25 Wave Optics: Solutions

Chapter 25
Wave Optics
Solutions
SECTION - A
Objective Type Questions
(Huygens’ Principle)
1. Huygens' concepts of secondary wavelets
(1) Allow us to find the focal length of a thin lens (2) Give the magnifying power of a microscope
(3) Are a geometrical method to find a wavefront (4) Are used to determine the velocity of light
Sol. Answer (3)
Huygens' concepts of secondary wavelets are a geometrical method to find a wavefront.
2. The intensity at a point at a distance r from a source which produces cylindrical wavefronts varies as
1 1
(1) I  1 (2) I (3) I  r0 (4) I
r2 r r3
Sol. Answer (2)
The intensity at a point at a distance r from a source varies as I  1

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

(i) y1 = a1 sin t, (ii) y2 = a2 sin 2t, (iii) y3 = a3 cos t (iv) y4 = a4 sin (t + ).
The interference is possible between
(1) (i) and (iii) (2) (i) and (ii) (3) (ii) and (iv) (4) Not possible at all
Sol. Answer (1)
Four waves are expressed as y1 and y3 can interfere with each other among the options as they have same
frequency.
5. Two waves having intensities in the ratio of 9 : 1 produce interference. The ratio of maximum to minimum
intensity is equal to
(1) 10 : 8 (2) 9:1 (3) 4:1 (4) 2:1
Sol. Answer (3)
I1 1 A12
I1  A12 = =
I2 9 A22
A1 1
I2  A22  A =3
2
Imax  (A1 + A2)2

Imin  (A2 – A1)2
Imax (3 + 1)2 16 4
= = =
Imin 22 4 1
 Imax : Imin = 4 : 1
6. In an interference pattern produced by two identical slits, the intensity at the site of the central maximum is
I. The intensity at the same spot when either of the two slits is closed is Io, then
(1) I = Io (2) I = 2 Io
(3) I = 4Io (4) I and Io are not related to each other
Sol. Answer (3)
Let amplitude of light from a slit be A.
Io  A2
or I  (A + A)2
Io 1
 =
I 4
or I = 4Io
7. The fringe width in Young’s double-slit experiment can be increased if we decrease

(1) Separation of the slits (2) Distance between the source and the screen
(3) Wavelength of the source (4) All of these
Solutions of Assignment Wave Optics 59
Sol. Answer (1)
λD
Fringe width () =
d
⎛ 1⎞
Hence if we decrease d ⎜ β ∝ ⎟
⎝ d⎠
 is increased.
8. In case of Young’s experiment

(1) There are two virtual sources of light from same monochromatic source of light
(2) Both the slits get light from a single monochromatic source of light
(3) Two separate monochromatic sources of light of same wavelength are used
(4) None of these
Sol. Answer (2)
In case of Young's double slit. Experiment the waves from the slit should be coherent. Since true coherence
is from the same source always answer will be (2).
9. In Young’s double slit experiment, the separation between the slits is halved and the distance between the
slits and screen is doubled. The new fringe width is
(1) Unchanged (2) Halved (3) Doubled (4) Quadrupled
Sol. Answer (4)
Dλ
β=
d
If d is halved and D is doubled

λ × 2D
β2 =
d /2
2 = 4
10. If one of the two slits of a Young’s double slit experiment is painted over so that it transmits half the light
intensity of the other then
(1) The fringe system would disappear
(2) The bright fringes will be more bright and dark fringes will be more dark
(3) The dark fringes would be less dark and bright fringes would be less bright
(4) Bright as well as dark fringes would be more dark
Sol. Answer (3)
The net intensity or energy per unit area interfering to form fringer will decrease. Hence observed brightness
will decrease.
11. Monochromatic light from a narrow slit illuminates two parallel slits producing an interference pattern on a screen.
The separation between the screen and the slits is reduced to half. The fringe width
(1) Is doubled (2) Becomes four times
(3) Becomes one fourth (4) Becomes half
Sol. Answer (4)

Monochromatic light
λD
β=
d
D
If becomes
2
λD β
β2 = =
2d 2
12. Two slits separated by a distance of 1mm are illuminated with red light of wavelength
6.5 × 10–7 m. The interference fringes are observed on a screen placed 1m from the slits. The distance between
the third dark fringe and the fifth bright fringe on the same side of central maxima is
(1) 0.65 mm (2) 1.62 mm (3) 3.25 mm (4) 4.88 mm
Sol. Answer (2)
 = 6.5 × 10–7 mm
d = 1 mm
D=1m
⎛ nD λ ⎞ 5D λ
⎜⎝ ⎟ 5th bright fringe =
d ⎠ d
⎛ Dλ ⎞ 5D λ
⎜⎝ (2n − 1) ⎟ 3rd dark fringe
2d ⎠ 2d
5D λ 5 D λ
Distance (d) = −
d 2 d
5 Dλ
=
2 d
13. A double slit interference experiment is carried out in air and the entire arrangement is dipped in water. As a
result
(1) The fringe width decreases (2) The fringe width increases
(3) The fringe width remains unchanged (4) Fringe pattern disappears
Sol. Answer (1)
λ
In water or any other medium  becomes hence
μ
λD
β= becomes
d
λD β
β2 = or β2 >
μd μ
So, fringe width decreases.
14. Double slit interference experiment is carried out with monochromatic light and interference fringes are observed.
If now monochromatic light is replaced by white light; what change is expected in interference pattern?
(1) No change
(2) Pattern disappears
(3) White and dark fringes are observed throughout
(4) A few coloured fringes are observed on either side of central white fringe
Sol. Answer (4)
Central fringe is white because all the wavelengths are super-imposing at central position with maxima. On
either sides all wavelengths make their maximas and minimas so they appeared coloured.
15. In a Young’s double slit experiment the wavelength of red light is 7.8 × 10–5 cm and that of blue light is
5.2 × 10–5cm. The value of n for which (n + 1)th blue bright band coincides with nth bright red band is
(1) 1 (2) 2
(3) 3 (4) 4
Sol. Answer (2)
n λR D
Distance of nth red band from central fringe =
d
(n + 1) λB D
Distance of (n + 1)th band (blue) from fringe =
d
n λR D (n + 1)λB D
=
d d
16. In Young’s double-slit experiment, a glass plate of refractive index 1.5 and thickness 5 × 10–4 cm is kept in
the path of one of the light rays. Then
(1) There will be no shift in the interference pattern
(2) The fringe width will increase
(3) The fringe width will decrease
(4) The optical path of the ray will increase by 2.5 × 10–4 cm
Sol. Answer (4)
Optical path of the ray will become =  × 
Hence new path = 7.5 × 10–4
 Increase in optical path length = (7.5 – 5) × 10–4
= 2.5 × 10–4
17. If Young’s experiment is performed using two separate identical sources of light instead of using two slits and
one light source then the
(1) Interference fringes will be darker
(2) Interference fringes will be brighter
(3) Fringes will not be obtained
(4) Contrast between bright and dark fringes increases
Sol. Answer (3)
Two independent sources of light identical in nature are not coherent.
18. In a Young's double slit experiment, the intensity at the central maximum is I0. The intensity at a distance
/4 from the central maximum is ( is fringe width)
I0 I0 I0
(1) I0 (2) (3) (4)
2 2 4
Sol. Answer (2)
Let the intensity of each source is I
I0 = 4I
β
y=
4
(Path difference at y distance from central maxima)
yd λ
x = =
D 4
λ ⎛ 2π ⎞ π
(phase difference)  = ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ =
4 λ 2
(Intensity at y distance)
I = 2I (1 + cos )
⎛I ⎞ ⎛ π⎞
I = 2 ⎜ 0 ⎟ ⎜1 + cos ⎟
⎝ 4 ⎠⎝ 2⎠
I0
I =
2
19. White light is used to illuminate the two slits in Young’s experiment. The separation between the slits is b
and the screen is at a distance d (>> b) from the slits. At a point directly in front of one of the slits, certain
wavelengths are missing. The missing wavelength(s) is/are
(1)  = b2/d (2)  = b2/5d (3)  = b2/3d (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
b
Those wavelength will be missing for which the destructive interference occurs at the position, y =
2
For destructive interference
d = b
D=d
yd ′ (2m − 1) λ
=
D 2
b ⎛ b ⎞ (2m − 1) λ
⎜ ⎟=
2 ⎝d ⎠ 2
b2
=
(2m − 1) d
The possible wavelength are for m = 1, 2, 3
20. Oil floating on water looks coloured due to interference of light. What should be the order of magnitude of the
thickness of oil layer in order that this effect may be observed?
(1) 10–6 m (2) 10–2 m (3) 10–10 m (4) 10–8 m
Sol. Answer (1)
The order of thickness must be in the order of the wavelength of visible light.
21. When white light is incident normally on an oil film of thickness 10–4 cm and refractive index 1.4 then the
wavelength which will not be seen in the reflected system of light is
(1) 7000 Å (2) 5600 Å (3) 4000 Å (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
For the wavelength which will not be seen
2t cos r = n
r = 0 (Normal incidence)
2(1.4) 10–4 × 10–2 cos0º = n
n = 2.8 × 10–6
n = 28000 × 10–10
28000
= Å
n
For possible wavelength n = 1, 2, 3, .....
22. Imperfections in optical lenses can be observed with the help of

