation (D)
It is the angle at which the emergent ray ( produced Example 6. What should be the angle of incidence, if
backward ) makes with the incident ray ( produced a ray of light incident on the refracting surface of a
forward ). It is given by ∠D = ∠i + ∠e − ∠A. equilateral prism suffers a minimum deviation of 40°?
There are four factors on which the value of angle of Sol. We know from the relation, A + D = i + e
deviation produced by the prism depends. The minimum deviation can be calculated as
D = Dmin and i = e
They are as follow
Dmin + A
(i) Dependence of Angle of Deviation on the Angle of ⇒ Dmin = 2i – A or i=
2
Incidence (i ) Experimentally, it has been observed
Given, Dmin = 40° and A = 60°
that with the increase in the incident angle, the 40°+ 60°
angle of deviation first decreases, then reach a It is not true always, i = = 50°
2
minimum value and then it also increases. This has
depicted in (i-D) graph shown below.
CHECK POINT 03

1 What is the relation between real and apparent depth?

2 Define atmospheric refraction.
Angle of deviation

D 3 Why planets do not twinkle?

4 What are the different factors on which the angle of deviation
Dmin depend?
i =e 5 Name the factors on which angle of deviation depends.
6 Does refractive index increases with the increase in angle of
deviation?
i1 i i2 7 Calculate refractive index of a equilateral glass prism for a light
Angle of incidence of red colour. Angle of minimum deviation for red colour is 30°.

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 This phenomenon is called total internal reflection (TIR).
Critical Angle
B
The angle of incidence in denser medium for which angle Rarer
medium
of refraction in rarer medium is 90° is called critical angle. (air)
Its value depends on the nature of two media in contact. r r′ Water-air
O1 O2 O3 D O4 interface
µ2 ic i > ic
i i′ N Totally
ic Denser N N
Denser reflected ray
medium
(water) Partially
Rarer A C reflected rays
90
µ1 Refraction and internal reflection of rays from a point A in the denser
medium (water) incident at different angles at the interface with a
rarer medium (air)

From Snell’s law, µ 2 × sin i c = µ 1 × sin 90° Necessary conditions for total internal reflection to takes place
µ1 sin i c µ µ2 1 are as follow
∴ = ⇒ 1 = sin i c ⇒ = (i) The ray incident on the interface of two media
µ 2 sin 90° µ2 µ 1 sin i c
should travel in the denser medium.
1 1 (ii) The angle of incidence should be greater than
⇒ µ2 = = cosec i c critical angle for the two media.
sin i c
The critical angle for a given pair of media depends on Total Internal Reflection in a Prism
their refractive index, which in turn depends on the The phenomenon of total internal reflection has been considered
following two factors. in three different prism which are given below as
(i) Effect of Colour of Light As violet light has the 1. TIR in Prism of Angles (45°, 45° and 90°)
highest value of refractive index, while red light has the i.e., Right-Angled is Isosceles Prism
least value of refractive index. So, due to this reason, the
When a prism has 90° angle between its two refracting
critical angle for a pair of media is least for violet light
surfaces and the two other angles each of 45°, then the
and most for red light. Therefore, the critical angle
prism is called total reflecting prism.
increases with increase in the wavelength of light.
As, the light incident normally on any of its face, it then
(ii) Effect of Temperature When the temperature of gets total internally reflected. Because of this property,
medium is increased, its refractive index decreases, this prism is used for the following three purposes.
due to which, the critical angle for that pair of media
increases. Therefore, the critical angle increases with (i) Deviation through 90° Angle
an increase in temperature. When a parallel beam of light strikes normally on the face
Example 7. If the refractive index of a glass is 1.5. DC, it does not suffer any refraction and then strikes the
Determine the critical angle for it. face CE at an angle of 45°.
Sol. Since, we know that C
1 1
1
µ2 = or a
µg = M 45°
sin ic sin ic 45°
⇒ ic = sin −1 
1 1 1  45°
∴ 1.5 = ⇒ sin ic =  N
sin ic 1.5  1.5  Appears
−1 like mirror
⇒ ic = sin (0.666) ⇒ ic = 41.80° ≈ 42°
90° 45°
D E
Total Internal Reflection
M1 N1
(TIR) Deviation through 90° angle
When a ray of light travelling from a denser medium to As, we know that the critical angle for, the glass is 42°, so
rarer medium, is incident at the interface of the two media total internal reflection takes place. Due to this, the beam
at an angle greater than the critical angle for the two media, makes an angle of reflection of 45° and turns completely
then the ray is totally reflected back to denser medium. through 90°. It strikes the face DE normally and emerges
out of the air and behaves like a mirror.

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(ii) Deviation through 180°Angle 2. TIR through a Prism where Each
If a parallel beam of light is incident normally on the face Angle is 60° i.e., Equilateral Prism
CE of the right angled isosceles prism, the beam passes
The figure given below shows an equilateral prism i.e.,
undeviated till it strikes the face CD at an angle of 45°.
each angle of 60°. If a ray falls normally on the face PQ,
M
then without any refraction it falls on the face QR at an
N angle 60° since, this angle is greater than the critical angle
C of glass. So, total internal reflection takes place. Thus, this
45° prism can be used to deviate a ray of light by 60°.
Appears 45°
like mirror N1 P
45°
Inc
A ide
45° M1 nt 60°
ray 90°

