Wave Optics

Newton's Corpuscular Theory of Light

Characteristics of the theory
(i) Extremely minute, very light and elastic particles are being constantly emitted by all
luminous bodies (light sources) in all directions which are known as corpuscles.
8
(ii) These corpuscles travel with the speed of light (3×10 m/s in vacuum).
(iii) When these corpuscles strike the retina of our eye then they produce the sensation
of vision.
(iv) The different colours of light are due to different size of these corpuscles.
(v) The rest mass of these corpuscles is zero.
(vi) The velocity of these corpuscles in an isotropic medium is same in all directions but
it changes with the change of medium.
(vii) These corpuscles travel in straight lines.
(viii) These corpuscles are invisible.
The phenomena explained by this theory
(i) Reflection and refraction of light.
(ii) Rectilinear propagation of light.
(iii) Existence of energy in light.
The phenomena not explained by this theory
(i) Interference, diffraction, polarisation, double refraction and total internal reflection.
(ii) Velocity of light being greater in rarer medium than that in a denser medium.
(iii) Photoelectric effect.

Wave Nature of Light

• It is based on wave theory of light put forward by Christiaan Huygen (a Dutch Physicist :
1629-95) in 1678 .
• According to wave theory, a body emits light in the form of waves. Each point source of light
is a centre of disturbance from which waves spread in all directions.
Huygens coined a term ‘Wavefront’.

Wave-Fronts
The continuous locus of all particles in a medium which are vibrating in same phase at a given
instant is called a wavefront.
Shape of Wavefront
The shape of wavefront depends on the source producing the wave. It is usually of three types :
Spherical, Cylindrical or Plane.
(i) For a point source of light, the wavefront is spherical in shape with source lying at its centre.
(ii) When the source of light is linear, then the wavefront takes the cylindrical shape.
(iii) For a source of light situated far away, the wavefront may be considered to be a plane
wavefront.

Point Source Line Source Source at ∞

Comparative Study of Three Types of Wavefront

Diagram Variation Variation

Shape of of
Wavefront of light of shpae
of amplitude int nesity
source with with
wavefront
dis tance dis tance

Spherical Point 1
source A∝
d 1
1 I∝
or A ∝ r2
r

O
Linear 1
Cylindrical or A∝
d 1
slit I∝
1 r
or A ∝
r

O'

Plane Extended A = cons tan t I = cons tan t

large

• The shape or orientation of a wavefront may change when it undergoes reflection or

refraction.
• A wavefront travels parallel to itself and perpendicular to the rays.
• A ray of light represents the direction along which light energy travels.
• Wavefront always travels in the forward direction in a medium.

Huygen’s Principle
Huygen’s Principle provides geometrical method of finding the successive positions of the
wavefront. It states :
(i) Every point on given wavefront (called primary wave front) acts as fresh source of new
disturbance, (called secondary wavelets).
(ii) The secondary wavelets travel in all the directions with the speed of light in the medium.
(iii) A surface touching these secondary wavelets tangentially in the forward direction at any
instant gives the new (secondary) wavefront at the instant.
A A A'
A A' A'

O O

B B B'
B' B B'

• Huygen’s wave theory could explain reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction of
light.
• It failed to explain polarisation of light and photoelectric effect.

Shape of Wavefronts of Reflected & Refracted Wave

Here we are going to draw the shapes of wavefronts associated with reflected as well as
refracted waves.
(A) Reflection from Plane Mirror
Incident
wavefront (plane) Re flected
wavefront (plane)

(B) Reflection from Curved Mirror

Incident wavefront
(plane)

Re flected wavefront
Incident wavefront Re flected wavefront
(Plane) (sphereical)

Reflection from concave mirror Reflection from convex mirror

(C) Refraction from Plane Surface

Incident wavefront Medium − 1

(Plane)

Medium − 2

Incident wavefront
(Plane)

(D) Refraction Through Prism (Monochromatic Beam)

IWF RWF

(E) Refraction Through Convex Lens

Emergent
wavefront
(spherical)
Incident wavefront
(plane)

(F) Refraction Through Concave Lens

Incident wavefront Emergent

(plane) wavefront
(spherical)
Example 1:
A plane wavefront is incident at angle of 37° with horizontal a boundary of refractive surface
3
from air (µ = 1) to a medium of refractive index µ = . Find the angle of refracted wavefront
2
with horizontal.
Solution:
It has been given that incident wavefront makes 37° with horizontal. Hence incident ray makes
37° with normal as the ray is perpendicular to the wavefront.
Now normal as the ray is perpendicular to the wavefront.
Now, by Snell’s law
sin37° 3
=
sinr 2
2 3 2
sin r = × =
3 5 5
–1  2 
r = sin  
5
which is same as angle of refractive
wavefront with horizontal

Example 2:
Yellow light with wavelength 0.5 µm in air undergoes refraction in a medium in which velocity
8
of light is 2 × 10 m/s. Then the wavelength of the light in the medium would be.
Solution:
λ1 v1
=
λ2 v2
8
Here, λ1 = 0.5 µm, v1 = 3 × 10 m/s
8
λ2 = ? (x), v2 = 2 × 10 m/s
0.5 3 × 108
= ; x = 0.33 µm
x 2 × 108
Note : The frequency remains unchanged.

Concept Builder-1

Q.1 Which of the following prediction of corpuscular theory was proved wrong by Huygens's wave
model ?
(1) Frequency of the wave remains same during refraction
(2) Speed of the light increases in denser medium
(3) Angle of incidence is equal to angle of reflection
(4) All of these

3
Q.2 A ray of light with wavelength 5000 Å travelling in a medium of refractive index   suffers
2
4
partial reflection and refraction in a medium refractive index   . Find the wavelength of
3
reflected and refracted ray.
 Interference
• The phenomenon of non-uniform distribution of energy in the medium due to superposition
of two or more light waves originated from coherent sources, is called interference of light.
• The interference pattern in which the position of maxima and minima of intensity of light
remain fixed all along on the screen is called sustained or permanent interface pattern.
• At the points where resultant intensity (amplitude, energy) is maximum, interference is said
to be constructive (CI) and fringes are Bright.
• At the points where the resultant intensity (amplitude, energy) is minimum, interference is
said to be destructive (DI) and fringes are Dark.

Condition for Coherent Sources

• The two sources are said to be coherent if
(i) they emit light waves have same frequency.
(ii) the emitted waves are either in same phase or a constant phase difference.
(iii) the emitted waves may or may not have same amplitude.
• Two independent light sources can never be coherent.
• They are produced from a single source of light.

Condition for Sustained Interference

• The two sources must emit waves continuously
• The two sources should be coherent,
• The separation between two coherent sources should be small.
• The distance of the screen from the two sources should be large.
• For good contrast between maxima and minima,
(i) the amplitudes of the two interfering waves should be as nearly equal as possible and
(ii) the background should be dark.
• For a large number of fringes in the field of view,
the source should be narrow and monochromatic.
Method of Producing Coherent Sources
Two coherent sources are produced from a single source of light by two methods namely :
(A) Division of Wave Front
• In this method, the wavefront is divided into two or more parts by reflection or refraction
with the help of mirrors, lenses or prisms.
• The Light source is narrow.
• The coherent sources obtained are imaginary.
• Example : Young's double slit experiment.
P
S1

S2 YDSE

(B) Division of Amplitude

• In this method, the amplitude of incoming beam is divided into two or more parts by partial
reflection or refraction.
• These divided parts travel different paths and finally brought together to produce
interference.
• Example : Colour of thin films.

thin film

Principle of Superposition
When two or more waves superimpose over each other at a common point of the medium then

the resultant displacement (y) of the particle is equal to the vector sum of the displacement
    
(y 1 and y2 ) produced by individual waves =
y y 1 + y2

Re sul tan t
Re sul tan t
y2

y1

Constructive Destructive
int erference int erference

Resultant Amplitude and Intensity

Consider two waves with same frequency and different amplitudes
y1 = a1 sin ωt and y2 = a2 sin (ωt + φ)
where a1, a2 are individual amplitudes
and φ is constant phase difference between the waves.
• After superposition, the resultant wave can be written as
y = A sin (ωt + δ)
• The resultant amplitude (A) is
A= a21 + a22 + 2a 1a2 cos φ
Amax = a1 + a2 & Amin = a1 − a2
For two identical sources
a 1 = a2 = a0
∴ A= a20 + a02 + 2a0a0 cos φ

φ
or A = 2a0 cos ∴ Amax = 2a0 & Amin = 0
2
• The Resultant intensity (I) is
I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ ( I ∝ (A)2)

( ) ( )
2 2
l=
max
l 1 + l2 & lmin = l 1 – l2
For two identical sources
I1 = I2 = I0 ∴ I = I0 + I0 + 2 I0I0 cos φ

2 φ
or I = 4I0 cos ∴ Imax = 4I0 & Imin = 0
2
 • comparison of Intensities

( )
2

lmax l 1 + l2 (a 1 + a2 )2
= =
lmin
( ) (a 1 – a2 )2
2
l 1 – l2
2
I1  I + Imin 
=  m ax 
I2  I 
 m ax – Imin 

Relationship Between Path Difference, Phase Difference and Time Difference

Symbol of path difference = x
Symbol of phase difference = φ
Symbol of time difference = t
2π λ T
= =
Phase diff. Pathdiff. Time diff.
2π λ T
⇒ = =
φ x t
The phase difference (2π) is equivalent to path difference (λ) or time difference (T).