(1) Newton's Rings (2) Fresnel's Biprism
(3) Lloyd's single miror experiment (4) Young's double slit experiment
Sol. Answer (1)
23. Dark and colour patterns on thin soap films are due to
(1) Interference of light (2) Diffraction of light
(3) Dispersion of light (4) Polarization of light
Sol. Answer (1)
The colours are seen due to this film interference.
24. Choose the correct statement

(1) While watching television by means of an antenna, a passing nearby aeroplane can produce wavering ghost
images in the television picture
(2) Solar cells are often coated with a transparent thin film, such as silicon monoxide (SiO) to minimize
reflective losses.
(3) Glass lenses used in cameras and other optical instruments are usually coated with a transparent thin film,
such as magnesium fluoride (MgF2) to reduce or eliminate unwanted reflection
(4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
25. The beautiful iridescent (like a rainbow) colors on the wings of a tropical or morpho butterfly are due to
(1) Thin film interference of light (2) Diffraction of light
(3) Polarization of light (4) Dispersion of light
Sol. Answer (1)
26. Some currency notes (to avoid counterfeits) change their colour as you tilt them. This is due to
(1) Diffraction (2) Polarization
(3) Interference (4) Refraction
Sol. Answer (3)
Thin film interference.
27. A parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 5000 Å is incident normally on a single narrow slit of
width 0.001 mm. The light is focussed by a convex lens on a screen placed on focal plane. The first minimum
will be formed for the angle of diffraction equal to
(1) 0° (2) 15° (3) 30° (4) 50°
Sol. Answer (3)
dsin  = 
5000 × 10−10 1
sin  = −3  sin  =
.001 × 10 2
 = 30º
(Diffraction)
28. Rainbows are classic example of the phenomenon of

(1) Interference (2) Diffraction (3) Polarization (4) Absorption
Sol. Answer (1)
29. The phenomenon of diffraction can be exhibited by

(1) Infrared waves (2) Microwaves (3) X-rays (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
All electromagnetic waves can exhibit diffraction provided the size of aperture/obstacle is comparable to the
wavelength of light.
30. Though quantum theory of light can explain a number of phenomenon observed with light, it is necessary to
retain the wave nature of light to explain the phenomenon of
(1) Photoelectric effect (2) Diffraction (3) Compton effect (4) Black body radiation
Sol. Answer (2)
31. A diffraction pattern is obtained using a beam of red light. What happens, if the red light is replaced by blue
light?
(1) No change
(2) Diffraction bands become narrower and get crowded together
(3) Bands become broader and farther apart
(4) Bands disappear
Sol. Answer (2)
Position of minima in diffraction pattern
nλ
θ=
a
Decrease of  makes the diffraction bands narrower.
32. The main difference in the phenomenon of interference and diffraction in light waves is that
(1) Diffraction is due to interaction of light from the same wave-front whereas interference is the interaction of
waves from two isolated sources
(2) Diffraction is due to interaction of light from same wavefront, whereas the interference is the interaction of
two waves derived from the same source
(3) Diffraction is due to interaction of waves derived from the same source, whereas the interference is the
bending of light from the same wavefront
(4) Diffraction is caused by reflected waves from a source whereas interference is caused due to refraction
of waves from a surface
Sol. Answer (2)
33. The condition for observing Fraunhofer diffraction from a single slit is that the wave front incident on the slit
should be
(1) Spherical (2) Cylindrical (3) Plane (4) Elliptical
Sol. Answer (3)
Source is at far position from slit.
34. Monochromatic light of wavelength 580 nm is incident on a slit of width 0.30 mm. The screen is 2m from the
slit. The width of the central maximum is
(1) 3.35 × 10–3 m (2) 2.25 × 10–3 m (3) 6.20 × 10–3 m (4) 7.7 × 10–3 m
Sol. Answer (4)
2 Dλ
W=
a
D = 2m, a = 0.3 × 10–3 m
 = 580 × 10–9 m
35. Why a DVD stores almost 30 times more information than a CD?
(1) DVD uses shorter - wavelength lasers of 6350Å but CD uses an infrared laser of 7800 Å
(2) CD uses shorter wavelength laser compared to a DVD
(3) CD works on the principle of diffraction
(4) DVD works on diffraction of light
Sol. Answer (1)
36. If a classroom door is open just a small amount, we can hear sounds coming from the room but we can't see
what is going on inside the room because
(1) Diffraction of sound is easier as its wavelength is large
(2) Diffraction of light is easier as its wavelength is small
(3) Sound waves can be polarized
(4) Light waves can be polarized
Sol. Answer (1)
Audible frequency of sound is less and wavelength is large.
37. When you look at a clear blue sky you see tiny specks and hair like structures floating in your view, called
"floaters". This is basically
(1) Interference pattern (2) Diffraction pattern (3) Emission spectra (4) Absorption spectra
Sol. Answer (2)
(Resolving Power of Optical Instruments)
38. Which of the following is correct regarding microscope and telescope?