B
° 30°
45
45

90°
45

45°
°

C
°

D E 60°
Appears
like mirror
60° 60°
60° D 60°
Deviation through 180° angle
Q R
Then, total internal reflection takes place and the beam E
Emergent ray
turns completely through an angle of 90° in order to
Total internal reflection through an equilateral prism
strike the face DE at an angle of 45°.
Then at the face DE, another TIR takes place and again
the beam turns through an angle of 90° in order to strike
3. TIR through Prism of Angles (30°, 60°
the face CE normally. and 90°) i.e., Right-Angled Prism
The figure given below shows a prism with angles, 30°,
Finally, the beam comes out of the prism without
60° and 90° i.e., right angled prism. If a ray of light falls
suffering any refraction.
normally on the face QR, then it falls on the face PR
As a result, the beam turns through 180°. without any deviation.
(iii) No Deviation Since, the angle of incidence is 60° which greater than the
The rays of light parallel to the hypotenuse (CD) strikes critical angle of glass (42°) so TIR takes place, on
the surface EC. reflection, the ray falls on the face PQ, where it gets
These rays then suffers refraction and strike the face CD refracted with an angle less than 60°. Therefore, this
with an angle greater than 42°. Due to this, total internal prism can be used to deviate a light ray through an angle
reflection takes place. Then, the rays turn and strike the less than 60° by TIR.
face ED. P
E E
30°
M 90° N1
D 30°

C
N M1 60°
60°
45° 45° D
C D
No deviation 90° 60°
Q R
B
On finally coming out from the face ED, these refracted A
rays suffer another refraction. During this, the rays TIR through right angled prism
revert themselves, i.e., the inverted image MN appears as If the ray of light falls on other two faces i.e., PR and PQ,
N 1 M1 . then the previous case does not take place i.e., no total
internal reflection happens.

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This has been depicted in the figures given below. Some Consequences of Total Internal
P
P Reflection
30° 30°
A
Total internal reflection is also very prominent in our
90° daily life also.
C B
A
B
C 30°
Some of these consequences are given below
30°
(i) Optical fibre are used to transmit light over large
D
D distances without any loss of energy.
Q
90° 60°
R Q
90° 60°
R
(ii) If a glass vessel is cracked, then it often shines like a
mirror.
Comparison between Total Internal Reflection and (iii) Brilliance of diamond.
Reflection from a Plane Mirror (iv) In deserts, in daytime, a person often see a pool of
Reflection from a Plane water at a distance. It is because of the phenomenon
Total Internal Reflection
Mirror of mirage.
This is the phenomenon in which In this light falls on plane
light travels from denser to rarer mirror at any angle of
medium at an angle greater than the incidence and then a little part
CHECK POINT 04
critical angle for that pair of media, of light gets reflected and rest 1 Among the following substances, which one has the highest
then the rays are totally reflected back. get refracted and absorbed. value of critical angle? Turpentine, glass, water, diamond.
The energy of the reflected ray is The energy of the reflected rays 2 How does the critical angle changes with the change in the
same as that of incident ray i.e., no is less than that of incident ray temperature of surrounding?
loss of energy. i.e., there is loss of energy. 3 State total internal reflection.
The brightness of the image is very The brightness of the image is 4 Name any two instruments in which total reflecting prism is used.
good and does not decrease even not very good and decreases 5 Mention one difference between refraction of light from a plane
after a long use of TIR device. with the increase in time. mirror or and total internal reflection from a prism.

SUMMARY
¢
The phenomenon of bending of light entering from one medium to another is called refraction of light.
¢
When a ray of light travels from a rarer medium to a denser medium, it bends towards the normal.
¢
When a ray of light travels from a denser medium to a rarer medium, it bends away from the normal.
¢
There are two laws of refraction.
First Law The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal at the point of incidence, all lie on the same plane.
Second Law The ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of angle of refraction is constant for a given pair of media.This is also
called Snell's law.
¢
Refractive index (n) of a medium is the ratio of speed of light in vacuum (c) to the speed of light in the medium (v) and is given by
c
n=
v
Speed of light in medium 1
¢
Refractive index of one medium w.r.t to another medium is given by, 1 n2 =
Speed of light in medium 2
¢
When a light ray, after suffering many reflections and refractions, has its final path reversed and travels back along its initial path is
called principle of reversibility of light.
¢
The perpendicular distance of separation between the incident ray and the emergent ray is called lateral displacement.
¢
The shift by which an object appears to be raised when it is immersed in water is called the apparent depth.
Real depth
Refractive index =
Apparent depth
¢
A transparent refracting medium bounded by five plane surfaces inclined at some angles is known as prism.
¢
The angle between two refracting surfaces is called angle of prism (A) and the angle between the incident ray and the emergent ray is
called the angle of deviation (D).
¢
Critical angle for a pair of media is defined as the angle of incidence in denser medium for which the angle of refraction becomes 90°.
¢
When a ray of light is travelling from a denser medium to rarer medium, is incident at the interface of the two media at an angle greater
than the critical angle, the ray is totally reflected back to the denser medium. This phenomenon is called total internal reflection.