Example 3:
 π
If two waves represented by y1 = 4 sin ω t and y2 = 3 sin  ωt +  interfere at a point. Find out
 3 
the amplitude of the resulting wave.
Solution:
Resultant amplitude
A= a21 + a22 + 2a 1a2 cos φ

π
= (4)2 + (3)2 + 2.(4)(3)cos ⇒A~6
3

Example 4:
Two beams of light having intensities I and 4I interfere to produce a fringe pattern on a screen.
The phase difference between the beam is π / 2 at point A and 2π at point B. Then find out the
difference between the resultant intensities at A and B.
Solution:
Resultant intensity I = I1 + I2 + 2 I 1 I2 cos φ
Resultant intensity at point A is
π
IA = I + 4I + 2 I 1 4I cos= 5I
2
Resultant intensity at point B,
IB = I + 4I + 2 I 4I cos 2π = 9I
(Ans= 9I – 5I ⇒ 4I)

Example 5:
Two coherent sources each emitting light of intensity I0 interfere in a medium at a point where
phase difference between them is 2π / 3. Then the resultant intensity at that point would be
Solution:
2π 2π
Given here, φ = and Ires = 4I0 cos   = I0
3 3

Example 6:
Consider interference between waves from two sources of Intensities I & 4I. Find intensities at
points where the phase difference is π.
(1) I (2) 5I (3) 4I (4) 3I
Solution:
2 2
I = a1 + a2 + 2a1 a2 cos δ
= I + 4I + 4I cos π
I = 5I – 4I = I

Example 7:
The intensity ratio of two waves is 9 : 1. These waves produce the event of interference. The
ratio of maximum to minimum intensity will be
(1) 1 : 9 (2) 9 : 1 (3) 1 : 4 (4) 4 : 1
Solution:
 I1 
 + 1 2
I1 9 I  I2   9 + 1 Imax 42 4
= ⇒ max =   =   ⇒ = =
I2 1 Imin  I1   9 – 1  Imin 22
1
–1
 I2 
 

Example 8:
Two sources with intensity I0 and 4I0 respectively interfere at a point in a medium. Then the
maximum and minimum possible intensity would be
Solution:

( )
2
Imax = I 1 + I2
Here, I1 = I0 and I2 = 4I0

( ) ( )
2 2
∴ Imax = I0 + 4I0 = 9I0 and Imin = I 1 + I2 = I0

Example 9:
Waves emitted by two identical sources produces intensity of K unit at a point on screen where
path difference between these waves is λ, calculate the intensity at that point on screen at
λ
which path difference is .
4
Solution:
2πx 2π 2π λ π
φ1 = = × λ = 2π and φ2 = × =
λ λ λ 4 2
I1 = I0 + I0 + 2 I0 I 0 cos 2π = 4I0
π
and I2 = I0 + I0 + 2 I0 I 0 cos = 2I0
2
I1 4I0 I1 K
∴ = =2 ⇒ I2 = = unit
I2 2I0 2 2
[ I1 = K unit]
 Concept Builder-2

Q.1 Find phase difference if path difference between the waves is

(a) λ/2 (b) λ/3

Q.2 If two light rays have intensity I0 and 4I0 then find out the intensity at points where the phase
difference between the waves is π, 2π and π / 3

Q.3 Two incoherent sources of light emitting intensity I0 and 3I0 interfere in a medium. Then the
resultant intensity at any point will be.

Q.4 If two waves of intensity I0 interfere in a medium. Then find out the intensity when phase
difference between them is
π
(a) 2π (b) π (c)
3

Q.5 Two light sources with intensity I0 each interfere in a medium where phase difference between
π
them is . Resultant intensity at the point would be.
2
Q.6 The equation of two light waves are y1 = 6cosωt, y2 = 8cos(ωt + φ). The ratio of maximum to
minimum intensities produced by the superposition of these waves will be
(1) 49 : 1 (2) 1 : 49 (3) 1 : 7 (4) 7 : 1

Q.7 Two sources with intensity 9I0 and 4I0 interfere in a medium. Then find the ratio of maximum
to the minimum intensity in the interference pattern.

Q.8 Two incoherent sources of light each with equal intensity I0 interfere in a medium. Will any
interference pattern be observed? If no, then why? Also what would be resultant intensity then?

Q.9 If two light rays of equal intensity superimposes, find out the ratio of maximum intensities when
sources are coherent and when sources are incoherent.

Young's Double-Slit Experiment

• Double-slit experiment is a simple technique to produce interference fringes.
• This experiment was first performed with light by Thomas Young (British scientist : 1773-
1829) in 1801.
• In 1927, Davisson and Germer demonstrated that electrons show the same behavior, which
was later extended to atom and molecules.
• A monochromatic (single wavelength) light from a source S falls on two narrow slits S1 and
S2 which are very close together. The light waves are very close together.
• The light waves passing through the two slits are coherent, superpose on each other and
form an interference pattern on the screen.
• The pattern consists of alternate bright and dark fringes. The central fringe at point O is
always bright.
 S1 Second bright

Interference fringes
Second dark
First bright
First dark
Central bright
S First dark
Light First bright
Source
Second dark
S2 Second bright

Screen
• At a point P on screen to find dark or bright fringe, it depends upon path difference between
S1P & S2P light waves.
Path difference, S2P − S1P = x = d sinθ
• If the point P on the screen, situated at a distance y from central point O, is given by
Point position, y = D tan θ
For small angle or D >> d, (sinθ ≈ tanθ ≈ θ)
xD
x.D = d.y ⇒ y =
d
P

S1 θ
θ
d 0
M
S2
D

Condition for CI-Bright

• Amplitude: Amax = a1 + a2

( )
2
• Intensity: Imax = l 1 + l2

• Phase difference:
φ = 2n π Here n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
For CB(φ=0), for B1(φ=2π), for B2(φ=4π),..... (where B1 is 1st Bright fringe, B2 is 2nd Bright fringe…)
• Path difference:
x = n λ Here n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
For CB(x=0), for B1(x=λ), for B2(x=2λ),.....
• Fringe position:
xd nλd
y
= = Here n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
D D
For CB(y = 0), for B1(y = λd/D),
for B2(y = 2λd/D),...

Condition for DI-Dark

• Amplitude: Amin =| a 1 – a2 |

( )
2
• Intensity: lmin = l 1 – l2
• Phase difference:
φ = (2n−1) π Here n = 1, 2, 3, ...
For D1(φ=π), for D2(φ=3π), for D3(φ=5π),... (where D1 is 1st Dark fringe, D2 is 2nd Dark fringe…)
• Path difference:
x = (2n−1) λ/2 Here n = 1, 2, 3, ...
For D1(x=λ/2), for D2(x=3λ/2), for D3(x=5λ/2), ...
• Fringe position:
d λd
y=x = (2n – 1) Here n = 1, 2, 3, ...
D 2D
For D1 (y = λD/2d), for D2(y = 3λD/2d), for
D3 (y = 5λD/2d), ...
Average Intensity
(Imax + Imin )
Iaverage = = 2 Ι 0 = Ι 1 + Ι2
2
This shows that energy is simply redistributed in interference. i.e., Energy is conserved in
interference

Slit Width & Intensity

• If W1 and W2 represents width of two slits, then
2
W1 I1 a 
= =  1  .
W2 I2  a2 

Fringe Width
The distance between the centers of two consecutive bright or dark
S1
fringes is called the fringe width.
In Young’s double-slit experiment, all the fringes are of equal width, α β
where
S2
λD D
Linear width: β= and
d
β λ
Angular fringe width: α= =
D d
• If YDSE set-up is immersed in a liquid of refractive index µL, then the fringe width changes to
β λ D
βL= = ·
µL µL d

Shapes of Fringes
• The interference fringes are usually hyperbolic in shape.
• Locus of path difference between light waves from two slits is a hyperbola.
• When distance of screen (D) is very large compared to the distance between the slits (d),
then fringes are straight.

YDSE With White Light

• If white light is used in place of monochromatic light in young's double slit experiment.
(a) central fringe is white
(b) Coloured fringe around the central white fringe
(c) Adjacent to centre of screen is red and edge of the CB is violet.
 Fringe Visibility
Imax – Imin
• It is defined by the relation V = .
Imax + Imin
The fringe visibility is maximum
when I1 = I2 = I0 or Imin = 0,
i.e.,
when both slits are of equal width,
the fringe visibility is best, equal to 1.

Example 10:
In YDSE wavelength of light is 5000Å, distance between screen & slits is 2m, distance between
two slits is 1mm, then calculate.
(i) fringe width (ii) Angular fringe width
th th
(iii) Position of 4 bright fringe (iv) Position of 4 dark fringe
Solution:
–7
λ = 5 × 10 m; D=2m
–3
d = 1 × 10 m
λD –3
(i) fringe width β = = 10 m
d
λ –4
(ii) Angular fringe width θ = = 5 × 10 rad
d
th
(iii) Position of 4 bright fringe
–3
= 4β = 4 × 10 m (from central maxima)
th
(iv) Position of 4 dark fringe
β 7 –3
= + 3β = β = 3.5 × 10 m
2 2

Example 11:
In a Young's slit experiment, the separation between the slits is 0.10 mm, the wavelength of
light used is 600 nm and the interference pattern is observed on a screen 1.0 m away. Find the
separation between the successive bright fringes.
(1) 6.6 mm (2) 6.0 mm (3) 6 m (4) 6 cm.
Solution:
The separation between the successive bright fringes is-
Dλ 1 × 600 × 10–9
β= = ; β = 6.0 mm.
d 1 × 10–3

Example 12:
–5
In Young's experiment the wavelength of red light is 7.5 × 10 cm. and that of blue light 5.0 ×
–5 th th
10 cm. The value of n for which (n + 1) the blue bright band coincides with n red band is-
(1) 8 (2) 4 (3) 2 (4) 1
Solution:
n1 λ1 = n2 λ2 for bright fringe
–5 –5
n(7.5 × 10 ) = (n + 1) (5 × 10 )
5.0 × 10–5
n= = 2.
2.5 × 10–5
Example 13:
A beam of light consisting of two wavelength 6500 Å & 5200 Å is used to obtain interference
fringes in a young's double slit experiment. The distance between the slits is 2.0 mm and the
distance between the plane of the slits and the screen is 120 cm. What is the least distance
from the central maximum where the bright fringes due to both the wave length coincide ?
(1) 0.156 cm (2) 0.152 cm (3) 0.17 (4) 0.16 cm.
Solution:
th th
Suppose the m bright fringe of 6500 Å coincides with the n bright fringe of 5200 Å
mλ 1D nλ2D
Xn = =
d d
m × 6500 × D n × 5200 × D
⇒ =
d d
m 5200 4
= = =
n 6500 5
∴ distance y is
mλ 1D 4 × 6500 × 1010 × 1.2
y= = = 0.156 cm.
d 2 × 10–3