(1) Telescope provides magnification, whereas microscope provides resolution
(2) Telescope provides resolution whereas microscope provides magnification
(3) Both provide resolution
(4) Both provide magnification
Sol. Answer (2)

A telescope produces images of far object nearer to our eye. Therefore objects which are not resolved at far
distance, can be resolved by looking at them through a telescope. A microscope on the other hand magni-
fies object and produced their large image.
39. The resolving power of a compound microscope will be maximum when

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

(2) The intensity reduces down some what and rises again
(3) There is no change in intensity
(4) The intensity gradually reduces to zero and then again increases
Sol. Answer (4)
The ray is incident at Brewster's angle so it reflected ray will be plane polarised.
When passed through polarises the ray will display intensity according to the law of malus (I0 cos2 ).
SECTION - B
Objective Type Questions
(Models of Light)
1. Corpuscular theory of light predicts speed of light to be

(1) Independent of medium (2) Greater in water than in vacuum
(3) Greater in vacuum than in water (4) Dependent on intensity of light
Sol. Answer (2)
2. Two light rays initially in same phase travel through two media of equal length L having refractive index m1 and
m2 (m1 > m2) as shown in figure. If the wave length of light rays in air is l, the phase difference of the emerging
rays is given by
Air µ1 Air
µ2
L
L1 (1   2 )L 2(1   2 )L
(1)  (2) (3) (4) Zero
2 2 
Sol. Answer (3)
Path difference between the emerging rays = 1L – 2L
φ (μ − μ2 )L
= 1
2π λ
(μ1 − μ 2 )L
 φ=
λ
(Huygens’ Principle)
3. Light wave travel in vacuum along the x-axis, which of the following may represent the wave front
(1) x = a (2) y=a (3) z=a (4) x+y+z=a
Sol. Answer (1)
Wave front is always perpendicular to direction of propagation of light.
(The Doppler’s Effect)
4. Apparent wavelength of light coming from a star moving away from earth is 0.02% more than its actual
wavelength. Velocity of star is
(1) 30 km/s (2) 60 km/s (3) 90 km/s (4) 120 km/s
Sol. Answer (2)
C +V C + V ⎛ 0.02 ⎞
λs = λ0 ⇒ λs = ⎜1 + ⎟λ
C −V C −V ⎝ 100 ⎠ s
2
C + V ⎛ 0.02 ⎞ C +V 0.04 2V 1
= ⎜1 + ⎟ ⇒ −1= ⇒ =
C −V ⎝ 100 ⎠ C −V 100 C − V 2500
3 × 105
or V = ≈ 60 km/s
5001
(Interference of Light Wave and Young’s Double Slit Experiment)
5. In Young double slit experiment, 12 fringes are obtained in a certain fragment of the screen, when light of
wavelength 600 nm is used. If the wavelength of light is changed to 400 nm, number of fringes observed in
the same segment of the screen is
(1) 12 (2) 18 (3) 24 (4) 30
Sol. Answer (2)
12λ1D
Width of screen is =
d
12λ1D n λ 2D
For new wavelength = =
d d
12λ1 6000
 Number of fringes (n) = = 12 × = 18
λ2 4000
6. A thin film of water ( = 4/3) is 3100 Å thick. If it is illuminated by white light at normal incidence. The colour
of film in the reflected light will be
(1) Blue (2) Black (3) Yellow (4) Red
Sol. Answer (3)
Wave length for which maxima occurs
λ
2t cos r = (2n – 1)
2
4μt cos r
λ=
2n − 1
4 t
r = 0,  
2n  1
for n = 2
4  3100  4
 
3 3
= 5511.11 Å
(Wavelength of yellow)
7. The central fringe of the interference pattern produced by light of wavelength 6000 Å is found to shift to the
position of 4th bright fringe after a glass plate of refractive index 1.5 is introduced in front of one slit in Young’s
experiment. The thickness of the glass plate will be
(1) 4.8 μm (2) 8.23 μm (3) 14.98 μm (4) 3.78 μm
Sol. Answer (1)
(µ − 1)tD
Fringe shift =
d
4 λD
4th bright fringe =
d
( μ − 1)tD 4 λ D
Equating both = =
d d
8. In Young’s double slit experiment shown in figure. S1 and S2 are coherent sources and S is the screen having
a hole at a point 1.0 mm away from the central line. White light (400 to 700 nm) is sent through the slits.
Which wavelength passing through the hole has strong intensity?
centre of
S1 screen
0.5 mm
S2 1.0 mm
hole
50 cm screen
S
(1) 400 nm (2) 700 nm (3) 500 nm (4) 667 nm
Sol. Answer (3)
nD λ
Yn =
d
Yn = 10–3m, D = 0.5 m, d = 0.5 × 10–3 m
500
λ= nm
n
9. In Young’s double slit experiment, the intensity of light at a point on the screen where the path difference is

 is I0. The intensity of light at a point where the path difference becomes is
3
I0 I0 I0
(1) I0 (2) (3) (4)
4 3 2
Sol. Answer (2)
Where the path difference is , the fringe intensity will be maximum.
I0 = 4I
(I= intensity of each slit)
λ 2π
Where, ∆ × = , ∆φ =
3 3
I = 4I cos2 ∆φ
2
π
I = I0 cos2
3
I0
I=
4
10. Four different independent waves are represented by
 