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 EXAM PRACTICE
a 2 Marks Questions i.e., Refractive index of a medium
Velocity of light in vacuum
=
1. When a ray of light does not change its path Velocity of light in that medium [1]
during refraction, state what will be the angle of The absolute refractive index of a substance cannot be
incidence and refraction of this ray? less than one because it would mean that the speed of
Sol. The moment, a ray of light is incident perpendicularly light is more in that substance than in free space,
to the interface surface of the two medium, then it which is not possible. The relative refractive index can
passes without any deviation. [1] be less than one if the first medium is less denser than
So, due to this reason, the angle of incidence and angle the second medium. [1]
of refraction, both will be zero degree. [1]
5. If a µ g is refractive index of glass with respect to
2. With the help of a suitable diagram, represent the
refraction of light rays from air and g µ a is refractive index of air with respect
(i) rarer to denser. to glass. Express the refractive index of glass with
(ii) denser to rarer. Also, label each diagram. respect to water ( w µ g ) in terms of refractive
Sol. (i) Rarer to denser index of water and glass with respect to air.
N Sol. As, we know that according to the definition of
C
refractive index,
I vw
i Rarer
w
µg =
vg [1]
O
Denser
r Now, multiply and divide in numerator and
i>r R denominator by v a ,
v .v
N′ D ⇒ w
µg = w a
v g .v a
where, OC = incident ray, OD = refracted ray v a /v g
and NN ' = normal. [1] ⇒ w
µg =
v a /vw
(ii) Denser to rarer
 v v 
N  But a = a µ g and a = a µ w 
C  
 v g v w
I i
Denser
a
µg
∴ w
µg =
O r Rarer
a
µw [1]
R 6. “Refractive index of a medium is least for the red
i<r D
N′ colour of light”. Justify this statement.
Sol. Since, in prism the red colour of light is bent the least
where, OC = incident ray, OD = refracted ray
and its is a fact that the bending of light rays increases
and NN ' = normal. [1]
on increasing the refractive index of the medium. [1]
3. State the laws of refraction of light. As, wavelength of red is maximum, refractive index of a
Sol. Refer to theory (Page 67). medium is least for the red colour of light. [1]

4. How can you define the term “refractive index of 7. If a light of a single colour is passed through a
a medium”? State whether it can be less than 1 liquid having a piece of glass suspended in it, so
or not? on changing the temperature of the liquid, at a
Sol. The ratio of the velocity of light in vacuum to the particular temperature, the glass piece is not seen.
velocity of light in a medium is known as the refractive (i) At what situation, the glass piece will not be seen?
index of that medium. (ii) Why is the light of a single colour used?

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Sol. (i) The glass piece cannot be seen when the refractive The reflection from the transparent surface CD is very
index of the liquid becomes equal to refractive small due to which I 1 is not so much bright. Image I 2 is
index of the glass. [1] formed by the refracted ray k 4 . As, most part of the
(ii) Since, the refractive index of medium is different incident ray E refract by refracted ray k1 , so a small part
for different colour of light. of k1 can be absorbed by the mirror at the same time, the
So due to this, light of a single colour is used. [1] maximum part of k1 is reflected by reflected ray k 3 . [1]
Some part of k 3 is reflected by ray k5 but its most part
8. A boy uses blue colour of light to find the is refracted by k 4 . Other image is formed by ray k5 ,
refractive index of glass. He then repeats the
experiment using red colour of light. Will the which is less bright than by k 4 . So, due to this reason
refractive index be the same or different in the two I 2 is brightest than beyond I 2 . [1]
cases? Give a reason to support your answer. [2016] 11. How is the refractive index of a material related to
Sol. Since, the refractive index of the medium is always (i) real and apparent depth?
inversely proportional to the wavelength of light. (ii) velocity of light in vacuum or air and the velocity
Moreover, it is known that wavelength of the red of light in a given medium? [2017]
colour is more than that of the blue colour. So, the
Sol. (i) When an object is placed under water (any other
refractive index in case of blue colour of light will be
medium), then observing it from outside the water
greater than that of red colour of light. [2]
(or medium) it appears to be raised above.
9. Draw the diagram given below and clearly show The ratio of real depth and apparent depth is equal
the path taken by the emergent ray. [2014] to the refractive index of the medium.
Real depth
Refractive index, µ =
45° Apparent depth [1]
(ii) Relation between Refractive Index and Velocity of
Light. The refractive index of the medium is the
Sol. The emergent ray RS is shown below as ratio of the velocity of light in vacuum (or air) to
P the velocity of light in that medium.
Velocity of light in vacuum (c )
45° Q µ=
Velocity of light in medium (v ) [1]

12. Does the depth of the tank of a water appear to

T change or remains the same when viewed
R
45°
normally from the above? [2012]
Sol. No, when the depth of a tank of water is viewed
S [2]
normally, no refraction takes place as the light rays
10. “If a lighted candle is placed in front of thick passes through the medium undeviated. Thus, the
glass plane mirror, then several images can be depth of the tank remains the same because it is a case
observed, but the second image is brightest.” of normal incidence, where ∠i = ∠r = 0°. [2]
Explain, the reason for this statement. 13. Fish swimming in a pond seems to be nearer than
I its actual depth. Explain why?
E
k2 k4
C D Sol. A fish can be seen by observer when the rays of light
k5 k6 coming from the fish enters into observers eyes.
k1
k3
A
I1 B
K2 Eye
K1 K3
I2
P′ l1 l2
I3
Sol. Since, first image is formed by reflected ray k 2 from the O
transparent surface CD. [1]

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 Consider the above figure, if I 1 and I 2 are the two rays (ii) Since, refractive index of material is inversely
coming from a point on fish O. proportional to the wavelength of light. So, smaller
These rays passes water (denser) to air (rarer) and then the wavelength of light larger will be the deviation
deviate from the normal through path K 2 , K 3 and angle. [2]
form an image at P′, which is virtual and above O. Due 17. Name the factors affecting the critical angle for
to this reason, fish in the water seems to be very nearer
than its actual depth. [1]
the pair of media. [2014]

Sol. The main factors affecting the critical angle for the pair of
14. Light passes through a rectangular glass slab and
media are
through a glass prism. In what way does the
direction of the two emergent beams differ? [2014] (i) the refractive index of a medium. [1]