Example 14:
A double slit is illuminated by light of wave length 6000Å. The slit are 0.1 cm apart and the
screen is placed one meter away. Calculate :
th
(i) The angular position of the 10 maximum in radian and
(ii) Separation of the two adjacent minima.
Solution:
–7 –3
(i) λ = 6000 Å = 6 × 10 m, d = 0.1 cm = 1 × 10 m, D = 1m, n = 10
Angular position
nλ 10 × 6 × 10–7
θn = =
d 10–3
(ii) Separation between two adjacent minima = fringe width β
λD 6 × 10–7 × 1 –4
β= = = 6 × 10 m = 0.6 mm
d 1 × 10–3

Example 15:
th nd
In YDSE, λ = 5000 Å, D = 2m, d = 1mm, Find distance between 4 bright fringe and 2 dark
fringe
(i) If these fringes light on the same side of central maxima
(ii) If these fringes lie on either side of central maxima
Solution:
–7 –3
λ = 5 × 10 m, D = 2m; d = 10 m
IImin Imin Imin IImin
IVmax IIImax IImax Imax Cmax Imax IImax IIImax IVmax

The separation between any two consecutive maxima or any two consecutive minima (x)
λD –3
x= = 10 m
d
 The separation between two consecutive maxima and minima (y)
λD –3
y= = 0.5 × 10 m
2d
th nd –3
(i) Distance between 4 bright and 2 dark fringe on the same side = 4x – (x + y) = 2.5 × 10 m
th nd –3
(ii) Distance between 4 bright and 2 dark fringe on either side = 4x + (x + y) = 5.5 × 10 m

Example 16:
Find the percentage decrease in fringe width when YDSE experiment is performed in water
4
(µ = )
3
Solution:
λ0D λ0
β0 = In water λw =
d µ

β0 3
⇒ βw = = β = 75%β0
µ 4 0
So, percentage decrease in fringe width = 25%

Example 17:
In YDSE experiment λ = 5000Å; D = 2m, d = 1mm, find total no. of bright fringes on screen
Solution:
∆x = d sinθ nλ = d sin θ (θ = 90°, sin 90° = 1)
d 10–3
n= = = 2000
λ 5 × 10–7
no. of bright fringes = 2n +1 = 4001

Example 18:
Find the total no. of bright fringes formed on the screen.
Screen

S1 S2
4λ

Solution:
as shown in the diagram total no. of bright fringes will be 16.
λ 0 λ
2λ 2λ
3λ 3λ
S1 S2
4λ 4λ
3λ 4λ
3λ
2λ 2λ
λ 0 λ
 Concept Builder-3

Q.1 Two waves originating from source S1 and S2 having zero phase difference and common
wavelength λ will show completely destructive interference at a point P if (S1 P – S2 P) is-
(1) 5λ (2) 3λ/4 (3) 2λ (4) 11λ/2

Q.2 In Young's double slit experiment, carried out with light of wavelength λ = 5000 Å, the distance
between the slits is 0.2 mm and the screen is at 200 cm from the slits. The central maximum
is at x = 0. The third maximum will be at x equal to.
(1) 1.67 cm (2) 1.5 cm (3) 0.5 cm (4) 5.0 cm.

th
Q.3 In an interference pattern, at a point we observe the 16 order maximum for λ1=6000Å. What
order will be visible here if the source is replaced by light of wavelength λ2 = 4800 Å.
(1) 40 (2) 20 (3) 10 (4) 80

Q.4 Two slits separated by a distance of 1mm are illuminated with red light of wavelength
-7
6.5 × 10 m. The interference fringes are observed on a screen placed 1m from the slits. The
distance between third dark fringe & the fifth bright fringe is equal to.
(1) 0.65 mm (2) 1.63 mm (3) 3.25 mm (4) 4.87 mm.

th th
Q.5 In YDSE light of wavelength λ1 & λ2 is used find λ1 / λ2 if 5 bright fringe of λ1 coincides with 6
dark fringe of λ2

Q.6 The young's double slits experiment is performed with blue and with green light of wavelength
th
4360 Å and 5460 Å respectively. It x is the distance of the 4 maxima from the central one,
then
(1) xblue = xgreen (2) xblue > xgreen (3) xblue < xgreen (4) Insufficient information

Q.7 In Young's double slit experiment the fringes are formed at a distance of 1m from double slit of
separation 0.12 mm. Calculate
(i) The distance of 3rd dark band from the centre of the screen.
(ii) The distance of 3rd bright band from the centre of the screen, given λ = 6000Å

Q.8 In Young's double slit experiment the two slits are illuminated by light of wavelength 5890Å and
the distance between the fringes obtained on the screen is 0.2°. The whole apparatus is
4
immersed in water, then find out angular fringe width, (refractive index of water = ).
3

Thin Slab in Front of Slit

• If a thin glass plate or mica sheet is placed in front of one of the slits, then the central
fringe shifts towards the slit in front of which the glass plate is placed.
• If t is the thickness of glass of mica sheet and is the refractive index of the material of
sheet, then extra path difference introduced by the sheet is
∆x = (µ – 1) t.
 • In this situation, the fringe pattern shifts by shifted central
D β fringe P
yshift = (µ – 1)t = (µ – 1)t t
d λ
S1
• If the shift is equivalent to n fringes, then d O
y shift (µ – 1)t S2 central
N= = path difference (µ – 1)t fringe
β λ
D
• If the central fringe now appears at the location of
previously formed nth bright fringe, then
∆x = (µ – 1)t = nλ
• If the central fringe appears at the position of previously formed nth dark fringe, then
(2n – 1)λ
(µ – 1)t =
2

Example 19:
In YDSE λ = 5000 Å, D = 2m, d = 1mm, A thin sheet of refractive index 1.5 and thickness 100 µm
is placed on the upper source find.
(i) Path diff. introduced by sheet
(ii) Shift in the fringe pattern
(iii) No. fringes crossing the central point
Solution:
(i) Path difference
1 –6 –4
∆x = (4 – 1)t = × 100 × 10 = 0.5 × 10 m
2
(ii) Shift in fringe pattern
D 2m –1
∆y = ∆x = × 0.5 × 10–4 = 10 m
d 1 × 10–3

∆y 10–1 × 10–3 2
(iii) = = 10 m
β 5000 × 10 × 2
–10

Example 20:
Interference fringes were produced in young's double slit experiment using light of wave length
-3
5000 Å. When a film of material 2.5 × 10 cm thick was placed over one of the slits, the fringe
pattern shifted by a distance equal to 20 fringe width. The refractive index of the material of
the film is-
(1) 1.25 (2) 1.33 (3) 1.4 (4) 1.5
Solution:
(µ – 1)tD
n=
d
λD D β
but β = ⇒ =
d d λ
n = (µ – 1) t β/λ
–3 –8
20β = (µ – 1) 2.5 × 10 {β/5000 × 10 }
20 × 5000 × 10–8
µ–1= = 0.4 ⇒ µ = 1.4
2.5 × 10–3
Example 21:
Find the relation between t1 & t2 if their is no shift in the pattern

S1 t1,µ1

S2 t 2 ,µ2

Solution:
because of the first slab shift will be upward
and because of the second slab shift will be downward
for no shift upward shift = downward shift (µ1 – 1) t1 = (µ2 – 1)t2

Interference Due to Thin Films

Consider a thin transparent film of thickness t and refractive index µ .
Let a ray of light AB incident on the film at B. At B, a part of light is reflected along BR1, and a
part of light refracted along BC.
At C a part of light is reflected along CD and a part of light transmitted along CT1.
At D, a part of light is refracted along DR2 and a part of light is reflected along DE.
Thus interference in this film takes place due to reflected light in between BR1 and DR2 also in
transmitted light in between CT1 and ET2.
N R1 R2 R3
A
i
i
B D
µ r
rr t

C E
i i T2
T1

Reflected Beam
Condition for constructive Interference (film appear bright)
2 µt cos r = (2n + 1) λ/2 (Here, n = 0, 1, 2, 3 .....)
Condition for destructive Interference (film appear dark)
2 µ t cos r = n λ (Here, n = 1, 2, 3 .....)

Transmitted Beam
Condition for constructive Interference (film appear bright)
2 µ t cos r = n λ (Here, n = 0, 1, 2, ...)
Condition for distructive Interference (film appear dark)
2 µt cos r = (2n +1) λ / 2 (Here, n = 0, 1, 2, ... )

Note:
• If film is very thin then there will be destructive interference of all colours and the film will
appear black.
• Thin layer of oil on water and soap bubbles show different colours due to interference of
waves reflected from two surfaces of their films.
 Diffraction

• Italian scientist F.M. Grimaldi coined the word “diffraction”.

• It was the first to record accurate observations of the phenomenon in 1660.
• Diffraction refers to various phenomena that occur when a wave encounters an obstacle or
a slit.
• It is defined as the bending of waves around the corners of an obstacle/aperture in the path
of light into the region of geometrical shadow of the obstacle.
• Diffraction occurs with all waves, including sound waves, water waves, visible light , X-rays
and radio waves.
• Condition : The linear dimension ‘a’ of obstacle/aperture is comparable to the wavelength
‘λ’ of wave.
• Diffraction effects become more prominent when (λ/a) increases.
• It is further observed that greater the wavelength of waves, higher is the degree of
diffraction.
As λsound > λlight, diffraction is more easily observed in sound as compared to light.
• The basic arrangement for observing diffraction effects, three things needed - a source of
light, a diffracting element (an obstacle/aperture-an opening), and a screen.

Diffraction Pattern
• The illuminated region above the shadow of the object contains alternating bright and dark
fringes. Such a display is called a diffraction pattern.
• In the diffraction pattern, the intensity of successive maxima decreases rapidly.