(i) y1 = a1sint (ii) y2 = a2sin2t (iii) y3 = a3cost (iv) y 4  a4 sin  t  
 3 
With which of two waves interference is possible?
(1) (i) & (ii) (2) (i) & (iv)
(3) (iii) & (iv) (4) Not possible with any combination
Sol. Answer (4)
(They are independent waves)
11. In YDSE, a thin film (μ = 1.6) of thickness 0.01 mm is introduced in the path of one of the two interfering
beams. The central fringe moves to a position occupied by the 10th bright fringe earlier. The wave length of
wave is
(1) 600 Å (2) 6000 Å (3) 60 Å (4) 660 Å
Sol. Answer (2)
(µ − 1)tD
Shift of fringes is given by
d
10 λD
This is equal to position of 10th bright fringe
d
0.6 × 1 × 10−5 D 10λD

=
d d
 = 0.6 × 10–6
  = 6 × 10–7
or  = 6000 Å

12. In Young's double slit experiment, the intensity at a point where path difference is is I. If I0 denotes the
6
I
maximum intensity, I .
0
1 3 1 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 2 2 4
Sol. Answer (4)
λ
Where, ∆x =
6
2π
∆φ = ∆x
λ
π
 ∆φ =
3
⎛ ∆φ ⎞
I = I0 cos2 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
⎛π⎞
I = I0 cos2 ⎜ ⎟
⎝6⎠
3
or I = I0 ×
4
I 3
 =
I0 4
13. The maximum intensity of fringes in Young's experiment is I. If one of the slits is closed, then intensity at
that place becomes I0. Then relation between I and I0 is
(1) I = I0 (2) I = 2I0 (3) I = 4I0 (4) There is no relation
Sol. Answer (3)
When the slits were open the waves interfered constructively
I = 4I (I  = Intensity of each slit)
If one of the slits is closed then intensity at that place is intensity of each slit I = I0
14. In Young's double slit interference experiment, the slit separation is made 3 folds. The fringe width becomes
1 1
(1) times (2) times (3) 3 times (4) 9 times
3 9
Sol. Answer (1)
λD
Fringe width  =
d
λD β
β' = =
3d 3
15. In Young's double slit experiment, the distance between the slits is reduced to half and the distance between
the slit and the screen is doubled, then fringe width
(1) Will not change (2) Will become half (3) Will be doubled (4) Will become four times
Sol. Answer (4)
λD
β=
d
λ × 2D
β' =  ' = 4
d /2
16. In Young's experiment, the separation between 5th maxima and 3rd minima is how many times as that of fringe
width?
(1) 5 times (2) 3 times (3) 2.5 times (4) 2 times
Sol. Answer (3)
5 λD
5th maximum =
d
(2n − 1)λD 5 λD
3rd minimum = =
2d 2d
5 λD 5 λD
 Distance = −
d 2d
5 λD
=
2d
 Distance = 2.5 times
17. If the amplitude ratio of two sources producing interference is 3 : 5, the ratio of intensities of maxima and
minima is
(1) 25 : 16 (2) 5:3 (3) 16 : 1 (4) 25 : 9
Sol. Answer (3)
A1 : A2 = 3 : 5 then I1 : I2 = 9 : 25
( )
2
Imax I1 + I2 ⎛3 + 5⎞
2
= =⎜
⎝ 3 − 5 ⎟⎠
( )
Imin 2
I1 − I2
16
=
1
18. In a Young's double slit experiment, the source illuminating the slits is changed from blue to violet. The width
of the fringes
(1) Increases (2) Decreases (3) Becomes unequal (4) Remains same
Sol. Answer (2)
λD
=
d
If  decreases width of the fringes decreases.
19. In Young's double slit experiment, when two light waves form third minimum, they have
(1) Phase difference of 3 (2) Path difference of 3
5 5
(3) Phase difference of (4) Path difference of
2 2
Sol. Answer (4)
λ 5λ
Path difference is given by x = (2n – 1) =
2 2
20. White light is used in Young’s double slit experiment. Separation between slits is y and the screen is at
distance x from slits (x >> y). Which of these wavelengths is missing in front of one of the slits?
y2 y2 y2
(1) (2) (3) (4) All of these
x 2x 4x
Sol. Answer (1)
(2m − 1) λD
Distance of minima from central maxima y1 =
2d
y
y1 = , d = y, D = x
2
y2
λ= m = 1, 2, 3, ....
(2m − 1) x
21. Shape of interference fringes formed on the screen due to point source P, in the case shown here
(1) Parabolic (2) Elliptical (3) Circular (4) Hyperbolic

Sol. Answer (3)
22. Young’s double slit experiment is performed with monochromatic light. A thin film is introduced in front of one
of the slits
(1) Intensity at the position of central maxima must decrease
(2) Intensity at the position of central maxima may increase
(3) Central maxima may remain unshifted
(4) Intensity at position of first maxima may decrease
Sol. Answer (4)
The entire fringe will experience a shifts and the only thing we can say for certain is the fourth option.
23. In the Young’s arrangement, screen starts moving towards right with constant speed v. Initial distance between
screen and plane of slits is x. At t = 0, 1st order maxima is lying at point A. After how much time first order
minima lies at point A?
x
A
y
Source
v
Screen
(t = 0)
x x x 2x
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2v v 3v 3v
Sol. Answer (2)
λD
Distance of 1st maxima from central fringe = [D = x]
d
λD
Distance of 1st minima =
2d
D at time t = Dt = x + vt
λx λ( x + vt )
=
d 2d
x
x = vt or t=
v
24. Approximate thickness of oil film to observe interference of light (due to which it looks coloured) is
(1) 10 mm (2) 10–3 mm (3) 10 pm (4) 1 cm
Sol. Answer (2)
The thickness must be in the order of visible light.
25. Slit widths in a Young’s double slit experiment are in the ratio 9 : 4. Ratio of intensity at minima to that at
maxima is
(1) 4 : 9 (2) 16 : 81 (3) 1 : 25 (4) 1 : 16
Sol. Answer (3)
W ∝I
( )
2
I1 9 Imin I1 − I2
= =
( )
I2 4 Imax 2
I1 + I2
(Diffraction)
26. To observerve diffraction the size of an obstacle

(1) Should be of the same order as wavelength (2) Should be much smaller than the wavelength

(3) Has no relation to wavelength (4) Should be exactly
2
Sol. Answer (1)
27. In Fraunhoffer diffraction from a single slit, wave front incident on the slit is
(1) Planar (2) Spherical
(3) Cylindrical (4) Either spherical or cylindrical
Sol. Answer (1)
Fraunhoffer diffraction is for the parallel incidence.
28. Diffraction is easily noticeable for sound waves than for light waves because sound waves
(1) Are high energy waves (2) Are low intensity waves
(3) Have longer wavelength (4) Are mechanical in nature
Sol. Answer (3)
For diffraction the obstacle and wavelengths must be of same order. Since they have longer wavelength they
can easily cleaned around everyday absects more easily.
29. Width of slit in a single slit diffraction experiment such that 20 maxima of double slit interference pattern are
obtained within central maxima of the diffraction pattern is (Slit separation for double slit arrangement = 2 mm)
(1) 0.05 mm (2) 0.1 mm (3) 0.2 mm (4) 0.4 mm
Sol. Answer (3)
D λ 2D λ
20 = , d = 2mm
d b
30. In Fraunhoffer diffraction, at the angular position of first diffraction minimum, phase difference (in radian) between
wavelets from opposite edges of the slit is