Sol. In a rectangular glass slab, the emergent ray is parallel (ii) the temperature of surrounding. [1]
to the incident ray but they are not along the same 18. (i) State the relation between the critical angle and the
line, whereas in the prism, the emergent ray is not absolute refractive index of a medium.
parallel to the incident ray. [1]
(ii) Which colour of light has a higher critical angle?
This differ because in glass slab, the two surfaces at Red light or Green light. [2018]
which refraction occurs is parallel to each other, but in
prism they make some angle. [1] Sol. (i) The relation between the critical angle C and the
absolute refractive index (µ) of medium is given by
15. Draw a ray diagram to show the refraction of a 1 1
monochromatic ray through a prism when it µ= or sinC =
sinC µ [1]
suffers minimum deviation. [2017]
Sol. When a ray of light passes through a prism, it bends (ii) As µ green > µ red
towards the thicker part of the prism. Therefore, critical angle (C) for red colour is higher
Let the incident ray PQ falls on the face AB of prism than green colour light. [1]
and emerges out from the face AC as RS. 19. The following diagram shows a 60°, 30°, 90°
A glass prism of critical angle 42°. Copy the
diagram and complete the path of incident ray
N2 AB emerging out of the prism marking the angle
D
N1 of incidence on each surface. [2018]
G
i e=i X
r1 r2
Q R
60°
P N1′ N2′ S

i=30°
B C 60°
Sectional view of prism 90°30°
Here, PQ = incident ray, QR = refracted ray Y B Z

RS = emergent ray, ∠A = angle of prism A

∠i1 = angle of incidence, Sol. Given, iC = 42 °
∠r1 , ∠r 2 = angles of refraction, X
∠e = angle of emergence and ∠D = angle of deviation. 60° H
When the ray suffers minimum deviation, e = i. [2]
16. State the dependence of angle of deviation.
(i) On the refractive index of the material of the
prism. 60°
°
30
i=

(ii) On the wavelength of light. [2016] 90° 30°

Y B 90° Z
Sol. (i) Since, refractive index of the prism is directly
proportional to the angle of deviation. A [1]
So, larger the refractive index, larger will be the As angle of incidence on face XZ is less than iC so, ray
deviation angle. is refracted. [1]

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20. State the conditions required for total internal (iii) When a ray of light is incident normally to the
reflection of light to take place. [2017] surface, then it passes straight from one medium to
another medium without any bending. [1]
Sol. The necessary conditions for the total internal reflection
23. When a ray of 1
are as follows Air
(i) The light must travel from a denser medium to a
monochromatic green Liquid
2
rarer medium. light enters a liquid from
air as shown in the figure
(ii) The angle of incidence must be greater than the Plane mirror
given alongside.
critical angle (i c ) for the pair of media. [2]
The angle 1 is 45° and angle 2 is 30° .
21. Copy the diagram A
(i) Determine the refractive index of the liquid.
given below and P
60° (ii) Represent in the diagram showing the path of the
complete the path of ray after it strikes the mirror and re-enters air.
light ray till it emerges Q Mark in the diagram wherever necessary.
out of the prism. The (iii) Draw the diagram again if plane mirror becomes
critical angle of glass is 60° 60° normal to the refracted ray inside the liquid.
B C Name the principle used.
42°. In your diagram,
Sol. sin 45° 07 .
mark the angles wherever necessary. [2016] (i) Refractive index of liquid = = =14.
Sol. The ray diagram is given below sin 30° 05 . [1]
A (ii) The path of the reflected and refracted ray is shown below.
60° 1 Air
P Q Liquid
2

60° 60° Plane mirror [1]

60° 60°
30° 30°
B
D C (iii) The principle used is the principle of reversibility of
[2] path of light.

b 3 Marks Questions Air

Liquid
22. (i) Write a relationship between angle of incidence and
angle of refraction for a given pair of media.
(ii) When a ray of light enters from one medium to Plane mirror [1]
another having different optical densities it bends. 24. A ray of monochromatic light is incident from air
Why does this phenomenon occur? on a glass slab. [2010]
(iii) Write one condition where it does not bend when (i) Draw a labelled ray diagram showing the change in
entering a medium of different optical density. the path of the ray till it emerges from the glass slab.
Sol. (i) For a given pair of media, the relationship between the (ii) Name the two rays that are parallel to each other.
angle of incidence and angle of refraction is given by (iii) Mark the lateral displacement in your diagram.
sin i Sol. (i) Ray diagram
1µ 2 =
sin r Incident ray
i
Air
where, i = angle of incidence, r = angle of refraction Glass
and 1 µ 2 = refraction index of the second medium r
with respect to the first medium. [1]
Refracted
(ii) The phenomenon of refraction occurs because light ray
travels at different speeds in different medium. If a
Emergent
ray of light travels through air and enter a more e ray
d
dense medium, such as water, they slow down and Lateral
bend towards the normal. [1] displacement
[1]

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 (ii) Two rays that are parallel to each other are incident (ii) If angle of refraction r = 90° , then the
ray and emergent ray. [1] corresponding angle i is called critical angle. [1]
(iii) The perpendicular d istance between the incident (iii) If angle of incidence is more than the critical angle,
ray and emergent ray is the lateral displacement, then the light gets reflected back into glass from the
which is marked as d in the above diagram. [1] interface. This phenomenon is known as total
25. If an obliquely incident light ray bends at the internal reflection. [1]
surface due to change in speed, when passing 29. (i) Draw a labelled ray diagram to illustrate
from one medium to another. While the ray does (a) critical angle
not bend when it is incident normally. (b) total internal reflection for a ray of light
State with the reason, whether the ray will have moving from one medium to another.
the different speed in the other medium. (ii) Write a formula to express the relationship
Sol. Definitely yes, the ray will have the different speed in between refractive index of the denser medium
the other medium because this is the case of no with respect to rarer medium and its critical angle
refraction (no bending) of light on going perpendicular for that pair of media. [2008]
from one medium to another. [1½] Sol. (i) The labelled diagram of critical angle and total
All the parts of the ray will reach from one medium to internal reflection is given below [1]
another at the same time, enters the other medium at

r =90 °
N′ N′
the same time, get slowed down or speed up at the
Air O Refracted Air O
same time. Due to this, no bending of light occurs but Glass ray Glass