Type of Diffraction
The phenomenon of diffraction is divided mainly in the following two classes
(i) Fresnel Diffraction
• If source and screen are at finite distance from the obstacle/aperture, then diffraction
observed is known as Fresnel diffraction.
• It is also known as near-field diffraction.
• The wave passing through a narrow slit are non-plane (spherical) wavefronts,
• It is named in honor of A. J. Fresnel (1788-1827) , a French physicist.
slit
screen

source at
finite dis tance Fresnel' s
diffraction

(ii) Fraunhofer Diffraction

• It is named in honor of J.V. Fraunhofer (1787-1826), a German physicist.
• Fraunhofer diffraction deals with wavefronts that are plane on arrival and an effective
viewing distance of infinity.
• This can be achieved experimentally by using two convex lens to focus the rays before and
after they pass through the opening.
• It is also known as far-field diffraction.
• If follows that fraunhofer diffraction is an important special case of fresnel diffraction.
slit

S
source
at ∞ screen
Fraunhofer ' s
diffraction

Diffraction at a Single Slit

Suppose a plane wavefront is incident on a slit AB (of width ‘a’). Each and every point of the
exposed part of the plane wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets spreading in all
directions.
The diffraction is obtained on a screen placed at the focal plane of convex lens placed just after
the slit.
L2 P
L1 A
x
d θ θ
S O
C
B N
D
The diffraction pattern consists of a central bright fringe (central maxima- CB) surrounded by
dark (D) and bright fringes (secondary maxima -SM).

Central Maxima (CM)

At point O on the screen, the central maxima is obtained. The wavelets originating from points
A and B meets in the same phase at this point, hence at O, intensity is maximum.
Minima(D)
• For obtaining nth minima at point P on the screen, path difference between the diffracted
waves
a sin θ = nλ, where n = 1, 2, 3, ....
• Angular position of nth dark,
nλ
sin θ ≈ θ =
a
• Distance of nth dark from CM on screen,
nλ D nλ f
yn = D.θ= =
a a
where, D = f = focal length of convex lens.
Secondary Maxima (SM)
• For obtaining nth secondary maxima at point P on the screen, path difference between the
diffracted waves
λ
a sin=
θ (2n + 1) , where n = 1, 2, 3, ....
2
• Angular position of nth SM,
(2n + 1)λ
sin θ ≈ θ =
2a
• Distance of nth SM from CM on screen,
(2n + 1)λD (2n + 1)λf
yn = D.θ= =
2a 2a
 Fringe Width
The distance between two minima formed on two sides of central maximum is known as the
width of central maximum, So
Linear width of CM:
2λD 2λf M2 x2
W
=CM
2y
= D1
=
a a M1
x1
2λ
Angular width of CM : θCM =2θSD = θ1
a θ1
θ2
λD λf M'1
Linear width of SB : W=
SD
=
a a
λ
Angular width of SB : θSD =
a

Intensity Distribution Curve

The intensity distribution is shown is figure.

• Diffraction pattern due to a single slit consists of a central maxima flanked by alternate
minima and secondary maxima.
• If I0 be the intensity of central maxima, then intensity of first three secondary maxima is
I0 I0 I
=I1 = , I2 and I3 = 0
22 62 121
• The diffraction fringes are of unequal width and unequal intensities.

Example 22:
In single slit diffraction experiment, width of slit is 1mm and wavelength of light is 5000 Å;
distance of slit is 2m from screen find
st
(i) Position of 1 minima
(ii) Width of central maxima
Solution:
(i) d sinθ = nλ
λ 5 × 10–7 –4
sinθ = = = 5 × 10
d 1 × 10–3
–4
θ = 5 × 10 rad.
2λD 2 × 5 × 10–7 –4
(ii) w = = = 20 × 10
d 10–3
–3
= 2 × 10 = 2 mm
Example 23:
–5
Light of wavelength 6000Å is incident normally on a slit of width 24 × 10 cm. Find out the
angular position of second minimum from central maximum?
Solution:
a sinθ = 2λ
–7 –5 –2
given λ = 6 × 10 m, a = 24 × 10 × 10 m
2λ 2 × 6 × 10–7 1
sinθ = = = ∴ θ = 30°
a 24 × 10–7 2

Example 24:
Light of wavelength 6328Å is incident normally on a slit of width 0.2 mm. Calculate the angular
width of central maximum on a screen distance 9 m?
Solution:
–7 –3
given λ = 6.328 × 10 m, a = 0.2 × 10 m
2λ 2 × 6.328 × 10 –7
wθ = = radian
a 2 × 10–4
6.328 × 10–3 × 180
= = 0.36°
3.14

Example 25:
0
The first diffraction minima due to a single slit diffraction is at θ = 30 for a light of wavelength
5000 Å. The width of the slit is-
–5 –4 –5 –5
(1) 5 × 10 cm (2) 1.0 × 10 cm (3) 2.5 × 10 cm (4) 1.25 × 10 cm
Solution:
The distance of first diffraction minimum from the central principal maximum x = λD/d
x λ λ
∴ sin θ = = ⇒d=
D d sin θ
5000 × 10–8 –5 –4
⇒d = = 2 × 5 × 10 ⇒ d = 1.0 × 10 cm,
sin30°

Example 26:
The fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a single slit is formed at the focal plane of a lens of focal
length 1m. The width of the slit is 0.3 mm. If the third minimum is formed at a distance of 5
mm from the central maximum then calculate the wavelength of light.
Solution:
nfλ axn 3 × 10–4 × 5 × 10–3
xn = ⇒ λ= = = 5000Å [ n = 3]
a fn 3× 1

Example 27:
A screen is placed 2m away from the single narrow slit. Calculate the slit width if the first
minimum lies 5mm on either side of the central maximum. Incident plane waves have a
wavelength of 5000 Å.
–4 –3 –2
(1) 2 × 10 m (2) 2 × 10 cm (3) 2 × 10 m (4) None
Solution:
Here distance of the screen from the slit,
D = 2m, a = ?, x = 5 mm
–3
= 5 × 10 m, λ = 5000 Å
–10
= 5000 × 10 m
for the first minima,
sin θ = λ/a = x/D,
2 × 5000 × 10–10 –4
a = Dλ/x = = 2 × 10 m.
5 × 10–3
Hence correct answer is (1)

Example 28:
Fraunhofer diffraction pattern is observed at a distance of 2m on screen, when a plane-
wavefront of 6000 Å is incident perpendicularly on 0.2 mm wide slit. Width of central maxima
is:
(1) 10 mm (2) 6 mm (3) 12 mm (4) None of these
Solution:
2fλ
Width of central maxima =
a
2 × 2 × 6000 × 10–10
= = 12 mm Hence correct answer is (3)
0.2 × 10–3

Example 29:
Find the half angular width of the central bright maximum in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern
–5
of a slit of width 12 × 10 cm when the slit is illuminated by monochromatic light of wavelength
6000 Å.
Solution:
λ
 sin θ =
a
θ = half angular width of the central maximum.
–5 –5
a = 12 × 10 cm, λ = 6000 Å = 6 × 10 cm
λ 6 × 10 –5
∴ sin θ = = = 0.50 ⇒ θ = 30°
a 12 × 10–5

Concept Builder-4
–3
Q.1 In single slit experiment width of slit is 10 mm wavelength of light is 5000Å, distance of screen
is 2m, Find
st
(i) Angular position of 1 minima (ii) width of principal maxima

Q.2 Light of wavelength 5000Å is incident on a slit of width 0.1 mm. Find out the width of the central
bright line on a screen distance 2m from the slit?

Q.3 Width of slit is 0.3mm. Fraunhofer diffraction is observed at 1 m focal length in focus placed
lens. If third minima is at 5 mm distance from central maxima, then wavelength of light is-
(1) 7000Å (2) 6500Å (3) 6000Å (4) 5000Å
Q.4 Wavelength of light is 500 nm and width of each slit is 4µm if slits are separated by 20 µm then
find no. of interference fringes inside central maxima of diffraction pattern.

Q.5 A diffraction pattern is produced by a single slit of width 0.5mm with the help of a convex lens
of focal length 40cm. If the wave length of light used is 5896 Å. then the distance of first dark
fringe from the axis will be-
(1) 0.047 cm (2) 0.047 m (3) 0.047 mm (4) 47 cm

Diffraction at a Circular Aperture

• When monochromatic light of wavelength λ is used to illuminate a circular aperture of
diameter d, then
the angular radius of the first dark ring is given by:
d sinθ = 1.22λ or sinθ = (1.22 λ/d)
and θ also represents the radius of the CB disc.
• Angular radius of central maximum is given by:
1.22λ
sin θ ≈ θ = , When θ is small
d

D
(a) (b)

Rayleigh's Criterion for Resolution

Two points are just resolved by an optical system when the central maximum of the diffraction
pattern due to one falls on the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of the other.
Resultant Resultant
Resultant

Clearly resolved Just resolved Unresolved

Resolving Power (R.P.)