(1) (2)  (3) 2 (4) 4
2
Sol. Answer (3)
For minima in diffraction x = m
For first minima x = 
 = 2
(Resolving Power of Optical Instruments)
31. Two points separated by 0.05 mm can just be inspected in a microscope when light of wavelength 6000 Å is
used. If light of wavelength 3000 Å is used then the limit of resolution becomes
(1) 0.05 mm (2) 0.025 mm (3) 0.1 mm (4) 0.15 mm
Sol. Answer (2)
Resolving power of a microscope is the shorter distance between two seperate point in a microscope's field
of view that can be seen directly.
λ
Resolving power ∝ (a = aperture)
2a
d1 λ1 0.05 6000
= ⇒ = ⇒ 0.025 mm
d2 λ2 d2 3000
32. Light of wavelength  is coming from a star. What is the limit of resolution of a telescope whose objective has
diameter r ?
0.305  0.61 1.22  2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
r r r r
Sol. Answer (3)
(Polarisation)
33. Refractive index of material is equal to the tangent of polarising angle. It is called
(1) Brewster's law (2) Lambert's law (3) Malus' law (4) Bragg's law
Sol. Answer (1)
m = tan ip
34. Unpolarized light of intensity x is incident on a polarising sheet. Intensity of light which does not get transmitted
is
x x
(1) x (2) (3) (4) Zero
2 4
Sol. Answer (2)
Polariser transmits energy travelling along a single plane.
x x x
Energy transmitted is . Hence energy left behind is x − =
2 2 2
4
35. Brewster angle for air to water transition is (refractive index of water is )
3
1 3 3 3 3
(1) sin (2) cos 1 (3) tan 1 (4) cot 1
4 4 4 4
Sol. Answer (4)
4 3
Brewster's angle is given by tan–1 = tan–1 which is also written as cot–1
3 4
36. Choose the correct alternative

(1) When plane polarised light passes through polaroid, it changes its nature to linearly polarised
(2) Refracted light, when light is incident at Brewster angle, is linearly polarised

(3) Polarised light can be produced by scattering through in earth’s atmosphere
2
(4) Natural light from sun is polarised
Sol. Answer (3)
SECTION - C
Previous Years Questions
1. In Young's double slit experiment the separation d between the slits is 2 mm, the wavelength  of the light
used is 5896 Å and distance D between the screen and slits is 100 cm. It is found that the angular width of
the fringes is 0.20°. To increase the fringe angular width to 0.21° (with same  and D) the separation between
the slits needs to be changed to [NEET - 2018]
(1) 1.8 mm (2) 1.9 mm (3) 1.7 mm (4) 2.1 mm
Sol. Answer (2)

Angular width 
d

0.20  …(i)
2 mm

0.21  …(ii)
d
0.20 d
Dividing we get,   d = 1.9 mm
0.21 2 mm
2. Unpolarised light is incident from air on a plane surface of a material of refractive index ''. At a particular angle
of incidence 'i', it is found that the reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular to each other. Which of the
following options is correct for this situation? [NEET - 2018]
(1) Reflected light is polarised with its electric vector parallel to the plane of incidence
(2) Reflected light is polarised with its electric vector perpendicular to the plane of incidence
 1
(3) i  tan1  

 1
(4) i  sin1  

Sol. Answer (2)
When reflected light rays and refracted rays are perpendicular, reflected light is polarised with electric field vector
perpendicular to the plane of incidence.
Also, tan i =  (Brewster angle)
3. The ratio of resolving powers of an optical microscope for two wavelengths  1 = 4000 Å and
2 = 6000 Å is [NEET - 2017]
(1) 8 : 27 (2) 9:4 (3) 3:2 (4) 16 : 81
Sol. Answer (3)
1
Resolving power 

R1  2 6000 Å 3
  
R2 1 4000 Å 2
4. Young’s double slit experiment is first performed in air and then in a medium other than air. It is found that
8th bright fringe in the medium lies where 5th dark fringe lies in air. The refractive index of the medium is nearly
[NEET - 2017]
(1) 1.25 (2) 1.59 (3) 1.69 (4) 1.78
Sol. Answer (4)
D
X1 = X5th dark = (2 × 5 – 1)
2d
D
X2 = X8th bright = 8
d
X1 = X2
9 D D
8
2 d d
16
  1.78
9
5. Two Polaroids P1 and P2 are placed with their axis perpendicular to each other. Unpolarised light I0 is incident
on P1. A third polaroid P3 is kept in between P1 and P2 such that its axis makes an angle 45º with that of
P1. The intensity of transmitted light through P2 is [NEET - 2017]
I0 I0 I0 I0
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 4 8 16
Sol. Answer (3)
P1 P3 P2
I2
I0 I1 I3
90°
45°
I0 I 1 I
I2  cos2 45  0   0
2 2 2 4
I0 2
I3  cos 45
4
I0
I3 
8
6. The interference pattern is obtained with two coherent light sources of intensity ratio n. In the interference
Imax – Imin
pattern, the ratio will be [NEET-(Phase-2)-2016]
Imax  Imin
n 2 n n 2 n
(1) (2) (3) (4)
n 1 n 1  n  1 2
 n  12
Sol. Answer (2)
I1
n
I2
   