Re
speed changes. [1½]
ra y

ray
i i i

fle
nt

nt

cte
ide

ide
26. How does the value of angle of deviation produced

dr
Inc

Inc

ay
by a prism change with an increase in the [2009]
A i = ic A i > ic C
(i) value of angle of incidence and N N
(a) Critical angle (b) Total internal reflection [1]
(ii) wavelength of incident light ?
Sol. (i) If the value of angle of incidence increases, then (ii) The formula to express the relationship between
there is a corresponding decrease in the angle of refractive index of the denser medium with respect
deviation. For a particular value of angle of to rarer medium and critical angle is given by
1
incidence, the angle of deviation becomes µ= = cosec i c
minimum after which it starts rising with further sin i c
increase in the value of angle of incidence. [1½] where, i c is the critical angle. [1]
(ii) If the value of the wavelength of incident light 30. Draw the diagram of a right angled isosceles
increases, then angle of deviation decreases. [1½] prism which is used to make an inverted image
27. Explain the meaning of reversibility of light. erect. [2018]

Sol. Refer to theory (Pages 68 and 69). Sol.

90°
28. If the refractive index of air with respect to glass is Object
A B′
sin i B A′
expressed as µ a =
g
, answer the following: 45° 45°
sin r [3]

(i) Express the similar expression for a µ g in terms of 31. A ray of light XY passes through a right angled
isosceles prism as shown below.
i and r.
(ii) If angle r = 90°, what is the corresponding angle A
(i) is called?
45°
(iii) Write down the physical significance of angle (i)
in part (ii). X
Y

Sol. (i) The similar expression for a µ g in terms of i and r

can be expressed as
sin r 45°
a
µg = C B
sin i [1]

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 (i) What is the angle through which the incident ray GH and when produced back, it appears to come
deviates and emerges out of the prism? from C '. When JI and GH enter the eye, these
(ii) Name the instrument where this action of prism form the image of C at C '. Therefore, the depth
is put into use. appears to be C 'J instead of actual depth CJ. [2]
(iii) Which prism surface will behave as a mirror? [2018]
I
Sol. (i) 90° H
(ii) Periscope J G

(iii) Surface AB behaves like a mirror. Because on this Apparent

depth
surface total internal reflection occurs. [3]
C′ Real
depth
32. A ray of light travels from water to air as shown
in the diagram given below.
C [1]

Air 34. (i) With the help of a well-labelled diagram, show

that the apparent depth of an object such as a
coin in water is less than its real depth.
°
48 Water (ii) How is the refractive index of water related to the
i=
∠ real depth and the apparent depth of a column of
water? [2007]

(i) Copy the diagram and complete the path of the Sol. (i) A ray from bottom of the tank A (coin) is striking
ray. Given, the critical angle for water is 48°. normally at B goes straight.
(ii) State the condition, so that total internal D
reflection occurs in the above diagram. [2017] E
B
Sol. (i) C
Apparent
depth
A′ Real
Air i depth
Image of
coin
Coin
° A
48 Water
i=
∠ Another ray from A striking the interface at C is
[1½]
refracted towards E and when produced back, it
appears to come from A'. When BD and CE enter
(ii) Required condition for TIR in the above diagram is the eye, these form an image of A (coin) at A'
angle of incidence should be greater for TIR than (coin). Thus, the depth appears to be at A' B
the critical angle, i.e., ∠i > 48°. [1½] instead of the actual AB. [2]

c 4 Marks Questions (ii) The refractive index of water related to the real
depth and the apparent depth of a column of water
33. It has been observed that water in a pond appears is given by
Real depth
to be only three quarters of its actual depth. Refractive index, µ =
(i) Mention the property of light that is responsible Apparent depth [2]
for this observation.
35. (i) In which manner, does the angle of deviation
(ii) Elaborate your answer with the help of a suitable
produced by a prism change with increase in the
diagram.
angle of incidence? With the help of a suitable
Sol. (i) Refraction of light is the property of light due to diagram, show the variation in the angle of deviation
which the water in a pond appears to be only three with the angle of incidence at the prism surface.
quarters of its actual depth. [1]
(ii) Using the curve in part (i) above, how do you infer
(ii) A ray from the bottom of the tank C on striking that for a given prism, the angle of minimum
normally at J goes straight. Another ray from C deviation D min is unique for the given light?
strikes the interface at G is refracted towards GH

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Sol. (i) Angle of deviation decreases with increase in 37. Answer the following questions.
incidence angle but upto a certain extent. After (i) Write a note on “total reflecting prism”.
reaching a minimum value, angle of deviation will (ii) State three actions that it can produce.
increase again.
(iii) With the help of a diagram, show one action of
Y
total reflecting prism.
D versus i
Sol. (i) A prism having an angle of 90° between its two
D refracting surfaces and the other two angles each
Dmin equal to 45°, is known as total reflecting prism. It is
because the light incident normally on any of its faces,
o X
i suffers total internal reflection inside the prism. [1]
Here, it is shown graphically. [1 + 1] (ii) Given below are the three actions produced by it, i.e.,
(ii) Since, we can see in the graph that in the position (a) It can deviate a ray of light through 180° i.e., in
of minimum deviation. prism binoculars.
D = Dmin ⇒ i1 = i 2 = i [1] (b) It can erect the image (inverted) without
where, i1 is the angle of incidence and i 2 is the angle producing deviation in its path.
of emergence. (c) It can deviate a ray of light through 90°. [2]

Then, Dmin = 2i − A (iii) M

For a given prism and given colour of light, Dmin is N
unique. [1] C
45°
36. PQ and PR are two light rays emerging from the Appears 45°
like mirror 45° N1
object P as shown in the figure. [2006]
45° M1
N′

°
45
45
R Q Air 90°
45
45°
°
°
Water D E
Appears
like mirror
P N
Deviation through 180° angle [1]
(i) What is the special name given to the angle of
incidence ( ∠PQN ) of ray PQ? 38. Mention some differences between the reflection
(ii) Copy the ray diagram and complete it to show
of light from a plane mirror and total internal
the position of the image of the object P, when reflection of light from a prism. [2007]

seen obliquely from above. Sol. Refer to theory (Page 75).