• If two sources are separated such that their central maxima do not overlap, their images
can be distinguished and are said to be resolved.
• R.P. of an optical instrument is its ability to distinguish two neighbouring points.
• Limit of Resolution : It is the smallest distance - Linear or angular between two objects.
• The resolving power is defined as the reciprocal to limit of resolution.
Linear R.P. = dD/λ
Angular R.P. = d/λ
D = Observed distance
d = Distance between two points
(A) Telescope
–1 1.22λ
Limit of resolution = θ = sin ;
a
1.22λ
For small angles θ =
a
1
Resolving power =
limit of resolution
(B) Microscope
1.22λ
Limit of resolution (the smallest distance between two object) = xmin =
2µ sin θ
Here "µ sinθ" is known as numerical aperture
(C) Eye
The limit of resolution of human eye is 1' of arc (One minute of arc)

Validity of Ray Optics

• When a slit or hole of size a is illuminated by a parallel beam, then it is diffracted into an
angle of ≈ λ / a
• When travelling a distance Z, the size of image is Zλ / a.
Zλ a2
So, taking ≥a⇒Z≥
a λ
2
Now, distance ZF is called Fresnel’s distance. ZF = a /λ
• Spreading due to diffraction is comfortable upto distance ZF/2 and
• Spreading due to diffraction is prominent, for distance much greater than ZF,
• So, image formation can be explained by ray optics for distance less than ZF.
a2
Fresnel’s distance is given by ,
λ

a θ=λ/a

Differences Between Interference & Diffraction

INTERFERENCE DIFFRACTION
It due to superposition of waves from two It due to superposition of wavelets from same
coherent source. wavefront.
All bright fringes are of same intensity. Intensity decreases with the increase in the order
of maxima.
The bright fringes are of same intensity. Intensity decreases with the increase in the order
of maxima.
Fringes are of same width. Fringes are not of same width.
 The number of bands is large. The number of bands is small.
Bands are equally spaced. Bands are unequally spaced.
Example 30:
What should be the size of the aperture of the objective of telescope which can just resolve
–3
the two stars of angular width of 10 degree by light of wavelength 5000 Å?
(1) 3.5 cm (2) 3.5 mm (3) 3.5 m (4) 3.5 km
Solution:
1.22λ 1.22λ
dθ = or a =
a dθ
According to question
–3 10–3 × π
dθ = 10 degree = Radian,
180
–5
λ – 5 × 10
1.22 × 5 × 10–5 × 180
a= a = 3.5 cm
10–3 × 3.14

Example 31:
How far in advance can one detect two headlights of a car if they are separated by a distance
of 1.57 m ?
Solution:
The human eye can resolve two objects when the angle between them is 1 minute of arc. Thus,
we have
x
D=
θ
1 π
Here x = 1.57 m, q = 1' = × rad,
60 180
Thus,
157 10800 × 1.57
D= = =5400m = 5.4 km
1 π 3.14
×
60 180

Example 32:
The numerical aperture of a microscope is 0.12, and the wavelength of light used is 600 nm.
Then its limit of resolution will be nearly –
(1) 0.3 µm (2) 1.2 µm (3) 2.3 µm (4) 3.0 µm
Solution:
The limit of resolution of a microscope is given by
0.61 λ
x=
µ sin θ
–7
It is given that λ = 6 × 10 m, and the numerical aperture µ sinθ = 0.12. Therefore,
0.61 × 6 × 10 –7
–6
x= = 3.05 × 10 m ≈ 3µm
0.12
 Concept Builder-5

Q.1 Diameter of objective of astronomical telescope is 10 cm, λ = 5000 Å. 2 objects are located at
a distance of 1km from telescope. Find minimum distance between objects if the objective of
telescope is just able to resolve them.

Q.2 A person wants to resolve two thin poles standing near each other at a distance of 1 km. Then
the minimum separation between them should be nearly –
(1) 3 cm (2) 30 cm
(3) 3 m (4) cannot be predicted

Q.3 Focal length of objective of compound microscope is f wavelength of light is λ find minimum
distance between 2 points to resolve them. (diameter of objective = a)

Q.4 Radius of lens is 0.1 mm & wavelength of light is 2000Å. Find distance from the lens upto which
ray optics is valid.

Polarisation
Light is an electromagnetic wave in which Electric and Magnetic field vectors vary sinusoidally
perpendicular to each other as well as perpendicular to the direction of propagation of light.
The magnitude of electric field vector is much larger as compared to the magnitude of magnetic
field vector.
Thus, we prefer to describe light in terms of electric field oscillations.

Unpolarised Light
• In ordinary light, the electric field vectors are distributed uniformly in all the possible
directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation of light.
Such light is known as the “unpolarised light”.
• The unpolarised light is symmetrical about the direction of propagation.
• An unpolarised light is equivalent to superposition of two mutually perpendicular identical
plane polarised light.

Ray Diagram of UPL & PL

Unpolarised Light

Polarised Light
Polarization / Plane polarised Light
• If vibrations of electric field vector are limited in one direction in a plane perpendicular to
the direction of propagation of light wave, then this light is called the “plane polarised light”.
• The phenomenon of the restriction of the vibrations to a particular direction is called
“polarization”.
• The crystal doing polarization known as “polarizer”.
• Tourmaline crystal acts as polariser.
• The lack of symmetry of vibration around the direction of wave propagation is called
polarisation.
• Polarisation of light waves shows that they are transverse waves.
• The plane is which vibrations of polarised light are confined is called plane of vibration
(ABCD).
• A plane perpendicular to the plane of vibration is called plane of polarisation (EFGH).
• The angle between plane of vibration and direction of propagation of wave is 90°.
• The angle between plane of polarisation and direction propagation of wave is 90°.
• If an unpolarised light is converted into plane polarised light, its intensity reduces to half.

Malus’s Law
When a beam of completely plane polarised light (intensity I0) is incident on an analyser, the
resultant intensity of light (I) transmitted from the analyser varies directly as the square of the
cosine of the angle between plane of transmission of analyser and polariser.
2 2
I ∝ cos θ & I = I0 cos θ
This law is called Malus’s law.
It is named after E.L.Malus (1775-1812), a French Physicist.

• If light of intensity I1 emerging from one polaroid (called polariser) is incident on a second
polariod (usually called analyser) the intensity of the light emerging from the second
polaroid will be given by
2
I2 = I1 cos θ′
where θ' is the angle between the transmission axis of the two polariods.
(i) if the two polaroids have their transmission axes parallel to each other, i.e., θ′ = 0°,
2
I2 = I1 cos 0° = I1
(ii) if the two polaroids are crossed, (transmission axes perpendicular to each other), i.e.,
θ′ = 90°.
2
I2 = I1 cos 90° = 0
 Parallel polaroids Crossed polaroids

So, if an analyser is rotated from 0° to 90° with respect to polariser, the intensity of
emergent light changes from maximum value I1 to minimum value zero.

Example 33:
A polariser and an analyser are oriented so that maximum light is transmitted, what will be the
intensity of outcoming light when analyser is rotated through 60°.
Solution:
2
2 2  1 I
According to Malus Law I = I0 cos θ = I0 cos 60° = I0   = 0
2 4
Methods of Polarisation
Plane polarised light can be produced by the following methods:
(a) by reflection
(b) by refraction (pile of plates)
(c) by dichroism
(d) by double refraction (Nicol’s prism)
(e) by scattering.
By Reflection
Brewster discovered that when light is incident at a particular angle on a transparent substance,
the reflected light is completely plane polarised with vibrations in a plane perpendicular to the
plane of incidence.
This specific angle of incidence is called polarising angle θP and is related to the refractive index
µ of the material through the relation:
tan θp = µ UPL PPL

This is known as Brewster's law. i = θp

r
It is named after Sir D.Brewster (1781-1868), a British Scientist.
In case of polarisation by reflection :
• For i = θp, refracted light is plane polarised.
• For i = θp, reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular to
each other. PL
• For i < or > θp, both reflected and refracted light become Partially
partially polarised.
By Refraction
In this method, a pile of glass plates is formed by taking 20 to 30 microscope slides and light
is made to be incident at polarising angle.
 Double Refraction
When a ray of unpolarised light incident on a calcite ( or quartz) crystals, splits up into two
refracted rays, the phenomenon is called double refraction.
By Dichroism
some doubly-refracting crystals have the property of absorbing strongly one of the two
refracted rays and allowing the other to emerge with little loss. This selective absorption by the
crystal is known as dichroism. e.g. tourmaline crystal.
By Scattering
When a beam of white light passes through a medium consisting of y
small particles of dust, smoke, air molecules etc. (having size of the Unpolarised
light
order of wavelength of light), it is absorbed by the particle and is re-
radiated in all directions. This phenomenon is called as scattering.
Light scattered in a direction at right angles to the incident light is
Polarised Polarised
always plane-polarised. light light

z x
Unpolarised
light
Example 34:
If light beam is incident at polarising angle (56.3°) on air-glass interface, then what is the angle
of refraction in glass?
Solution:
 ip + rp = 90°

∴ rp = 90° – ip
= 90° – 56.3° = 33.7°

Example 35:
When light of a certain wavelength is incident on a plane surface of a material at a glancing
angle 30°, the reflected light is found to be completely plane polarised. Determine
(a) refractive index of given material and
(b) angle of refraction.
Solution:
Angle of incident light with the surface is 30°. Hence angle of incidence = 90° – 30° = 60°. Since
reflected light is completely polarised, therefore, incidence takes place at polarising angle of
incidence θp.
(a) ∴ θp = 60°
Using Brewster's law
µ = tan θp = tan 60°

∴ µ= 3
(b) From Snell's law
sin60º
µ = ∴= 3=
sinr
3 1 1
or sinr = × =
2 3 2
r = 30°
 Concept Builder-6

Q.1 A polariser and an analyser are oriented so that maximum light is transmitted, what will be the
intensity of outcoming light when analyser is rotated through 30°.

Q.2 Two polaroids as oriented with their planes perpendicular to incident light and transmission
axis making an angle of 30° with each other. What fraction of incident unpolarised light is
transmitted?

Q.3 Two polaroids P1 & 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 & P2 such that its axis makes an
angle 30° with that of P1. Find the intensity of transmitted light through P2 ?

Q.4 Refractive index of a medium is µ. Find the angle of incidence to polarise the incoming light
after reflection.

Q.5 Image of sun formed due to reflection at air water interface is found to be very highly polarised.
Refractive index of water being µ = 4/3, find the angle of sun above the horizon.

