Wave optics [ 277

10
CHAPTER

WAvE
oPTiCs

Syllabus
¾ Wave Optics : Wave front and Huygens’ principle; reflection and refraction of plane wave at a plane
surface using wave fronts; Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens’ principle.
¾ Interference; Young’s double slit experiment and expression for fringe width; coherent sources and
sustained interference of light.
¾ Diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maximum; Resolving power of microscope and
astronomical telescope.
¾ Polarisation; plane polarized light; Brewster’s law, uses of plane polarized light and Polaroids.

Chapter Analysis
List of Topics 2016 2017 2018
D OD D OD D/OD
Wave theory and Huygens
Principle 1Q 1Q
– – –
(2 marks) (5 marks)

Superposition of light 1Q
waves (Interference and 1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q (3 marks)
Diffraction) (5 marks) (3 marks) (5 marks) (3 marks) 1Q
(5 marks)
Resolving Power of Optical 1Q
Instruments (2 marks) 1Q 1Q 1Q 1Q
1Q (5 marks) (5 marks) (2 marks) (marks)
(3 marks)

TopiC-1
Wave theory and Huygens' principle

Revision Notes
¾ Newton supported ‘Descartes' corpuscular theory’ of light and
further developed it. TOPIC - 1
¾ According to the corpuscular theory “sources of light emit large Wave theory and Huygens' Principle
.... P. 277
number of tiny massless particles known as corpuscles in a medium
surrounding the source. They are perfectly elastic, rigid and have TOPIC - 2
high speed. Superposition of light waves
(Interference and Diffraction) .... P. 283
This theory could explain reflection and refraction of light but could
not explain many other optical phenomenon like interference and TOPIC - 3
diffraction of light. It was also unable to explain partial reflection and Resolving Power of Optical instruments
and Polarisation of Light .... P. 297
refraction through a transparent surface.
278 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

¾ Huygens proposed wave theory of light. According to his theory, light travels in the form of longitudinal waves
with uniform speed in a homogenous medium. Different wavelengths of light represent different colours of
light.
¾ As longitudinal mechanical waves need medium to travel, he assumed a hypothetical medium known as ‘ether’.
He also proved that speed of light is slower in optically denser medium.
¾ Initially, Huygens' wave theory of light couldn’t get much success. Its main point of rejection was, it was
considered as longitudinal wave which need medium, but experimentally found that it could also travel in
vacuum and there is no medium like ether.
But later Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic waves and Young’s famous double slit experiment firmly established
this theory. Maxwell explained light is an electromagnetic wave which does not need medium and its speed in
vacuum is 3×108 m/s. Till date phenomenon of optical interference, diffraction and polarization can be explained
with wave nature of light.
¾ It had some points of failure also. It could not explain photoelectric effect and Compton effect.
¾ With polarization phenomenon, it is established that light is not a longitudinal wave but it is a transverse wave.
¾ Huygens' principle brings concept of formation of new wave fronts and its propagation in forward direction.
¾ Wavefront is locus of all points in which light waves are in same phase. Propagation of wave energy is
perpendicular to the wavefront.
Huygens' Principle :
¾ Every point of a wavefront becomes secondary source of light.
¾ These secondary sources give their own light waves. Within small time they produce their own wave called
secondary wavelets. These secondary waves have same speed and wavelengths as waves by primary sources.
¾ At any instant a common tangential surface on all these wavelets give new wavefronts in forward direction.
¾ Shapes of wavefronts
Source Wavefronts
Point source Spherical wavefront
Line source Cylindrical wavefront
Plane source Plane wavefront
Point source very far away Plane wavefront
¾ Concave lens converts plane wavefront to convex wavefront and convex lens convert plane wavefront to concave
wavefront.
Refraction of a plane wave by Huygens' Principle
¾ Snell's law can be proved by Huygens' principle.
sin i v1
= = constant
sin r v2
¾ It is also proved that the velocity of light in denser medium is less than velocity of light in rarer medium.
Incident wavefront

A' B

v1 1
i
Medium 1 i
P A r C P'
t
Medium 2 r
Refracted
E wavefront
v2 <v1
AB = incident wavefront
EC = refracted wavefront
Ði = angle between incident wavefront AB and interface PP’
Ðr = angle between refracted wavefront EC and interface PP’
If medium 2 is optically denser than medium 1 and t is the time in which disturbance from B reaches C. This is
the same time t in which disturbance from A reaches E where distance AE < BC.
DAEC @ DABC
Wave optics [ 279