(iii) Name the phenomenon that occurs, if the angle 39. The diagram below shows a point source P inside
of incidence ∠PQN is increased still further. a water container. Four rays A, B ,C and D
Sol. (i) The special name given to the angle of incidence starting from the source P are shown upto the
∠PQN of ray PQ is critical angle. [1] water surface.
(ii) The complete diagram is shown below.
Air
N′

A B C 48°
R Q Air Water
D
P′ Water
P
P N
(i) Show in the diagram, the path of these rays after
The image of the object P will be formed at P' striking the water surface. The critical angle for
when seen obliquely from above. [2] water-air surface is 48°.
(iii) Total internal reflection occurs, if the angle of (ii) Name the phenomenon which the rays B and D
incidence ∠PQN is increased still further. [1] exhibit. [2017]

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Sol. (i) Ray diagram 43. When a coil is placed at the bottom of a beaker
4
Air
containing water of refractive index to a depth
3
of 12 cm, so by what height, does the coin appear
B C
°
to be raised when seen from vertically above?
48

A D
Water
D  1 
Sol. Shift of image = Real depth of water 1 − 
 µw 
P [2]
Q Real depth of water = 12 cm (given)
(ii) Ray B exhibits refraction ray D exhibits total 4
internal reflection. [2] µw = (given)
3 [1]
Numerical Based Questions ∴ Shift of image of coin
 1   3  1
= 12 1 −  = 12 1 −  = 12  
40. If the speed of light in air is 3 × 108 ms −1,  4 / 3 4 4 [1]
determine the speed of light in glass. The ∴ Shift of coin = 3 cm
refractive index of glass is 1.5. [2]
44. Determine the angle of incidence and emergence
Sol. Given, speed of light, c = 3 × 10 8 ms −1
for a ray of light which suffers minimum
Refractive index, µ =15
.
Velocity of light in air
deviation. Determine the angle of minimum
c
Q µ= = deviation (D min ).
v Velocity of light in a medium [1] Sol. When ray suffers minimum deviation,
3 × 10 8
3 × 10 8
then angle of incidence, i = angle of emergence (e)
⇒ 1.5 = ⇒ v=
v 15
. ⇒ i = e = 48° and ∠ A = 60°
⇒ v = 2 × 10 8 m/s. [1] Q D + A =i +e
Dmin = 48° + 48° − 60°
41. The speed of light in diamond is 125000 km/s, if
the speed of light in air is 3 × 108 m/s, then = 96° − 60° [1]

determine the refractive index of the diamond. Dmin = 36° [1]

45. Determine the time taken by a ray of light when it

Sol. Velocity of light in air, v a = 3 × 10 8 m/s passes through a glass sheet of thickness 2 m,
Velocity of light in diamond, v d = 125 × 10 6 m/s 3
[1]
a
µg = .
3 × 10 300 × 10
8 6 2
va 12 va
a
µd = = = ⇒ a µd = = 2.4 Sol. As we know, a µ g =
v d 125 × 10 6
125 × 10 6
5 [1] vg
42. When a ray of light travelling in air is incident on va 3 × 10 8
⇒ vg = =
the glass surface at angle of incidence 60°. a
µg 3/2
Determine the angle of refraction in glass, if
⇒ v g = 2 × 10 m/s. 8
[1]
refractive index of glass is 3/2. Distance
3 Time =
Sol. Given, ∠i = 60° ⇒ a
µg = Speed
2
sin i sin i 2 mm 2 × 10 −3 −11
As, a
µg = ⇒ sin r = = = 8 = 10 s
sin r a
µg 2 × 10 m/s 2 × 10
8
[1]
sin 60° 3 ×2 1 ∴ Time to pass in 2 mm glass = 10 −11 s. [1]
⇒ sin r = = ⇒ sin r =
3 2 ×3 3 46. If a ray of light of wavelength 5400 Å suffers
2 [1] refraction from air to glass, determine the
∴ sin r = sin 35° ⇒ r = 35° [1] wavelength of light in glass. (Take, a µ g = 3/2)

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Sol. Given, λ = 5400, Å = 5400 × 10 −10 m 49. Determine the approximate value of critical
a
µ g = 3/2
angle for
As, frequency remains same, v = f λ [1]
−8 (i) glass-air surface (ii) water-air surface.
⇒ 3 × 10 = f × 54 × 10
8
Sol. (i) Since, sin i = 1
3 × 10 8 3 c a
µg
⇒ f = −8 ⇒ f = × 1016
54 × 10 54 [1] 3
300 Q a
µg =
⇒ f = × 10 14
⇒ f = 55 . × 10 14 2
54 2
3 Velocity of light in vacuum ∴ sin i c = ⇒ sin i c = 0.6667
Q a
µg = ⇒ aµg = 3
2 Velocity of light in glass ⇒ sin i c = sin 42 ° ⇒ i c = 42 ° [1]
8
c 3 × 10
⇒ v= a = × 2 = 2 × 10 8 ms −1 So, critical angle for glass-air surface is 42°.
µg 3 4
[1] (ii) As, a µ w = , then critical angle for water-air
Now, v= fλ ⇒ 2 × 10 8 = 55
. × 1014 × λ 3
surface can be calculated by
2 × 10 8 1 3
⇒ λ= ⇒ λ = 3600 Å sin i c = a ⇒ sin i c = ⇒ sin i c = sin 48.6
. × 1014
55 [1]
µw 4 [1]