2 2
Imax  I1  I2 n  1 I2
   
2 2
Imin  I1 – I2 n – 1 I2
Imax – Imin 4 n 2 n
 
Imax  Imin 2(n  1) n  1
7. A linear aperture whose width is 0.02 cm is placed immediately in front of a lens of focal length 60 cm. The
aperture is illuminated normally by a parallel beam of wavelength 5 × 10–5 cm. The distance of the first dark
band of the diffraction pattern from the centre of the screen is [NEET-(Phase-2)-2016]
(1) 0.10 cm (2) 0.25 cm (3) 0.20 cm (4) 0.15 cm
Sol. Answer (4)
 y
  y
a f

f
f
y
a
8. In a diffraction pattern due to a single slit of width a, the first minimum is observed at an angle 30° when light
of wavelength 5000 Å is incident on the slit. The first secondary maximum is observed at an angle of
[NEET-2016]
3  1 2  1
(1) sin1   (2) sin1   (3) sin1   (4) sin1  
4 4 3 2
Sol. Answer (1)
1st minimum, a sin = n
n = 1, asin 30° = 
 a = 2
3
1st secondary maximum, a sin 1 
2
3 3
 sin 1  
2a 4
3
   sin1
4
9. The intensity at the maximum in a Young's double slit experiment is I0. Distance between two slits is d = 5,
where  is the wavelength of light used in the experiment. What will be the intensity in front of one of the slits
on the screen placed at a distance D = 10 d? [NEET-2016]
I0 I0 3
(1) (2) I0 (3) (4) I0
2 4 4
Sol. Answer (1)
Imax = I0
S1 2.5
5 O
50
S2
d
dy n d  2 d 
Path diff    
D 10d 20 4
Phase diff = 90°
 I0
I  I0 cos2 
2 2
10. At the first minimum adjacent to the central maximum of a single-slit diffraction pattern, the phase difference
between the Huygen's wavelet from the edge of the slit and the wavelet from the mid-point of the slit is
[Re-AIPMT-2015]
  
(1) radian (2) radian (3) radian (4)  radian
8 4 2
Sol. Answer (4)
For 1st minimum d sin    .
where  = Path difference between the wavelets from edges of the slit.

 Path difference between edge and mid-point of slit =
2
Phase difference between edge and mid-point of slit = 
11. Two slits in Youngs experiment have widths in he ratio 1 : 25. The ratio of intensity at the maxima and minima
I
in the interference pattern, max is [Re-AIPMT-2015]
Imin
4 9 121 49
(1) (2) (3) (4)
9 4 49 121
Sol. Answer (2)
w I 1
 1 
w 2 I2 25
2
 I 
 1  1
2
Imax  I2   5  1 36 9
     
Imin  I1   5 – 1 16 4
 – 1
I 
 2 
12. In a double slit experiment, the two slits are 1 mm apart and the screen is placed 1 m away. A monochromatic
light of wavelength 500 nm is used. What will be the width of each slit for obtaining ten maxima of double
slit within the central maxima of single slit pattern? [AIPMT-2015]
(1) 0.02 mm (2) 0.2 mm (3) 0.1 mm (4) 0.5 mm
Sol. Answer (2)
D λ 2D λ
10 =
d b
D = 1m. d = 1 mm
l = 500 nm
b = Width of each slit
d
b=
5
b = 0.2 mm
13. For a parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength , diffraction is produced by a single slit whose width
a is of the order of the wavelength of the light. If D is the distance of the screen from the slit, the width of
the central maxima will be [AIPMT-2015]
2Da 2D D Da
(1) (2) (3) (4)
 a a 
Sol. Answer (2)
2D λ
Width of central maxima = Distance between first dark fringes on either side of the central fringe =
a
14. A beam of light of  = 600 nm from a distant source falls on a single slit 1 mm wide and the resulting diffraction
pattern is observed on a screen 2 m away. The distance between first dark fringes on either side of the central
bright fringe is [AIPMT-2014]
(1) 1.2 cm (2) 1.2 mm (3) 2.4 cm (4) 2.4 mm
Sol. Answer (4)
2D λ
Distance between first dark fringes on either side of the central bright fringe
b
D=2m
 = 600 nm
b = 1 mm
15. In the Young's double-slit experiment, the intensity of light at a point on the screen where the path difference is
 is K, ( being the wave length of light used). The intensity at a point where the path difference is /4, will
be: [AIPMT-2014]
K K
(1) K (2) (3) (4) Zero
4 2
Sol. Answer (3)
Where the path difference is  the intensity is maximum
Imax = 4I0, I0 (intensity of each slit)
K = 4I0
λ
Path difference =
4
λ ⎛ 2π ⎞ π
Phase difference () = ⎜ ⎟ =
4⎝ λ ⎠ 2
⎛ ∆φ ⎞
I = 4I0cos2 ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠
2
π
= 4I0 cos2
4
= 2I0
⎛K ⎞
= 2 ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠
4
K
=
2
16. In Young's double slit experiment, the slits are 2 mm apart and are illuminated by photons of two wavelengths
1 = 12000 Å and 2 = 10000 Å. At what minimum distance from the common central bright fringe on the screen
2m from the slit will a bright fringe from one interference pattern coincide with a bright fringe from the other?
[NEET-2013]
(1) 6 mm (2) 4 mm (3) 3 mm (4) 8 mm
Sol. Answer (1)
17. A parallel beam of fast moving electrons is incident normally on a narrow slit. A fluorescent screen is placed
at a large distance from the slit. If the speed of the electrons is increased, which of the following statements
is correct? [NEET-2013]
(1) The angular width of the central maximum of the diffraction pattern will increase
(2) The angular width of the central maximum will decrease
(3) The angular width of the central maximum will be unaffected
(4) Diffraction pattern is not observed on the screen in the case of electrons
Sol. Answer (2)
18. Two periodic waves of intensities I1 and I2 pass through a region at the same time in the same direction. The sum
of the maximum and minimum intensities is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2008]
 