BC
sin i =
AC
AE
sin r =
AC
sin i BC
=
sin r AE
BC = Distance travelled by disturbance at B in time t in medium 1
AE = Distance travelled by disturbance at A in time t in medium 2
sin i v1τ
=
sin r v2 τ
sin i v1
Hence = = constant
sin r v2
This is law of refraction (Snell’s law).
¾ Reflection of a plane wave by Huygens' Principle
Incident
wavefront
E B Reflected
v wavefront
i
A i r C
M N
AB = incident wavefront
EC = reflected wavefront
Ði = angle between incident wavefront AB with the interface AC
Ðr= angle between reflected wavefront EC with the interface AC
If disturbance at A is reflected from the interface AC then disturbance at B and disturbance at A both travel in
same medium and they will have travelled equal distance in time t. Where t is the time in which disturbance from
B reaches at C.
Now AE = BC = vt (distance travelled in same medium in same time)
DAEC @ DABC
Ði = Ðr
This is law of reflection.

objective Type Question (1 mark)

Q. 1. Consider a ray of light incident from air onto a slab Ans. Correct option : (a)
of glass (refractive index n) of width d, at an angle Explanation : If slab of a glass is placed in air, the
q. The phase difference between the ray reflected wave reflected from the upper surface (from a denser
by the top surface of the glass and the bottom
medium) suffers a sudden phase change of π, while
surface is
1
the wave reflected from the lower surface (from a
4 πd  1 2 rarer medium) suffers no such phase change.
1 − sin θ  + π .
2
(a)
λ  n2 
1
4 πd  1 2
1 − sin θ  .
2
(b)
λ  n2 
1
2
4 πd  1  π
1 − 2 sin θ  + .
2
(c)
λ  n  2
1
4 πd  1 2
1 − 2 sin θ  + 2 π .
2
(d)
λ  n 
[NCERT Exemplar]
280 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Now consider the diagram, the ray (PO) is incident sin θ

sin r =
at an angle q and gets reflected in the direction P’ n
and refracted in the direction P”. Due to reflection cos r = 1 − sin 2 r
from the glass medium, there is a phase change sin 2 θ
= 1−
of π. n2
Time taken to travel along OP”, Phase difference,
2π
∆φ = × ∆t
d T
OP′′ cos r nd −1
∆t = = = 2

v c c × cosr 2 πnd  sin 2 θ 

⇒ ∆φ = 1 − 
n λ  n2 
sin θ So, net phase difference = Df + p
From Snell’s law, n =
sin r 1
4 πd  1 2
⇒ ∆φ net = 1 − 2 sin θ  + π
2

λ  n 

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. Define the term wavefront. Q. 3. What type of wavefront generated from

R [O.D. Comptt. I, II, III 2014] (i) line source
(ii) point source R
Ans. The locus of all points those are in the same phase.
Or Ans. (i) Cylindrical wavefront is generated from a line
The surface of constant phase. 1 source. ½
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] (ii) Spherical wavefront is generated from a near point
Detailed Answer : source while it would be plane wavefront if point
Wavefront is locus of all points in which light waves source is far away. ½
are in same phase. Propagation of wave energy is Q. 4. What is the phase difference between any two
perpendicular to the wavefront. 1 points of a wavefront ? U
Ans. All points of a wavefront are in the same phase
U [Delhi 2009] hence there is no phase difference between any two
Ans. A ray is an imaginary path along which light energy points of a wavefront. 1
propagates. Wavefront is locus of all points in which Q. 5. Is the speed of light in glass independent of the
light waves are in same phase. ½ colour of light ? A
Propagation of wave energy is perpendicular to the Ans. No. Speed of light in glass or any medium is
wavefront. Hence ray is also perpendicular to the dependent on the colour of light as all colours have
wavefront. ½ different refractive index for any medium. 1

Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 marks each)

Q. 1. Based on Huygens construction, draw the shape of Q. 2. When light travels from a rarer to a denser
a plane wavefront as it gets refracted on passing medium, it loses speed. Does this loss imply a
through a convex lens. U [Foreign Comptt. 2016] reduction in energy carried by the light waves ?
Ans. A [CBSE 2010]
Ans. No, this loss does not imply a reduction in energy
carried by the light waves. Energy of any wave
depends upon its frequency which remain same
whenever light wave travels from one medium to
another medium. 1+1 = 2
Q. 3. Define type of light wave according to Huygens'
principle. Which optical phenomenon proves this
2
wrong ? R [CBSE 2010]
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
Wave optics [ 281

Ans. According to Huygens' principle, light is a of the medium situated on the wavefront acts as a
longitudinal wave. Polarisation proves that light is new source of light wave from which new similar
not a longitudinal wave, it is a transverse wave. waves originate. These waves are called secondary
1+1 = 2 wavelets. 1
Q. 4. Define secondary wavelets and how can we The envelop of the secondary wavelets in the
construct new wavefront with them ? R forward direction at any instant gives the new
Ans. According to the Huygen’s principle, every particle wavefront at that instant. 1

Short Answer Type Questions-II (3 marks each)