47. A coin placed at the bottom of a beaker appears ⇒ i c = 486 . °

to be raised by 4.0 cm. If the refractive index of So, critical angle for water-air surface is 48.6°.
water is 4/3, find the depth of the water in the 50. A ray of light enters a glass slab PQRS, as shown
beaker. in the diagram. The critical angle of the glass is
Sol. Since, we know that 42°. Copy the diagram and complete the path of
Real depth 4 Real depth the ray till emerges from the glass slab. Mark the
µ= ⇒ =
Apparent depth 3 Apparent depth angles in the diagram wherever necessary. [2011]
Let real depth = x [1] P
42°
Q

Therefore, apparent depth = x − 4

4 x
⇒ =
3 x −4
R
⇒ 4x − 16 = 3x [1] S
⇒ x =16 (∴ real depth = 16 cm) (a)

48. If the refractive index of glass is 3 / 2, determine the Sol. At point A in fig. (b), i = 48° and i c = 42 ° ⇒ i > i c
critical angle for glass-air surface. A
42°
(Take, sin 42° = 2 / 3)
3 48° 48°
Sol. Given, µ =
2
B
If i c is the critical angle, then
1 1 2 90°
sin i c = = =
µ 3/2 3 [1]
(b) [1]
⇒ sin i c = sin 42 °
While at point B, i = 42 ° and i c = 42 ° ⇒ i = ic
⇒ i c = 42 °. [1]
Therefore, r = 90° [1]

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 CHAPTER EXERCISE
2 Marks Questions 6. Explain the factors affecting the critical angle for
a given pair of media.
1. How does the refractive index of a medium
depend upon its temperature? 7. With the help of a suitable diagram, explain
mathematically the refraction and total internal
2. “The upper surface of water contained in the
reflection of light rays at different angle of
beaker and held above the eye level appear
incidences.
silvery”. Justify the statement along with a reason.
8. If an object is viewed through a glass prism with
3. The critical angle for glass-air is 45° for the its vertex pointing upwards, then it appears to be
yellow colour of light. displaced upwards. Explain why?
Mention whether it will be less than equal to or
more than 45° for 4 Marks Questions
(i) red light
(ii) blue light 9. Given below is a diagram showing the section of
a semi-circular glass block having centre at
4. What will be the change occurred in the O. D, E , F are the monochromatic rays of light
angle of minimum deviation produced by a of the same colour.
prism, if
(i) the wavelength of the incident light and Mark the critical angle by i c . Draw the path of
(ii) the refracting angle of prism increases?
rays F and D after they strike the edgeGH .
Name the phenomenon which the rays F and D
3 Marks Questions exhibit.
O H
5. If a girl puts her pencil into an empty trough and G I
see the pencil from the position as given in the
figure below.
(i) What kind of variation will be noticed in the
appearance of pencil, when water is poured into
the trough?
D E F

10. A diagram given below is to be completed in

order to show the rays coming out of prism D.
AJ

Mention the principle used for completing the

TR
NA

ray diagram.

(ii) Mention the name of the phenomenon

D
which accounts for the above stated observation.
(iii) Complete the given diagram to show how the C
girl’s eye observes the pencil through water.

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11. Briefly state, how is the angle of emergence 14. If a ray of light is incident normally on one face
related to the angle of incidence when prism is in of the equilateral glass prism, answer the
the position of minimum deviation. Explain your following questions.
answer with the help of a labelled diagram using P
an equilateral prism.
12. If a ray of lightOE passes through a right angled
B
prism as shown in the figure.
30°
B A
i1 E
45° Q R

O E
(i) Determine the angle of incidence on first face of
prism. Ans. 0°
45° (ii) Calculate the angle of refraction from first face of
C D
the prism. Ans. 0°
(i) Mention the angle of incidence at the faces BD and (iii) Find the angle of incidence (i1 ) at the second face
CD. of the prism. Ans. 60°
(ii) Give the name of phenomenon which the ray (iv) Will the ray of light suffers minimum deviation
suffers at the face BD. by the prism? Ans. No
13. A water pond appears to be 2.7m deep. If the 15. A ray of light incident at an angle of 48° on a
refractive index of water is 4/3. Determine the prism of refracting angle 60° suffers minimum
actual depth of the pond. Ans. 3.6 m deviation. Determine the angle of minimum
deviation. Ans. 36°

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All in one Refraction of Light 87

ARCHIVES (Last 6 Years)

Collection of Questions Asked in Last 6 Years' (2018-2013) ICSE Class 10th Examinations

2018 6. State the conditions required for total internal

reflection of light to take place. [2]
1. (i) State the relation between the critical angle and the
absolute refractive index of a medium. 7. Draw a ray diagram to show the refraction of a
monochromatic ray through a prism when it suffers
(ii) Which colour of light has a higher critical angle? minimum deviation. [2]
Red light or Green light. [2]
8. A ray of light travels from water to air as shown in the
2. The following diagram shows a 60°, 30°, 90° glass diagram given below
prism of critical angle 42°. Copy the diagram and
complete the path of incident ray AB emerging out of
the prism marking the angle of incidence on each
Air
surface.
X
60° °
48 Water
=
∠

i=30° (i) Copy the diagram and complete the path of the ray.
60° Given the critical angle for water is 48°.
90°30°
(ii) State the condition, so that total internal reflection
Y B Z
occurs in the above diagram. [3]
A [2]
9. The diagram below shows a point source P inside a
3. Draw the diagram of a right angled isosceles prism water container. Four rays A , B , C and D starting from
which is used to make an inverted image erect. [3] the source P are shown upto the water surface.
4. A ray of light XY passes through a right angled
isosceles prism as shown below. Air
A