2
(1) 2(I1 + I2) (2) (I1 + I2) (3) ( I1  I2 )2 (4) I1  I2
Sol. Answer (1)
19. The angular resolution of a 10 cm diameter telescope at a wavelength of 5000 Å is of the order of
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) 106 rad (2) 10–2 rad (3) 10–4 rad (4) 10–6 rad
Sol. Answer (4)
20. A star, which is emitting radiation at a wavelength of 5000 Å, is approaching the earth with a velocity of
1.5 × 105 m/s. The change in wavelength of the radiation as received on the earth is
(1) 25 Å (2) 100 Å (3) Zero (4) 2.5 Å
Sol. Answer (4)
∆λ V
Emitting at a wavelength of 5000 Å, =
λ C
V 1.0 × 104
∆λ = ×λ= 8
× 5000 × 10−10 = 0.25 Å
C 3 × 10
21. For a wavelength of light ‘l’ and scattering object of size ‘a’, all wavelengths are scattered nearly equally, if
(1) a =  (2) a >>  (3) a <<  (4) a 
Sol. Answer (2)
For a >>  Rayleigh and scattering not valid.
Here all wave lengths scattered nearly equally.
22. If two sources have a randomly varying phase difference (t), the resultant intensity will be given by
I0 I0
(1) I0 (2) (3) 2I0 (4)
2 2
Sol. Answer (3)
If phase difference varies randomly with time, the wave are incoherent and the intensity of resultant waves
is sum of individual intensities or 2I0.
23. In Young’s double-slit experiment, if the distance between the slits is halved and the distance between the
slits and the screen is doubled, the fringe width becomes
(1) Half (2) Double (3) Four times (4) Eight times
Sol. Answer (3)
λD
=
d
2λD
 = = 4
d /2
24 In a Fresnel biprism experiment, the two positions of lens give separation between the slits as 16 cm and 9
cm respectively. What is the actual distance of separation?
(1) 13 cm (2) 14 cm (3) 12.5 cm (4) 12 cm
Sol. Answer (4)
d1 = 16 cm d2 = 9 cm
Actual distance 2d = d1d2
2d = 4 × 3 or 2d = 12 cm
25. Colours appear on a thin soap film and on soap bubbles due to the phenomenon of
(1) Interference (2) Dispersion (3) Refraction (4) Diffraction
Sol. Answer (1)
The phenomenon of thin film interferens is in effect.
26. On introducing a thin film in the path of one of the two interfering beam, the central fringe will shift by one
fringe width. If  = 1.5, the thickness of the film is (wavelength of monochromatic light is )
(1) 4 (2) 3 (3) 2 (4) 
Sol. Answer (3)
λD
Shift shown =
d
λD (μ − 1)tD
= or  = (1.5 – 1)t or t = 2
d d
27. Two coherent monochromatic light beams of intensities I and 4I are superimposed; the maximum and minimum
possible intensitites in the resulting beam are
(1) 5I and I (2) 5I and 3I (3) 9I and I (4) 9I and 3I
Sol. Answer (3)
I1 = I , I2 = 4I
( )
2
Imax = I1 + I2
( )
2
Imin = I1 + I2
28. If two waves, each of intensity I0, having the same frequency but differing by a constant phase angle of 60°,
superimposing at a certain point in space, then the intensity of the resultant wave is
(1) 2I0 (2) 3I0 (3) 3I0 (4) 4I0
Sol. Answer (2)
Resultant intensity is given by Ir = I0 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ
 Ir = I0 + I1 + 2I0 cos60º
 Ir = 3I0
29. In Young’s double slit experiment, the fringe width is found to be 0.4 mm. If the whole apparatus is immersed
4
in water of refractive index   , without disturbing the geometrical arrangement, the new fringe width will be
3
(1) 0.40 mm (2) 0.53 mm (3) 0.20 mm (4) 0.30 mm
Sol. Answer (4)
 = 4 × 10–3 m
λ
In water  becomes
μ
β
or  =   = 0.30 mm
μ
30. In an interference experiment monochromatic light is replaced by white light, we will see
(1) Uniform illumination on the screen
(2) Uniform darkness on the screen
(3) Equally spaced white and dark bands
(4) A few coloured bands and then uniform illumination
Sol. Answer (4)
31. In Young’s double slit experiment carried out with light of wavelength 5000 Å, the distance between the slit
is 0.2 mm and the screen is at 200 cm from the plane of slits. The central maximum is at x = 0. The third
maximum will be at x equal to
(1) 1.5 cm (2) 1.67 cm (3) 0.5 cm (4) 5.0 cm
Sol. Answer (1)
d = 0.2 mm;  = 5000 × 10–10 m; D = 2 m
n λD 3 λD
3rd maximum = or 3rd maximum is at =
d d
32. In Young’s experiment when sodium light of wave length 5893 Å is used, then 62 fringes are seen in the field
of view. Instead, if violet light of wavelength 4350 Å is used, then the number of fringes that will be seen in
the field of view will be
(1) 54 (2) 64 (3) 74 (4) 84
Sol. Answer (4)
λs D × ns
Field of view of sodium light =
d
λv D D
nv ⋅ = ns × λs
d d
nv = v = nss
5893 × 62
nv = = 83.99
4350
33. In an interference pattern by two identical slits, the intensity of central maxima is I. What will be the intensity
of the same spot, if one of the slits is closed?
I I
(1) (2) (3) I (4) 2I
2 4
Sol. Answer (2)
I = I0 + I 0 + 2 I 0 I0
I
I0 =
4
34. If a thin mica sheet of thickness ‘t’ and refractive index ‘m’ is placed in the path of one of the waves producing
interference, then the whole interference pattern shifts towards the side of the sheet by a distance
d D
(1) (  1) t (2) (  1) t (3) Dd (  1) t (4) (  1)t
D d
Sol. Answer (2)
35. In Young’s experiment, the wavelength of red light is 7.8 × 10–5 cm and that of blue light 5.2 × 10–5 cm. The
value of n for which (n + 1)th blue bright band coincides with nth red bright band is
(1) 4 (2) 3 (3) 2 (4) 1
Sol. Answer (3)
r = 7.8 × 10–5 cm
b = 5.2 × 10–5 cm
nλr D (n + 1)λbD
=
d d
36. A slit 5 cm wide is irradiated normally with micro waves of wavelength 1 cm. Then the angular spread of the
central maximum on either side of the incident light is nearly
1
(1) radian (2) 4 radian (3) 5 radian (4) 6 radian
5
Sol. Answer (1)
b = 5 cm,  = 1 cm
λ
Angular spread of Central maxima = on either side.
b
37. In Young’s double slit experiment, the 10th maximum of wavelength l1 is at a distance of y1 from the central
maximum. When the wavelength of the source is changed to l2, 5th maximum is at a distance of y2 from its
 y1 
central maximum. The ratio   is
 y2 
2 2 1
(1) 1 (2) 2 2
2 21
(3) 2 (4) 2
1
Sol. Answer (4)

10 λ1D 5 λ 2D
y1 = , y2 =
d d
y1 2λ1
=
y2 λ2
38. A beam of light strickes a piece of glass at an angle of incidence of 60° and the reflected beam is completely
plane polarised. The refractive index of the glass is
(1) 1.5 (2) 3
3
(3) 2 (4)
2
Sol. Answer (2)
Brewster's angle = tan–1 
or tan 60º = 
 µ= 3
39. Waves that cannot be polarised are