Q. 1. (i) Define wavefront. Use Huygens' principle to

verify the laws of refraction. Ans. (i) Try yourself similar to Q. 1, Very Short Answer
(ii) In a single slit diffraction experiment, the width of Type Questions. 1
the slit is made double of the original width. How Huygens' Principle : Each point of the wavefront
does this affect the size and intensity of the central is the source of a secondary disturbance and the
diffraction band ? Explain. wavelets emanating from these points spread
(iii) When a tiny circular obstacle is placed in the path out in all directions. These travel with the same
of light from a distant source, a bright spot is seen velocity as that of the original wavefront. ½
at the centre of obstacle. Explain why ? (ii) The shape and position of the wavefront, after
R [Delhi, OD 2018] time ‘t’, is given by the tangential envelope to the
Ans. (i) Try yourself, Similar to Q. 1, Very Short Answer secondary wavelets. ½
Type Questions. ½
For Verification : Please see the Revision Notes,
'Refraction of plane wave by Huygens Principle.' ½
2Dλ
(ii) Angular width of the central fringe = where,
a

a is the width of slit. Hence if the width of the slit is

made double, then fringe width becomes half.
The intensity of central fringe becomes four times. ½+½
This is because area of central diffraction band [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
would become (1/4)th. ½+½ = 1
Commonly Made Errors
(iii) This is because of the diffraction. The diffraction of
 (i) Many students couldn't define wavefront.
waves from the edges of circular obstacle interfere
(ii) Many students couldn't write all points of
constructively at the centre of the shadow. It results Huygens' principle.
the formation of bright spot at the centre of the
Q. 3. Define wavefront. Use Huygen’s principle to
obstacle. ½+½ = 1 verify the laws of refraction.
Note for the Students U [OD I 2018]
 (ii) & (iii) parts of this question are from Topic-2 Ans. Try yourself, Similar to Q. 1, Very Short Answer
Kindly refer its revision notes. Type Questions 1
For Verification, Please see the Revision Notes,
Commonly Made Errors 'Refraction of plane wave by Huygens' Principle.' 2
 Some of the errors made by the students were :
(1) Correct diagrams were not drawn. Q. 4. (i) Compare Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory
(2) The arrows were not marked. with Huygens wave theory of light.
(3) Angle 'i' and 'r' were not marked correctly. (ii) Define incident angle of a light wave. R
(4) Wavefronts were not drawn/marked. Ans. (i) Both theories treat light as a wave in nature.
Q. 2. (i) Define the term wavefront. State Huygen's However by electromagnetic theory light does not
principle. need any medium to propagate while by Huygen's,
(ii) Consider a plane wavefront incident on a thin wave theory a medium is must. That is why he
convex lens. Draw a proper diagram to show how assumed a hypothetical medium ‘ether’ through
the incident wavefront traverses through the lens which light wave travels in vacuum. 2
and after refraction focuses on the focal point of (ii) Angle between incident wavefront with the
the lens, giving the shape of the emergent wave interface is called the incident angle of light wave. 1
front. R
282 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)

Q. 1. (i) Define a wavefront. How is it different from Ans. Explanation : As per Huygens' Principle, net effect
a ray ? R at any point = Sum total of contribution of all
(ii) Depict the shape of a wavefront in each of the wavelets with proper phase difference. 1
following cases :
(a) Light diverging from point source.
(b) Light emerging out of a convex lens when a
point source is placed at its focus.
(c) Using Huygens construction of secondary S1
wavelets, draw a diagram showing the passage a S O
S2
of a plane wavefront from a rarer into a denser
medium. [OD I, II, III 2015]
Ans. (i) Try yourself similar to Q. 1, Very Short Answer
Type Question. 1 ½
Difference from a ray : At the central point (O) the contribution from
 The ray, at each point of a wavefront, is each half in SS1 is in phase with that from
normal to the wavefront at that point. the corresponding part in SS2. Hence, O is a
 The ray indicates the direction of propagation maxima. 1
of wave while the wavefront is the surface of From the figure,
constant phase. (any one) 1
The shape of the wavefront, in the three cases,
are as shown :
(ii) (a)
M
S1
a S O
1 S2 N

(b)
½
At the point M where S2M – S1M = l/2
Phase difference between each wavelet from SS1
and corresponding wavelet from SS2 = l/2
Hence, M would be a minima.
All such points (path difference = nl/2) are also
1
minima.
Similarly, all points, for which path difference
= (2n + 1)l/2, are maxima but with decreasing
intensity. 1
Half angular width of central maxima = l/a
\ The size of central maxima will be reduced to
half and intensity of central maxima will be four
times if slit is made double the original width. 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]
Q. 3. (i) State Huygens’ principle. Using it, construct a
ray diagram for a plane wavefront getting incident
1 on a denser medium.
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] (ii) Use Huygens’ principle to prove the laws of
reflection of light. U
Q. 2. Use Huygens' principle to explain the formation of
diffraction pattern due to a single slit illuminated by Ans. (i) Huygens principle :
a monochromatic source of light. In a wavefront every particle acts as a new source of
When the width of the slit is made double the disturbance which are known as wavelet that travel
original width, how would this affect the size and in every directions with velocity of wave.
intensity of the central diffraction band ? The forward (tangential) envelope of all these
R [Delhi 2012] wavelets at any time gives new wavefront. 1
Wave optics [ 283