Polaroids
• These are artificially prepared polarising materials (like iodosulphate of quinone) in the form
of sheets or plates capable of producing strong beam of plane polarised light.
• It is a very big polarising film mounted between two glass plates and is used to obtain plane-
polarised light for commercial purposes.
• Polariod allow the light oscillations parallel to the transmission axis to pass through them.
• The crystal or polaroid on which unpolarised light is incident is called polariser.
• The crystal or polaroid on which polaroised light is incident is called analyser.
Detector
θ

Unpolarised
light
Analyser

Polariser

If intensity of unpolarised light falling on the polariser is I0 then only half of it I0/2 is
transmitted by the polariser
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDERS

CONCEPT BUILDER-1 CONCEPT BUILDER-4

1. (2) 2. 5000Å, 5625 Å
1. (i) θ = 30° (ii) w =2 mm.
CONCEPT BUILDER-2 2. 20 mm 3. (4)
2π 4. 10 5. (1)
1. (a) π, (b)
3
2. I0, 9I0 and 7I0
CONCEPT BUILDER-5
3. 4I0
4. (a) 4I0 (b) 0 (c) 3I0 1. 0.61 cm 2. (2)
5. 2I0 6. (1) 1.22λf
3. 4. 20 cm
7. 25 : 1 8. 2I0 a
9. 2:1

CONCEPT BUILDER-6
CONCEPT BUILDER-3
1. (4) 2. (2) 3I0 3
3. (2) 4. (2) 1. 2. = 37.5 %
4 8
λ1 11
5. = 6. (3)
λ2 10 3 I0
3. 4. 60°
8
7. (i) 1.25 cm (ii) 1.5 cm [n = 3]
5. 37°
8. 0.15
 Exercise - I

Wave Nature of Light 7. The resultant amplitude in interference

with two coherent sources depends upon:
1. Two sources of waves are called coherent
(1) only amplitude
if:-
(2) only phase difference
(1) Both have the same amplitude of
(3) on both the above
vibrations
(4) none of the above
(2) Both produce waves of the same
wavelength
8. Which of following nature of light waves is
(3) Both produce waves of the same
supported by the phenomenon of
wavelength having constant phase
interference:
difference (1) longitudinal
(4) Both produce waves having the same (2) transverse
velocity (3) both transverse and longitudinal
2. The light waves from two independent (4) None of the above
monochromatic light sources are given by
y1 = 2sin ωt and y2 = 3cos ωt 9. Phenomenon of interference is not
observed by two sodium lamps of same
then the following statement is correct
power. It is because both waves have:
(1) Both the waves are coherent
(1) not constant phase difference
(2) Both the waves are incoherent
(2) zero phase difference
(3) Both the waves have different time
(3) different intensity
periods
(4) different frequencies
(4) None of the above

3. The intensity of two waves is 2 and 3 unit, 10. Four independent waves are represented
then average intensity of light in the by the equations:
overlapping region will have the value: y1 = a1 sin ωt, y2 = a2 sin ωt,
(1) 2.5 (2) 6 y3 = a3 cos ωt, y4 = a4 sin (ωt + π/3)
(3) 5 (4) 13 Then the waves for which phenomenon of
interference will be observed are –
4. Ratio of intensities of two light waves is
(1) 1 and 3 (2) 1 and 4
given by 4 : 1. The ratio of the amplitudes
(3) All 1, 2, 3 and 4 (4) None
of the waves is:
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 1 : 2
YDSE With Monochromatic Light
(3) 4 : 1 (4) 1 : 4
11. In a Young's double slit experiment, the
5. Two coherent monochromatic light beams central point on the screen is:-
of intensities I and 4I are superposed; the (1) Bright
maximum and minimum possible (2) Dark
intensities in the resulting beam are : (3) First bright and then dark
(1) 5 Ι and Ι (2) 5Ι and 3Ι (4) First dark and then bright
(3) 9 Ι and Ι (4) 9Ι and 3Ι
6. The energy in the phenomenon of 12. Two coherent sources of light produce
interference: destructive interference when phase
(1) is conserved, gets redistributed difference between them is:
(2) is equal at every point (1) 2π (2) π
(3) is destroyed in regions of dark fringes (3) π/2 (4) 0
(4) is created at the place of bright fringes
13. The intensity of the central fringe 19. In Young's experiment, light wavelength
obtained in the interference pattern due 4000 Å is used, and fringes are formed at
to two identical slit sources is I. When one 2 metre distance and has a fringe width of
of the slits is closed then the intensity at
0.6 mm. If whole of the experiment is
the same point is I0. Then the correct
performed in a liquid of refractive index
relation between I and I0 is:
1.5, then width of fringe will be:-
(1) I = I0
(2) I = 2I0 (1) 0.2 mm (2) 0.3 mm

(3) I = 4I0 (3) 0.4 mm (4) 1.2 mm

(4) I = I0/4
20. In Young's experiment, if the amplitude of
14. If two line slits are illuminated by a interfering waves are unequal then the :
-7
wavelength 5 × 10 m and the distance (1) contrast in the fringes decreases
between two bright fringes is 0.005 m on (2) contrast in the fringes increase
a screen 1 m away, then the distance (3) number of fringes will increase
between the slits is:-
(4) number of fringes will decrease
(1) 10 cm (2) 1 cm
−1 −2
(3) 10 cm (4) 10 cm
21. Young's experiment proves which of
15. The fringe width in the Young's double slit following fact:
–4
experiment is 2 × 10 m. If the distance (1) light is made up of particles
between the slits is halved and the slit (2) light is made up of waves
screen distance is double, then the new (3) light is made up of neither waves nor
fringe width will be :- particles
–4 –4
(1) 2 × 10 m (2) 1 × 10 m
–4 –4
(4) fringe width doesn't depend upon the
(3) 0.5 × 10 m (4) 8 × 10 m
spacing between slits.

16. The distance between two slits in a double

slit experiment is 1 mm. The distance 22. Which of following is a true statement, if
between the slits and the screen is 1 m. If in Young's experiment, separation
the distance of 10th fringe from the between the slits is gradually increased :
central fringe is 5 mm, then the (1) fringe width increases and fringes
wavelength of light is:-
disappear
(1) 5000 Å (2) 6000 Å
(3) 7000 Å (4) 8000 Å (2) fringe width decreases and fringes
disappear
17. If the slit distance in Young's double slit (3) fringes become blurred
1 (4) fringe width remains constant and
experiment is reduced to rd, the fringe
3 fringes are more bright
width becomes n times. The value of n is:
(1) 3 (2) 1/3 23. Two beams of light having intensities I and
(3) 9 (4) 1/9 4I interfere to produce a fringe pattern on
a screen. The phase difference between
18. Young's experiment is performed in air and
then performed in water, the fringe π
the beam is at point A and 2π at point
width:- 2
(1) Will remain same B. Then find out the difference between
(2) Will decrease the resultant intensities at A and B.
(3) Will increase (1) 2I (2) 5I
(4) All the above types of waves (3) I (4) 4I
24. In Young's experiment, if Xmr and Xmv 30. In Young's experiment, monochromatic
denotes the distances of m red and
th light through a single slit S is used to
illuminate the two slits S1 and S2.
violet fringe from the central fringe. Then:
(1) Xmr > Xmv (2) Xmr < Xmv Interference fringes are obtained on a
screen. The fringe width is found to be w.
(3) Xmr = Xmv (4) Xmr + Xmv = 0
Now a thin sheet of mica (thickness t and
refractive index µ) is placed near and in
25. If ratio of amplitude of two interfering front of one of the two slits. Now the
source is 3 : 5. Then ratio of intensity of fringe width is found to be w′, then:
maxima and minima in interference (1) w′ = w/µ (2) w′ = wµ
pattern will be: (3) w′ = (µ – 1) tw (4) w′ = w
(1) 25 : 16 (2) 5 : 3
(3) 16 : 1 (4) 25 : 9 31. In Young's double slit experiment, a mica
sheet of thickness t and refractive index
th
26. In an interference pattern the (n+4) blue µ is introduced in the path of ray from the
th
bright fringe and n red bright fringe are first source S1. By how much distance the
formed at the same spot. If red and blue fringe pattern will be displaced:
light have the wavelength of 7800 Å and d D
5200 Å then value of n should be:
(1)
D
( µ − 1) t (2)
d
( µ − 1) t
(1) 2 (2) 4
d D
(3) 6 (4) 8 (3) (4) ( µ − 1)
( µ − 1) D d

27. In Young's double slit experiment,

wavelength of light is 6000 Å. Then the 32. If a transparent medium of refractive
–5
phase difference between the light waves index µ = 1.5 and thickness t = 2.5 × 10 m
reaching the third bright fringe from the is inserted in front of the slits of Young's
central fringe will be: Double slit experiment, how much will be
(1) zero (2) 2π the shift in the interference pattern? The
distance between the slits is 0.5 mm and
(3) 4π (4) 6π
that between slits and screen is 100 cm:
(1) 5 cm (2) 2.5 cm
28. If intensity of each wave in the observed
(3) 0.25 cm (4) 0.1 cm
interference pattern in Young's double slit
experiment is I0. then for some point P 33. In Young;s experiment, monochromatic
where the phase difference is φ , intensity light is used to illuminate the two slits A
I will be: and B. Interference fringes are observed
(1) I = I0 cosφ (2) I = I0 cos φ
2
on a screen placed in front of the slits.
Now if a thin glass plate is placed normally
(3) I = I0 (1+cosφ ) (4) I = 2I0(1+cosφ )
in the path of the beam coming from the
slit then :
YDSE with Glass Slab
A
29. When a thin transparent plate of
O
thickness t and refractive index µ is placed
in the path of one of the two interfering B
waves of light, then the path difference
changes by: (1) The fringes will disappear
(1) (µ + 1)t (2) (µ – 1)t (2) The fringe width will decrease
(3) The fringe width will increase
(3)
( µ + 1) (4)
( µ − 1) (4) There will be no change in the fringe
t t width
 Thin Film Interference 40. A slit of width a is illuminated by light. For
red light (λ = 6500 Å),the first minima is
34. Colours of thin films results from:-
obtained at θ = 30° Then the value of a will
(1) Dispersion of light
be
(2) Interference if light
(1) 3250 Å
(3) Absorption of light –4
(2) 6.5 × 10 mm
(4) Scattering of light
(3) 1.3 µm
–4
35. A very thin transparent film of soap (4) 2.6 × 10 cm
solution (thickness 0) is seen under
reflection of white light. Then the colour 41. A slit of size 0.15 cm is placed at 2.1 m
of the film appear to be: from a screen. On illuminated it by a light
–5
(1) blue (2) black of wavelength 5 × 10 cm. The width of
(3) red (4) yellow central maxima will be.
(1) 70 mm (2) 0.14 mm
Diffraction of Light (3) 1.4 mm (4) 0.14 cm