(1) Light waves (2) Electromagnetic waves
(3) Transverse waves (4) Longitudinal waves
Sol. Answer (4)
Since the vibrate along the direction of propagation.
40. Two polaroids are kept crossed to each other. Now one of them is rotated through an angle of 45°. The
percentage of incident light now transmitted through the system is
(1) 15% (2) 25%
(3) 50% (4) 75%
Sol. Answer (2)
I0
Intensities after first polarises =
2
After that applying law of malus
I = I cos2 = 45º
I0
 I =
4
41. When the angle of incidence is 60° on the surface of a glass slab, it is found that the reflected ray is
completely polarised. The velocity of light in glass is
3
(1) 2  108 m/s (2) 3  108 m/s (3) 2 × 108 m/s (4)  108 m/s
2
Sol. Answer (2)
tan60º =  [Brewster's law]
C
Velocity of light in glass = = 3 × 108 m/s
µ
42. Light of wavelength l is incident on a slit of width ‘d’. The resulting diffraction pattern is observed on a screen
at a distance D. The linear width of the principal maximum is then equal to the width of the slit if D equals
d 2 d2 2 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
 d 2 d
Sol. Answer (3)
2Dλ d2
= d, D=
d 2λ
43. In a Fraunhofer diffraction at a single slit of width d with incident light of wavelength 5500 Å, the first minimum
is observed at angle of 30°. The first secondary maximum is observed at an angle q, equal to
 1   1 3  3
(1) sin1   (2) sin1   (3) sin1   (4) sin1  
 2 4 4  2 
Sol. Answer (3)
λ
For first minima, sin θ =
b
λ
sin30° =
b
3λ
For first secondary maxima, sin θ =
2b
3
sin θ =
4
−1 3
 θ = sin
4
44. Diameter of human eye lens is 2 mm. What will be the minimum distance between two points to resolve them,
which are situated at a distance of 50 m from eye. The wavelength of light is 5000 Å?
(1) 2.32 m (2) 4.28 mm (3) 1.525 cm (4) 12.48 cm
Sol. Answer (3)
1.22λD
Minimum distance between two points =
d
d = 2 mm
D = 50 m
 = 5000 Å
SECTION - D
Assertion-Reason Type Questions
1. A : The speed of light in vacuum doesn't depend on nature of the source, direction of propagation, motion of
the source or observer wavelength and intensity of the wave.
R : The speed of light in vacuum is a universal constant independent of all the factors listed and anything else.
Sol. Answer (1)
2. A : The speed of light, sound waves, water waves in a medium is independent of the nature of the source or
intensity (so long it is low).
R : Speed of the waves in a medium depends on wavelength.
Sol. Answer (2)
3. A : Speed of light in a medium is independent of the motion of the source relative to the medium.
R : Speed of light in a medium depends on the motion of the observer relative to the medium.
Sol. Answer (2)
4. A : When monochromatic light is incident on a surface separating two media, the reflected and refracted light
both have the same frequency as the incident frequency.
R : At any interface between the two media, the electric (and magnetic) fields must satisfy certain boundary
conditions for all times and frequency determines the time dependence of fields.
Sol. Answer (1)
5. A : When light travels from a rarer to a denser medium, it loses some speed but it doesn't imply a reduction
in the energy carried by the light wave.
R : Energy carried by a wave depends on the amplitude of the wave and not on the speed of wave propagation.
Sol. Answer (1)
6. A : When a narrow pulse of light is sent through a medium, it doesn't retain its shape as it travels through
the medium.
R : Since the speed of propagation in a medium depends on wavelength, different wavelength components of
the pulse travel with different speeds.
Sol. Answer (1)
7. A : In the wave picture of light, intensity of light is determined by the square of the amplitude of the wave.
R : In the photon picture of light, for a given frequency, intensity of light is determined by the number of photons
per unit area.
Sol. Answer (2)
8. A : The speed of light in still water is not same as that in flowing water.
R : The speed of light in water is not independent of the relative motion between the observer and the medium.
Sol. Answer (1)
9. A : In a single-slit diffraction experiment, if the width of the slit is made double the original width the size of
the central diffraction band reduces by half and intensity increase four fold.
R : The intensity of interference fringes in a double slit arrangement is modulated by the diffraction pattern of
each slit.
Sol. Answer (2)
10. A : When a tiny circular obstacle is placed in the path of light from a distant source, a bright spot is seen
at the centre of the shadow of the obstacle.
R : Waves diffracted from the edge of the circular obstacle interfere constructively at the centre of the shadow
producing a bright spot.
Sol. Answer (1)
11. A : Ray optics assumes that light travels in a straight line which is disapproved by diffraction effects, yet the
ray optics assumption is so commonly used in understanding location and several other properties of
images in optical instruments.
R : Typical sizes of apertures involved in ordinary optical instruments are much larger than the wavelength of
light.
Sol. Answer (1)
12. A : The phase difference between any two points on a wavefront is zero.
R : Corresponding to a beam of parallel rays of light, the wavefronts are planes parallel to one another.
Sol. Answer (2)
13. A : Light waves can be polarised.

R : Light waves are transverse in nature.
Sol. Answer (1)
14. A : The law of conservation of energy is violated during interference.

R : For sustained interference the phase difference between the two waves must change with time.
Sol. Answer (4)
15. A : When the apparatus of YDSE is brought in a liquid from air, the fringe width decreases.
R : The wavelength of light decreases in the liquid.
Sol. Answer (1)
16. A : The resolving power of a telescope decreases on decreasing the aperture of its objective lens.
D
R : The resolving power of a telescope is given as , where D is aperture of the objective and  is the
1.22 
wavelength of light.
Sol. Answer (1)


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Chapter 25

The intensity at a point at a distance r from a source varies as I  1

(Interference of Light Wave and Young’s Double Slit Experiment)

4. Four waves are expressed as

Imax  (A1 + A2)2

7. The fringe width in Young’s double-slit experiment can be increased if we decrease

8. In case of Young’s experiment

If d is halved and D is doubled

Sol. Answer (4)

So, fringe width decreases.

For possible wavelength n = 1, 2, 3, .....

22. Imperfections in optical lenses can be observed with the help of

24. Choose the correct statement

28. Rainbows are classic example of the phenomenon of

29. The phenomenon of diffraction can be exhibited by

(Resolving Power of Optical Instruments)

38. Which of the following is correct regarding microscope and telescope?

Sol. Answer (2)

39. The resolving power of a compound microscope will be maximum when

(1) The intensity is reduced down to zero and remains zero

1. Corpuscular theory of light predicts speed of light to be

(Interference of Light Wave and Young’s Double Slit Experiment)

10. Four different independent waves are represented by

0.6 × 1 × 10−5 D 10λD

Sol. Answer (4)

(1) Parabolic (2) Elliptical (3) Circular (4) Hyperbolic

26. To observerve diffraction the size of an obstacle

36. Choose the correct alternative

Also, tan i =  (Brewster angle)

(1) 0.10 cm (2) 0.25 cm (3) 0.20 cm (4) 0.15 cm

Sol. Answer (4)

Sol. Answer (1)

Actual distance 2d = d1d2

(1) 2I0 (2) 3I0 (3) 3I0 (4) 4I0

Sol. Answer (2)

Resultant intensity is given by Ir = I0 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ

Sol. Answer (4)

(1) 1.5 (2) 3

39. Waves that cannot be polarised are

Sol. Answer (3)

13. A : Light waves can be polarised.

14. A : The law of conservation of energy is violated during interference.

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