AB = incident wavefront
Incident wavefront
EC = reflected wavefront
A' Ði = angle between incident wavefront AB and the
B
interface AC.
Ðr = angle between reflected wavefront EC and the
v1 1
i interface AC. 1
Medium 1 i If disturbance at A is reflected from the interface
P A r C P' AC then disturbance at B and disturbance at A both
t
travel in same medium and they will have travelled
Medium 2 r
equal distances in same medium in time t. Where t
Refracted
E wavefront is the time in which disturbance from B reaches at
v2 <v1 C.
1
(ii) Now AE = BC (distance travelled in same medium
Incident in same time)
wavefront DAEC @ DABC
E B Refracted Ði = Ðr
v wavefront
i This is law of reflection. 1
A i r C
M N

TopiC-2
Superposition of light waves (interference and
Diffraction)

Revision Notes
¾ According to superposition principle, “At a particular point in the medium, the resultant displacement produced
by a number of waves is the vector sum of the displacements produced by each of the waves”.
It means if individual displacement produced at a point by two coherent waves at any instant is given by
y1 = acos wt and y2 = acos wt.
Then resultant displacement at that point will be
y = y1 + y2 = 2acos wt.
Hence the total intensity at that point will be :
I = 4I0
where, I0 µ a2; maximum intensity due to one wave.
Interference
¾ Constructive Interference : If two waves are propagating such that crest and trough of both waves would reaching
at a point in the same instant then we say there is constructive interference of two waves at that point and the
resultant amplitude of the wave is the sum of individual amplitudes. (We can generalize this to superposition of
more than two waves) a = a1 + a2
¾ Destructive Interference : If two waves are propagating such that crest of one wave and trough of other wave
reaching at a point in same instant then we say there is destructive interference of two waves at that point. The
resultant amplitude of the wave is the difference of individual amplitudes. (We can generalize this to superposition
of more than two waves) a = a1 ~ a2
¾ Two independent sources can never be coherent. We may create two coherent sources by deriving them from one source.
Condition for constructive Interference
¾ Waves would be coherent in nature. Coherent wave means they should have equal frequency and constant phase
difference (0, 2p, --- 2np) with each other at any time interval t.
Path difference between waves at this phase difference = 0 , l, -----nl, Here, n = 0, 1, 2, 3
ar = a1 + a2
if a1 = a2 = a
then ar = 2 a
∵ I ∝ a2
Ir = 4 a2
Condition for destructive interference
¾ Waves would be coherent in nature. The phase diff. of the waves should be odd multiples of p, i.e., 0, p, .... (2n – 1)p
284 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

λ 3λ λ
¾ Path difference between waves at this phase difference = , ,( 2n − 1) , Here, n = 1, 2, 3, 4....
2 2 2
ar = a1 − a2
if a1 = a2
then ar = 0
∵ I ∝ a2
Ir = 0
Constructive Interference Destructive Interference

a
+ = =

Young’s Experiment
G
P

S1 x x

Z
S O y
z
S2
D

G'
¾ At “O” we would get central maxima. Here path difference (S2P – S1P) = 0
xd
¾ At “P”, which is at “x” height from “O” path difference (S2 P − S1P ) =
D
¾ Condition for P is a bright spot
xd
= 0 , λ , 2 λ........nλ
D
nD
xnth bright = λ
d
where, n is number of bright fringes after central fringe.
¾ Condition for P is a dark spot
xd 3λ λ
= 0, − − − ( 2n + 1)
D 2 2
( 2n + 1)D
xnth dark = λ
2d
Here, n is the number of dark fringes after central fringe.
Dλ
¾ Width of the bright fringe (wB) = xnB – x(n – 1) =
B d
Dλ
¾ Width of the dark fringe (wD) = xnD – x(n – 1) =
D d
Dλ
¾ Width of the central fringe (wC) =
d
¾ Hence wB = wD = wC
Diffraction
It is defined as the bending of light around the corners of an obstacle or aperture into the region where we should
expect shadow of the obstacle.
To P

¸
L
M1
¸ To C
From S M
M2 Q
¸
N
Wave optics [ 285

If width of the opening = a

q is the angle of elevation of point P from principal axis.
Path difference between ray from L and ray from N = LQ = asin q
a sin θ = λ
λ
 for first maxima θ= (\ sin q @ q) sin q <<< 1
a
It is observed that when path difference = l, 2l . .... (2n – 1)l then P is a dark point.
3λ λ
When = asin q = , . 2 1 then P is a bright point.
2 ( 2
)n + 3λ
Elevation angle for first bright fringe θ1D =
2a
3λD
¾ Height of first dark fringe x1D =
2a
λ
¾ Elevation angle for first dark fringe θ1D =
a
Dλ
¾ Width of the bright fringe =
a
Dλ
¾ Width of the dark fringe =
a
2Dλ
¾ Width of the central fringe =
a
¾ There is no gain or loss of energy in interference or diffraction, which is consistent with the principle of
conservation of energy. Energy only redistributes in these phenomena.