36. The bending of beam of light around 42. What will be the angle of diffraction for
corners of obstacles is called. the first minimum due to Fraunhofer
(1) Reflection (2) Diffraction diffraction with sources of light of wave
(3) Refraction (4) Interference length 550 nm and slit of width 0.55 mm.
(1) 0.001 rad (2) 0.01 rad
37. The waves of 600 µm wave length are (3) 1 rad (4) 0.1 rad
incident normally on a slit of 1.2mm width.
The value of diffraction angle 43. In the diffraction pattern of a single slit
corresponding to the first minima will be aperture, the width of the central fringe
(in radian): compared to widths of the other fringes,
π π is :
(1) (2)
2 6 (1) equal
(2) less
π π
(3) (4) (3) little more
3 4
(4) double

38. In a Fraunhofer's diffraction by a slit, if slit

44. Diffracted fringes obtained from the slit
width is a, wave length λ, focal length of
aperture are of:-
lens is f, linear width of central maxima is:
(1) same width
fλ fa (2) different width
(1) (2)
a λ (3) uniform intensity
2fλ fλ (4) non-uniform width & non uniform
(3) (4)
a 2a intensity
39. A single slit of width d is placed in the
path of beam of wavelength λ. The angular 45. In a single slit diffraction pattern, if the
width of the principal maximum obtained light source is used of less wave length
is: then previous one. Then width of the
d λ central fringe will :
(1) (2) (1) decrease
λ d
(2) increase
2λ 2d
(3) (4) (3) remain same
d λ (4) none of the above
 Polarisation (1) 90 + φ
–1
(2) sin (µ cos φ)
46. Light waves can be polarised as they are (3) 90°
(1) Transverse –1
(4) 90°– sin (sinφ /µ)
(2) Of high frequency
(3) Longitudinal
50. The angle of polarisation for any medium
(4) Reflected
is 60° what will be critical angle for this
47. A polaroid is placed at 45° to an incoming –1 –1
(1) sin 3 (2) tan 3
light of intensity I0. Now the intensity of
light passing through polaroid after –1 –1 1
(3) cos 3 (4) sin
polarisation would be 3
(1) I0 (2) I0/2
(3) I0/4 (4) Zero
51. A ray of unpolarised light is incident on a
glass plate at the polarising angle 57°.
48. Plane polarised light is passed through a Then -
polaroid. On viewing through the polaroid (1) The reflected ray and the transmitted
we find that when the polariod is given ray both will be completely polarised.
one complete rotation about the direction (2) The reflected ray will be completely
polarised and the transmitted ray will
of the light one of the following is
be partially polarised.
observed (3) The reflected ray will be partially
(1) The intensity of light gradually polarised and the transmitted ray will
decreases to zero and remains at zero. be completely polarised.
(2) The intensity of light gradually (4) The reflected and transmitted both
rays will be partially polarised.
increases to a maximum and remains
at maximum. 52. Electromagnetic waves are transverse in
(3) There is no change in intensity nature is evident by
(4) The intensity of light is twice (1) polarization (2) interference
maximum and twice zero. (3) reflection (4) diffraction

53. When an unpolarized light of intensity Ι0 is

49. A ray of light is incident on the surface of
incident on a polarizing sheet, the
a glass plate at an angle of incidence equal intensity of the light which does not get
to Brewster's angle. If represents the transmitted is
refractive index of glass with respect to air (1) zero (2) Ι0/2
then the angle between reflected and (3) Ι0/4 (4) Ι0/8
refracted rays is

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Ans. 3 2 3 1 3 1 3 4 1 4 1 3 3 4 4 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 4 1 3
Que. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Ans. 1 4 4 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 4 4 1 1 2 4 3 4
Que. 51 52 53
Ans. 2 1 2
 Exercise - II

1. Two coherent sources produce waves of 5. This question has Statement-1 and
different intensities which interfere. After Statement-2 of the four choices given
interference, the ratio of the maximum after the Statements, choose the one that
intensity to the minimum intensity is 16. best describes the two Statements.
The intensity of the waves are in the ratio: Statement-1: In Young’s double slit
(1) 4 : 1 (2) 25 : 9 experiment, the number of fringes
(3) 16 : 9 (4) 5 : 3 observed in the field of view is small with
longer wave length of light and is large
2. In YDSE, slits are separated by 0.5 mm,
with shorter wave length.
and the screen is placed 150 cm away. A
Statement-2: In the double slit
beam of light consisting of two
experiment the fringe width depends
wavelengths 650 nm and 520 nm, is used
to obtain interference fringes on the directly on the wave length of light.
screen. The least distance from where the (1) Statement-1 is false and Statement-2
bright fringes due to both the wavelengths is true.
coincide is (2) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is
(1) 9.75 mm true, But Statement-2 is not the
(2) 15.6 mm correct explanation for Statement-1
(3) 1.56 mm (3) Statement-1 is true and Statement-2
(4) 7.8 mm is false.
(4) Statement-1 and Statement-2 both
3. In a Young’s double slit experiment with are true, But Statement-2 is correct
light of wavelength λ the separation of explanation for Statement-1
slits is d and distance of screen is D such
that D >> d >> λ. If the fringe width is β, 6. At two points P and Q on a screen in
the distance from point of maximum Young’s double slit experiment, waves
intensity to the point where intensity falls
from slits S1 and S2 have a path difference
to half of maximum intensity on either
side is: of 0 and λ/4 respectively. The ratio of
intensities at P and Q will be :
β
(1)
2 (1) 2 : 1 (2) 2:1
β (3) 4 : 1 (4) 3 : 2
(2)
4
β 7. In a Young’s double slit experiment, the
(3)
3 two slits act as coherent sources of waves
β of equal amplitude A and wavelength λ. In
(4)
6 another experiment with the same
arrangement the two slits are made to act
4. Two monochromatic light beams of as incoherent sources of waves of same
intensity 16 and 9 units are interfering. The amplitude and wavelength. If the intensity
ratio of intensities of bright and dark parts at the middle point of the screen in the
of the resultant pattern is: first case is I1 and in the second case is I2,
16 4 then the ratio I1 / I2 is:
(1) (2)
9 3 (1) 2 (2) 1
7 49 (3) 0.5 (4) 4
(3) (4)
1 1
8. A mixture of light, consisting of 13. A single slit of width b is illuminated by a
wavelength 590 nm and an unknown coherent monochromatic light of
wavelength, illuminates Young’s double wavelength λ. If the second and fourth
slit and gives rise to two overlapping
minima in the diffraction pattern at a
interference patterns on the screen. The
central maximum of both lights coincide. distance 1 m from the slit are at 3 cm and
Further, it is observed that the third bright 6 cm respectively from the central
fringe of known light coincides with the maximum, what is the width of the central
4th bright fringe of the unknown light. maximum ? (i.e. distance between first
From this data, the wavelength of the minimum on the either side of the central
unknown light is :
maximum)
(1) 393.4 nm (2) 885.0 nm
(1) 1.5 cm (2) 3.0 cm
(3) 442.5 nm (4) 776.8 nm
(3) 4.5 cm (4) 6.0 cm
9. In a young’s double slit experiment the
intensity at a point where the path 14. A single slit of width 0.1 mm is illuminated
difference is λ/6 (λ being the wavelength by a parallel beam of light of wavelength
of the light used) is I. If I0 denotes the 6000Å and diffraction bands are observed
maximum intensity, I/I0 is equal to on a screen 0.5 m from the slit. The
(1) 3 /2 (2) 1 / 2 distance of the third dark band from the
(3) 3 / 4 (4) 1 / 2 central bright band is
(1) 3 mm (2) 9 mm
10. The maximum number of possible (3) 4.5 mm (4) 1.5 mm
interference maxima for slit–separation
equal to twice the wavelength in Young’s
15. If I0 is the intensity of the principal
double–slit experiment is
(1) infinite maximum in the single slit diffraction
(2) five pattern, then what will be its intensity
(3) three when the slit width is doubled ?
(4) zero (1) 4 I0 (2) 2 I0
(3) I0 / 2 (4) I0
11. To demonstrate the phenomena of
interference we required two sources
which emits radiation of 16. Unpolarized light of intensity I0 is incident
(1) nearly the same frequency on surface of a block of glass at
(2) the same frequency Brewster’s angle. In that case, which of
(3) different wavelength
the following statements is true?
(4) the same frequency and having a
constant phase difference (1) transmitted light is partially polarized
with intensity I0/2
12. Light of wavelength 550 nm falls normally (2) transmitted light is completely
−5
on a slit of width 22.0 x 10 cm. The polarized with intensity less than I0/2
angular position of the second minima
(3) reflected light is completely polarized
from the central maximum will be (in
with intensity less than I0/2
radians)
(1) π / 4 (2) π / 8 (4) reflected light is partially polarized
(3) π / 12 (4) π / 6 with intensity I0/2
17. Two beams, A and B, of plane polarized 20. When an un-polarized light of intensity I0
light with mutually perpendicular planes is incident on a polarizing sheet, the
of polarization are seen through a intensity of the light which does not get
polaroid. From the position when the
transmitted is
beam A is has maximum intensity (and
(1) I0 / 4
beam B has zero intensity), a rotation of
polaroid through 30° makes the two (2) I0 / 2
beams appear equally bright. (3) I0
If the initial intensities of the two beams (4) zero
are IA and IB respectively, then ΙA / ΙB
equals: 21. The angle of incidence at which reflected
(1) 1 / 3 (2) 3
light is totally polarized for reflection from
(3) 3/2 (4) 1
air to glass (refractive index n), is
–1
18. A beam of unpolarised light of intensity I0 (1) sin (n)
–1
is passed through a polaroid A and then (2) sin (1/n)
through another polaroid B which is –1
(3) tan (1/n)
oriented so that its principal plane makes (4) tan (n)
–1

an angle of 45° relative to that of A . The

intensity of the emergent light is :
22. If two light waves having the same
(1) I0 (2) I0 /2
(3) I0 /4 (4) I0 /8 frequency have intensity ratio 4 : 1 and
they interfere, the ratio of maximum to
19. Statement - 1 : On viewing the clear blue minimum intensity in the pattern will be
portion of the sky through a Calcite (1) 9 : 1
Crystal, the intensity of transmitted light
varies as the crystal is rotated. (2) 3 : 1
Statement - 2 : The light coming from the (3) 25 : 9
sky is polarized due to scattering of sun (4) 16 : 25
light by particles in the atmosphere.
The scattering is largest for blue light
(1) Statement - 1 is true, statement - 2 is 23. Red light is generally used to observe
false. diffraction pattern from single slit. If blue
(2) Statement - 1 true, statement - 2 is light is used instead of red light, then
true, statement - 2 is the correct
explanation of statement - 1. diffraction pattern.
(3) Statement - 1 is true, statement - 2 is (1) Will be more clear
true, statement -2 is not the correct (2) Will contract
explanation of statement - 1.
(3) Will expanded
(4) Statement - 1 is false, statement - 2 is
true. (4) Will not be visualized