A B C 48°
45° Water
D
Y
X
P
(i) Show in the diagram, the path of these rays after
45°
striking the water surface. The critical angle for
C B
water-air surface is 48°.
(i) What is the angle through which the incident ray
deviates and emerges out of the prism? (ii) Name the phenomenon which the ray B and D
exhibit. [4]
(ii) Name the instrument where this action of prism is
put into use.
(iii) Which prism surface will behave as a mirror? [3]
2016
10. (i) Write a relationship between angle of incidence and
2017 angle of refraction for a given pair of media.
(ii) When a ray of light enters from one medium to
5. How is the refractive index of a material related to another having different optical densities it bends.
(i) real and apparent depth? Why does this phenomenon occur?
(ii) velocity of light in vacuum or air and the velocity of (iii) Write one condition where it does not bend when
light in a given medium? [2] entering a medium of different optical density. [3]

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11. A boy uses blue colour of light to find the refractive index of 18. (i) A ray of light passes from water to air. How
glass. He then repeats the experiment using red colour of does the speed of light change? [1]
light. Will the refractive index be the same or different in the (ii) Which colour of light travels fastest in any
two cases? Give a reason to support your answer. [3] medium except air? [1]
12. Copy the diagram given below and complete the path of light 19. Light passes through a rectangular glass slab
ray till it emerges out of the prism. The critical angle of glass is and through a triangular glass prism. In what
42°. In your diagram, mark the angles wherever necessary. [2] way does the direction of two emergent
A beams differ and why? [2]
20. Name the factors affecting the critical angle
P 60° for the pair of media. [2]

Q
2013
60° 60° 21. A ray of light is moving from rarer to a denser
B C medium and strikes a plane mirror placed at
13. State the dependence of angle of deviation. 90° to the
(i) On the refractive index of the material of the prism. direction of the ray as shown in the diagram.

(ii) On the wavelength of light. [2]

Rarer medium
2015 O Denser
medium

14. Name one factor that affects the lateral displacement of light

or
irr
as it passes through a rectangular glass slab. [2]

M
15. (i) Why does the sun appear red at sunrise? [1] (i) Copy the diagram and mark the arrows to
(ii) Name the subjective property of light related to its show the path of the ray of light after it is
wavelength. [1] reflected from the mirror. [1]
16. Jatin puts a pencil into a glass container having water and is (ii) Name the principle you have used to mark
surprised to see the pencil in the different state. the arrow to show the direction of the ray.[1]
(i) What change is observed in the appearence of the pencil? [1] 22. (i) The refractive index of glass with respect to
(ii) Name the phenomenon responsible for the change. [1] air is 1.5. What is the value of the refractive
index of air with respect to the glass? [1]
(iii) Draw a ray diagram showing how the eye sees the pencil.[1]
(ii) A ray of light is incident as a normal ray on
the surface of separation of two different
2014 mediums. What is the value of angle of
incidence in this case? [1]
17. Draw the diagram given below and show the path taken by the
emergent ray. 23. (i) Can the absolute refractive index be less
than one? [1]
(ii) A coin placed at the bottom of beaker
appears to be raised by 4 cm. If the
45° refractive index of water is 4/3, then find the
depth of the water in the beaker. [2]
[2]

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 CHALLENGERS
1. How does the light should enter the glass to produce a 6 A ray of light enters a glass block at an angle of incidence
large amount of bending? i, producing an angle of refraction r in the glass.
(a) Obliquely, making a small angle of incidence
(b) Obliquely, making a large angle of incidence i
(c) Perpendicularly to the glass surface
(d) All of the above r
Glass
2 For a certain parallel-sided glass Air block
sin i
block, the value of is 1.50.
sin r Glass x Several different values of i and r are measured and a
A ray of light passes through the graph is drawn of sin i against sin r .
block and emerges at an angle of 60° Air 60°
Which graph is correct ?
to the surface of the block.
sin i sin i
What is the value of the angle marked X ?
1 1
(a) 19.5° (b) 35° (c) 40° (d) 48.5°
3 A ray of light is incident on one side of a rectangular (a) (b)
0.5 0.5
glass block. Its path is plotted through the block and
out through another side.
0 0.5 1 0 0.5
Which path is not possible? sin r sin r
sin i sin i
(a) (b) 1 1
(c) 0.5 (d) 0.5

(c) (d)
0 0.5 1 0 0.5 1
sin r sin r

4 A ray of red light enters a semi-circular glass block 7 Assertion (A) In case of refraction of light through
normal to the curved surface. glass slab, angle of incidence is equal to angle of
Which diagram shows the partial reflection and emergence.
refraction of the ray ? Reason (R) A glass slab is cuboid made of glass in
which refraction occurs twice from the corresponding
parallel surfaces.
(a) (b) (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct
(c) (d) explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) R is true, but A is false
5 Absolute refractive index of some materials A, B, C and
8 A ray of light travels from a medium of refractive index
D are given as below:
n1 to a medium of refractive index n2 . If angle of
Medium A B C D sin i
incidence is i and angle of refraction is r, then is
Refractive index sin r
1.54 1.33 2.42 1.65
equal to
In which of these materials, light travels fastest? n2 n1
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D (a) n1 (b) n 2 (c) (d)
n1 n2
Answers
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c)

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