Know the Formulae

¾ Condition for constructive interference for coherent waves
 constant phase difference(0, 2p, --- 2np)
 Path difference = 0, l ...... nl
¾ Condition for destructive interference for coherent waves
 phase difference(0, p, --- (2n – 1)p) with each other at any time interval t.
λ λ
 Path difference = , -----(2n – 1)
2 2
¾ In Interference Pattern
Dλ
 Width of the bright fringe =
d
Dλ
 Width of the dark fringe =
d
Dλ
 Width of the central fringe =
d
 (All fringe have equal fringe width)
¾ In Diffraction Pattern
λ
 If angle of elevation of any point P on screen =
a
 Condition that P would be dark point when path difference = l, 2l .... (2n – 1)l
3λ λ
 Condition that P would be bright point when path difference = , ....( 2n + 1)
2 2
Dλ
 Width of the bright fringe =
a
Dλ
Width of the dark fringe =
a
2Dλ
Width of the central fringe =
a
3λD
 Height of first bright fringe x1B =
2a
286 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

objective Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. Consider sunlight incident on a slit of width 104 Å. Q. 2. In a Young’s double-slit experiment, the source is
The image seen through the slit shall white light. One of the holes is covered by a red
(a) be a fine sharp slit white in colour at the centre. filter and another by a blue filter. In this case,
(b) a bright slit white at the centre diffusing to (a) there shall be alternate interference patterns of
red and blue.
zero intensities at the edges.
(b) there shall be an interference pattern for red
(c) a bright slit white at the centre diffusing to distinct from that for blue.
regions of different colours. (c) there shall be no interference fringes.
(d) only be a diffused slit white in colour. (d) there shall be an interference pattern for red
[NCERT Exemplar] mixing with one for blue.
Ans. Correct option : (a) [NCERT Exemplar]
Explanation : Given that, width of slit 104 Å=10,000 Å. Ans. Correct option : (c)
Wavelength of visible light varies from 4,000 Å to Explanation : For sustained interference, the source
8,000 Å. As the width of slit 10,000 Å is comparable must be coherent and should emit the light of same
to that of wavelength of visible light, i.e., 8,000 Å. frequency.
Hence the diffraction occurs with maxima at the In this problem, one hole is covered with red and
centre. So at the centre all colours appear, i.e., white other with blue, which has different frequency, so
colour appears at the centre. no interference takes place.

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. Define the term ‘coherent sources’ which are Q. 3. Draw a graph showing the intensity distribution
required to produce interference pattern in Young’s of fringes due to diffraction at single slit.
double slit experiment.
R [CBSE Comptt. 2018]
R [Delhi Comptt. I, II, III 2014]
Ans.
Ans. Two monochromatic sources, which produce
light waves, having a constant phase difference,
are known as coherent sources. 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
Q. 2. In what way is diffraction from a single slit
related to the interference pattern in a double slit
experiment ? R [O.D. Comptt. I, II, III, 2013]
Ans. Relation between diffraction from a single slit to 1
the interference pattern in a double slit experiment : [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
(i) If slit width in interference pattern is reduced
to the size of wavelength of light used; the Q. 4. How does the angular separation between fringes
diffraction will also takes place along with in single-slit diffraction experiment change when
interference. ½ the distance of separation between the slit and
(ii) The diffraction pattern is itself due to the screen is doubled ? [O.D. I, II, III, 2012]
interference of wavelength belonging to Ans. No change. [CBSE Marking Scheme 2012] 1
same but different order of spectrum. ½

Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 marks each)

Q. 1. Draw the intensity pattern for single slit

diffraction and double slit interference. Hence, Ans. I

state two differences between interference and

I max
diffraction patterns.
U [OD, Foreign 2017]