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Ans. 2 4 2 4 4 1 1 3 3 2 4 2 2 2 1 3 1 3 2 2 4 1 2
 Exercise – III (Previous Year Question)
1. In Young’s double slit experiment, the slits 5. In a double slit experiment, the two slits
are 2mm apart are illuminated by photons are 1 mm apart and the screen is placed 1
of two wavelengths λ1 = 12000 Å and λ2 = m away. A monochromatic light of
10000 Å. At what minimum distance from wavelength 500 nm is used. What will be
the common central bright fringe on the the width of each slit for obtaining ten
screen 2m from the slit will a bright fringe maxima of double slit within the central
from one interference pattern coincide
maxima of single slit pattern?[NEET-2015]
with a bright fringe from the other?
(1) 0.1 mm (2) 0.5 mm
[NEET-2013]
(1) 8 mm (2) 6 mm (3) 0.02 mm (4) 0.2 mm
(3) 4 mm (4) 3 mm
6. Two slits in Young’s experiment have
2. A parallel beam of fast moving electrons widths in the ratio 1 : 25. The ratio of
is incident normally on a narrow slit. A intensity at the maxima and minima in the
fluorescent screen is placed at a large IMax
distance from the slit. If the speed of the interference pattern is [NEET-2015]
Imin
electrons is increased, which of the
following statements is correct ? 4 9
(1) (2)
[NEET-2013] 9 4
(1) Diffraction pattern is not observed on
121 49
the screen in the case of electrons (3) (4)
49 121
(2) The angular width of the central
maximum of the diffraction pattern
will increase 7. At the first minimum adjacent to the
(3) The angular width of the central central maximum of a single slit
maximum will decrease diffraction pattern the phase difference
(4) The angular width of the central between the Huygen’s wavelet from the
maximum will be unaffected edge of the slit and the wavelet from the
midpoint of the slit is [NEET - 2015]
3. A beam of light of λ = 600 nm from a
π π
distant source falls on a single slit 1mm (1) rad (2) rad
8 4
wide and the resulting diffraction pattern
is observed on a screen 2m away. The (3) 2π rad (4) π rad
distance between first dark fringes on
either side of the central bright fringe is 8. For a parallel beam of monochromatic
[NEET - 2014] light of wavelength 'λ', diffraction is
(1) 1.2 cm (2) 1.2 mm produced by a single slit whose width 'a'
(3) 2.4 cm (4) 2.4 mm
is of the order of the wavelength of the
light. If 'D' is the distance of the screen
4. In the Young's double -slit experiment, the
from the slit, the width of the central
intensity of light at a point on the screen
maxima will be : [NEET-2015]
where the path difference is λ is K, (λ
being the wave length of light used). The Dλ Da
(1) (2)
intensity at a point where the path a λ
difference is λ/4, will be : [NEET-2014] 2Da 2Dλ
(1) K (2) K/4 (3) (4)
λ a
(3) K/2 (4) Zero
9. The interference pattern is obtained with 13. Two Polaroids P1 and P2 are placed with
two coherent light sources of intensity their axis perpendicular to each other.
ratio n. In the interference pattern, the Unpolarised light I0 is incident on P1. A
Imax − Imin third polaroid P3 is kept in between P1 and
ratio will be: [NEET-2016] P2 such that its axis makes an angle 45°
Im ax + Imin
with that of P1. The intensity of
n 2 n transmitted light through P2 is :
(1) (2)
(n − 1)2 (n + 1)
2
[NEET - 2017]
I I
n 2 n (1) 0 (2) 0
(3) (4) 2 4
n+ 1 n+ 1 I0 I
(3) (4) 0
8 16
10. The intensity at the maximum in a Young’s
double slit experiment is I0. Distance 14. Young's double slit experiment is first
between two slits is d = 5λ, where λ is the performed in air and then in a medium
th
wavelength of light used in the other than air. It is found that 8 bright
th
experiment. What will be the intensity in fringe in the medium lies where 5 dark
front of one of the slits on the screen fringe lies in air. The refractive index of the
placed at distance D = 10d [NEET - 2016] medium is nearly : [NEET-2017]
(1) 1.25 (2) 1.59
I0 (3) 1.69 (4) 1.78
(1) I0 (2)
4
3 I0 15. In Young’s double slit experiment the
(3) I (4) separation d between the slits is 2 mm ,
4 0 2
the wavelength λ of the light used is 5896
Å and distance D between the screen and
11. A linear aperture whose width is 0.02 cm slits is 100 cm. It is found that the angular
is placed immediately in front of a lens of 0
width of the fringes is 0.20 . To increase
focal length 60 cm. The aperture is the fringe angular width to 0.21 (with
0

illuminated normally by a parallel beam of same λ and D) the separation between the
–5
wavelength 5 × 10 cm. The distance of slits needs to be changed to [NEET-2018]
the first dark band of the diffraction (1) 1.8 mm (2) 1.9 mm
pattern from the centre of the screen is : (3) 2.1 mm (4) 1.7 mm
[NEET - 2016]
16. Unpolarised light is incident from air on a
(1) 0.20 cm (2) 0.15 cm plane surface of a material of refractive
(3) 0.10 cm (4) 0.25 cm index µ. At a particular angle of incidence
‘i’ , it is found that the reflected and
12. In a diffraction pattern due to a single slit refracted rays are perpendicular to each
of width ‘a’ the first minimum is observed other. Which of the following options is
correct for this situation ? [NEET - 2018]
at an angle 30° when light of wavelength
(1) Reflected light is polarised with its
5000 Å is incident on the slit. The first
electric vector parallel to the plane of
secondary maximum is observed at an incidence
angle of [NEET - 2016] (2) Reflected light is polarised with its
–1  1  –1 2 electric vector perpendicular to the
(1) sin   (2) sin   plane of incidence
4 3
–1  1 
–1  1 –1 3 (3) i = sin  
(3) sin   (4) sin   µ
2 4
–1  1
(4) i = tan  
µ
17. Light is incident on a polarizer with 21. Assume that light of wavelength 600 nm
intensity I0. A second prism called analyzer is coming from a star. The limit of
is kept at a angle of 15°, from the first resolution of telescope whose objective
polarizer then the intensity of final has a diameter of 2 m is : [NEET-2020]
emergent light will be [NEET-2018] (1) 6.00 × 10
–7
rad (2) 3.66 × 10
–7
rad
(1) Ι0 ( 2 − 1) (2) Ι0 ( 3 − 1) (3) 1.83 × 10
–7
rad (4) 7.32 × 10
–7
rad
Ι0 Ι0
(3) (2 + 3) (4) (2 − 3)
8 8 22. The Brewsters angle i0 for an interface
should be : [NEET-2020]
18. In a double slit experiment, when light of (1) i0 = 90° (2) 0° < i0 < 30°
wavelength 400 nm was used, the angular
(3) 30° < i0 < 45° (4) 45° < i0 < 90°
width of the first minima formed on a
screen placed 1 m away, was found to be
0.2°. What will be the angular width of the 23. In a Young's double slit experiment, if the
first minima, if the entire experimental separation between coherent sources is
apparatus is immersed in water halved and the distance of the screen
(mwater = 4/3) [NEET - 2019] from the coherent sources is doubled,
(1) 0.266° (2) 0.15° then the fringe width becomes :
(3) 0.05° (4) 0.1° [NEET-2020]
(1) one-fourth (2) double
19. In a Young's double slit experiment if there (3) half (4) four times
is no initial phase difference between the
light from the two slits, a point on the 24. Two coherent sources of light interfere
screen corresponding to the fifth
and produce fringe pattern on a screen.
minimum has path difference.
For central maximum, the phase
[NEET-2019 (Odisha)]
difference between the two waves will be:
λ
(1) 5 [NEET-2020 (Odisha)]
2
(1) zero (2) π
λ
(2) 10 (3) 3π/2 (4) π/2
2
λ
(3) 9 25. A lens of large focal length and large
2
λ aperture is best suited as an objective of
(4) 11
2 an astronomical telescope since :
[NEET-2021]
20. Angular width of the central maxima in the (1) a large aperture contributes to the
Fraunhofer diffraction for l = 6000 Å is θ0. quality and visibility of the images.
When the same slit is illuminated by (2) a large area of the objective ensures
another monochromatic light, the angular better light gathering power.
width decreases by 30%. The wavelength (3) a large aperture provides a better
of this light is, [NEET-2019 (Odisha)] resolution.
(1) 1800 Å (2) 4200 Å (4) all of the above.
(3) 6000 Å (4) 420 Å
26. In a Young's double slit experiment, a 27. A linearly polarised monochromatic light
student observes 8 fringes in a certain of intensity 10 lumen is incident on a
segment of screen when a monochromatic polarizer. The angle between the direction
light of 600 nm wavelength is used. If the of polarisation of the light and that of the
wavelength of light is changed to 400 nm, polariser such that the intensity of output
the number of fringes he would observe in light is 2.5 lumen is:
the same region of the screen is: [NEET-2022 (Dubai)]
[NEET-2022] (1) 75° (2) 30°
(1) 6 (2) 8 (3) 45° (4) 60°
(3) 9 (4) 12

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Ans. 2 3 4 3 4 2 4 4 4 4 2 4 3 4 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 4 4 1 4
Que. 26 27
Ans. 4 4