½
3 2 1 0 1 2 3
Path Difference
Wave optics [ 287

Q. 2. Find the intensity at a point on a screen in Young’s

double slit experiment where the interfering waves
have a path difference of (i) l/6, and (ii) l/2.
A [Foreign 2017]
½ 2π
Ans. Phase difference = × Path difference
λ
λ π
Path difference = Þ Phase difference = ½
6 3
Differences : λ
Path difference Þ Phase difference = p ½
Interference Diffraction 2
All maxima have Maxima have different φ
I = 4I0cos2  
equal intensity (rapidly decreasing) 2
intensities 3
(i) I1 = 4 I 0 × = 3I 0 ½
All fringes have Different (changing) width 4
equal width (ii) I2 = 4I0 × 0 = 0 ½
Superposition of Superposition of wavelets [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
two wavefronts from the same wavefront Detailed Answer :
½+½ Phase difference between interfering waves
(Any two) 2π
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] f = × path difference
λ
Commonly Made Error λ
(i) Path difference =
 (i) Some students do not know the correct difference 6
between interference of light and diffraction of 2π λ π
light. \ Phase difference = × =
λ 6 3
Detailed Answer :
φ
Intensity Pattern : I = 4 I 0 cos2  
2
π
= 4 I 0 cos2
6
3
= 4 I0 × = 3I 0
4
λ
½+½ (ii) Path difference =
2
Difference between Interference and Diffraction : 2π λ
\ Phase difference, f = × =π
Interference Diffraction λ 2
Fringe width is constant. Fringe width varies. φ
I = 4 I 0 cos2
Fringes are obtained Fringes are 2
with the coherent light obtained with the π
coming from two slits. monochromatic light = 4 I 0 cos2 =0
2
coming from single slit.
Q. 3. Find the intensity at a point on a screen in Young’s
It is superposition of It is superposition of
double slit experiment where the interfering waves
waves. many waves.
of equal intensity have a path difference of (i) l/4,
It depends upon the It depends upon the and (ii) l/3. A [Foreign 2017]
distance between two aperture of single slit
Ans. Try yourself similar to Q. 2 SAQ-I
openings. opening.
Many fringes are visible. Fewer fringes are Q. 4. A narrow slit is illuminated by a parallel beam
visible. of monochromatic light of wavelength l equals
to 6000 Å and the angular width of the central
All fringes are of same Central fringe has maxima in the resulting diffraction pattern is
brightness. maximum brightness, measured. When the slit is next illuminated by
then it reduces light of wavelength l’, the angular width decreases
gradually. by 30%. Calculate the value of the wavelength l’.
(Any two) ½ + ½ [SQP 2018-19]
288 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Q. 6. A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths 800

Ans. Angular width 2q = 2l/d ½ nm and 600 nm is used to obtain the interference
Given, l = 6000 Å ½ fringes in a Young’s double slit experiment on
In case of new wavelength (assumed l' here), a screen placed 1.4 m away. If the two slits are
angular width decreases by 30% ½
separated by 0.28 mm, calculate the least distance
 100 − 30 
=   2θ from the central bright maxima where the bright
 100  fringes of the two wavelengths coincide.
= 0.70 (2q) A [O.D. I, II, III 2012]
2λ '
= 0.70 × (2l/d) Ans. The two bright fringes will coincide when ½
d
ml1 = (m + 1)l2 ½
\ l' = 4200 Å ½ m × 800 × 10–9 = (m + 1) × 600 × 10–9
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
\ m =3
Q. 5. Laser light of wavelength 640 nm incident on mDλ1
a pair of slits produces an interference pattern in Xm = ½
d
which the bright fringes are separated by 7.2 mm.
Calculate the wavelength of another source of light 3 × 1.4 × 800 × 10 −9
which produces interference fringes separated Xm = m
0.28 × 10 −3
by 8.1 mm using same arrangement. Also find the
minimum value of the order (n) of bright fringe of Xm = 12× 10–3 m ½
shorter wavelength which coincides with that of the [CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]
longer wavelength. A [O.D. Comptt. I, II, III 2012]
Commonly Made Error
Ans. Fringe width in interference pattern
Dλ  Many students couldn't understand this problem.
b= ...(i)  The formula used by a number of students was
d
incorrect.
According to the question when l = 640 nm then
b = 7.2 mm. Putting these values in the relation (i) Q. 7. Name the phenomenon which is responsible
D × 640 × 10 −9 for bending of light around sharp corners of
7.2 × 10–3 = an obstacle. Under what conditions does this
d phenomenon take place ? Give one application of
D 7.2 × 10 −3 7.2 this phenomenon in everyday life.
= −9
= ½ R [SQP 2014]
d 640 × 10 640 × 10 −6
Now with another monochromatic light l’, the Ans. Diffraction.
fringe width b’ = 8.1 mm. Hence Diffraction Condition : The size of the obstacle
D × λ' sharpness should be comparable to the
8.1 × 10–3 = wavelength of the light falling. 1+½
d Application : The finite resolution of our eye. ½
D [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
Putting the value of
d Q. 8. Write the distinguishing features between a
7.2 diffraction pattern due to a single slit and the
8.1 × 10–3 = × l’ interference fringes produced in Young’s double
640 × 10 −6 slit experiment. R [OD Comptt. I, II, III 2013]
640 × 8.1 × 10 −9 Ans. Diffraction due to a Single Slit :
l’ =
7.2 (i) It is produced due to different parts of same
wavefront.
= 720 nm ½
Condition for minimum value of the order (n) of (ii) Central fringe is twice as wide as other fringes.
bright fringe of shorter wavelength which coincides (iii) Intensity of fringes decreases as we go to successive
with that of the longer wavelength maxima away from the centre.
n1D n D λ
λ = 2 λ' (iv) At an angle , first minima is obtained. 1
d d a
n1 λ' Interference Fringe due to Young’s Double Slit :
= (i) It is produced due to two different wavefronts.
n2 λ
(ii) Fringe width is of same size.
n1 720 × 10−9 (iii) Fringes have same intensity.
=
n2 640 × 10−9 λ
(iv) At an angle , maxima is obtained. 1
n1 a
9
= 1 Q. 9. A parallel beam of light of 500 nm falls on
n2 8
a narrow slit and the resulting diffraction
Answering Tips pattern is observed on a screen 1 m away. It is
observed that the first minima is at a distance of
 All quantities must be brought to SI system before 2.5 mm from the centre of the screen. Calculate the
substituting them in formula. width of the slit. A [O.D. I, II, III 2013]
Wave optics [ 289

Ans. The distance of the 1st minima from the centre of central maxima, when the diffraction pattern
the screen is, is viewed on a screen kept 1.5 m away from the
Dλ slit, (ii) the angular spread of the first diffraction
x dark =
1 a minima. A
where, D = distance of slit from screen,
l = wavelength of the light,
a = width of the slit.
According to question, 2Dλ
=
D =1m a

l = 500 nm
where, D = distance of slit from screen,
height of first minima = 2.5 mm 1
l = wavelength of the light,
1 × 500 × 10 −9 a = width of the slit. ½
2.5 × 10–3 = According to question,
a
Þ a = 2 × 10– 4 m = 0.2 mm 1.5 × 2 × 6000 × 10 −10
Width of central fringe = m
a = 0.2 mm. 1 1 × 10 −4
Commonly Made Errors So the distance between the two dark lines on either
side of the central maxima
 Number of candidates used incorrect formula.
 Some of the students did not know the correct = 18 mm ½
meaning of the symbols i.e., 'D' and 'd', hence they
interchanged them. λ
=
 Some students did not convert 'nm' to m as well as a
'mm' to m.
6000 × 10−10 m
Q. 10. Yellow light (l = 6000 Å) illuminates a single slit =
1 × 10−4 m
of width 1 × 10–4 m. Calculate : (i) the distance
between the two dark lines on either side of the = 6 × 10–3 rad 1

Short Answer Type Questions-II (3 marks each)

Q. 1. Give reasons : through it is reduced to 50%, find the ratio of the

(i) When monochromatic light is incident on a surface maximum and minimum intensity of the fringe in
separating two media, the reflected and refracted the interference pattern.
light both have the same frequency as the incident (b) What kind of fringes do you expect to observe
frequency. if white light is used instead of monochromatic
(ii) When light travels from a rarer to a denser light ? [OD 2017, 2019]
medium, the speed decreases. Does this decrease
in speed imply a reduction in the energy carried Ans. (a) Finding the (modified) ratio of the maximum
by the wave ? and minimum intensities 2
(iii) In the wave picture of light, intensity of light is (b) Fringes obtained with white light. 1
determined by the square of the amplitude of the (a) After the introduction of the glass sheet (say, on the
wave. What determines the intensity in the photon second slit),
picture of light ? U [OD 2016] I2 1
Ans. (i) Reflection and refraction arise through we have = 50 % = ½
I1 2
interaction of incident light with atomic
constituents of matter which vibrate with the \ Ratio of the amplitudes,
same frequency as that of the incident light. a2 1 1
= = ½
Hence frequency remains unchanged. a1 2 2
2
I max a +a 
Hence =  1 2 ½
I min  a1 − a2 
2
 1 
1+
 2
= 
1 
1− 
1+1+1 = 3  2
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
2
Q. 2. (a) If one of the two identical slits producing  2 + 1
=  ½
interference in Young’s experiment is covered  2 − 1 
with glass, so that the light intensity passing
290 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

(b) The central fringe remains white.

or (b – 30 × 10–6)d = l(D – 0.05) ...(ii) ½
No clear fringe pattern is seen after a few (coloured)
fringes on either side of the central fringe. 1 Subtracting (ii) from (i) we get
[Note : For part (a) of this question, 30 × 10–6 × d = l × 0.05
The student may 30 × 10−6 × 10−3
(i) Just draw the diagram for the Young's double slit \ l= m
5 × 10−2
experiment.
Or \ l = 6 × 10–7 m = 600 nm ½
(ii) Just state that the introduction of the glass sheet [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
would introduce an additional phase difference Q. 4. A monochromatic light of wavelength l is incident
and the position of the central fringe would shift. normally on a narrow slit of width ‘a’ to produce a
For all such answers, the student may be awarded diffraction pattern on the screen placed at a distance
the full (2) marks for this part of the question.] D from the slit. With the help of a relevant diagram,
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2018] deduce the conditions for maxima and minima on
Q. 3. Write two points to distinguish between the screen. Use these conditions to show that angular
interference and diffraction fringes. width of central maxima is twice the angular width
(ii) In a Young’s double slit experiment, fringes are of secondary maxima. U [Foreign II 2017]
obtained on a screen placed at a certain distance Ans.
away from the slits. If the screen is moved by 5 cm To P
towards the slits, the fringe width changes by 30
µm. Given that the slits are 1 mm apart, calculate
¸
the wavelength of the light used. L
M1
¸
U [Comptt. 2018] From S M
Q
To C
M2 ¸
Ans. (a) Two points of difference ½+½ N
(b) Formula ½
Calculation of wavelength 1½
(a) Any two points of difference
½
Interference Diffraction
Fringes are equally Fringes are not equally
spaced. spaced. = asin q @ aq
Intensity is same for Intensity falls as we go as q <<<1 \ sin q » q ½
all maxima. to successive maxima By dividing the slit into an appropriate number of
away from the centre. parts, we find the point P for which
Superposition of two Superposition of a con- nλ
(i) q = are points of minima. ½
waves originating tinuous family of waves a
from two narrow slits. originating from each
 1λ
point on a single slit. (ii) q =  n +  are points of maxima ½
 2a
Maxima along an an- Minima at an angle of Angular width of central maxima,
gle l/a for two narrow l/a for a single slit of
slits separated by a width a. q = q1 – q–1 = λ −  − λ 
a  a
distance a.
2λ
½+½ q2 = ½
a

(b) Let D be the distance of the screen from the plane Angular width of secondary maxima = q2 – q1
of the slits.
2λ λ λ
We have = − =
λD a a a
Fringe width, b= ½ 1
d = × Angular width of central maxima ½
2
λD [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
b= or bd = lD ...(i) ½
d
Q. 5. (i) In Young’s double slit experiment, two slits are
In the second case 1 mm apart and the screen is placed 1 m away from
λ( D − 0.05) the slits. Calculate the fringe width when light of
(b – 30 × 10–6) =
d wave length 500 nm is used ?
Wave optics [ 291

(ii) What should be the width of each slit in order to the interference pattern from those seen in a
obtain 10 maxima of the double slit pattern within coherently illuminated single slit. U [Delhi 2015]
the central maxima of the single slit pattern ? Ans. The diagram, given here, shows several fringes, due
U [OD 2016] to double slit interference, ‘contained’ in a broad
diffraction peak. When the separation between the
λD
Ans. (i) b= ½ slits is large compared to their width, the diffraction
d
pattern becomes very flat and we observe the two
500 × 10 −9 × 1 slit interference pattern. 1
= ½
10 −3
= 0.5 mm or 5 × 10–4 m I0 Principal Maxima
½
2 λD
(ii) b0 = = 10β ½
α

2 × 500 × 10 −9 × 1 0
a= ½ Two basic features :
10 × 5 × 10 −4
(i) The interference pattern has a number of equally
a = 2 × 10–4 m or 0.2 mm ½ spaced bright and dark bands while diffraction
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] pattern has a central bright maxima which is twice
as wide as the other maxima. 1
Q. 6. Consider a two slit interference arrangement
(ii) Interference pattern is the superposition of two
(shown in figure) such that the distance of the waves originating from two narrow slits. The
screen from the slits is half the distance between diffraction pattern is a superposition of a continuous
the slits. Obtain the value of D in terms of l such family of waves originating from each point on a
that the first minima on the screen fall at a distance single slit.
D from the centre O. U [SQP 2016] (iii) For a single slit of width ‘a’ the first null of
Ans. λ
diffraction pattern occurs at an angle of . At the
a
S1 T1 same angle of l/a , we get a maxima for two narrow
P OP=x
Source CO=D slits separated by a distance a. (Any two) 1
S
O S1C=S2C= d Q. 8. (i) Two monochromatic waves emanating from
C 2
two coherent sources have the displacements
S2 T2 represented by
Screen y1 = acos wt
and y2 = acos (wt + f),
T2P = D + x, T1 P = D – x ½
where f is the phase difference between the two
S1P = [(S1T1 )2 + ( PT1 )2 ] ½ displacements. Show that the resultant intensity
= [D + (D – x) ]
2 2 1/2
½ at a point due to their superposition is given by
I = 4I0cos2 f/2, where I0 = a2.
S2P = [D2 + (D + x)2]1/2 ½
(ii) Hence obtain the conditions for constructive and
Minima will occur when destructive interferences. A [OD Comptt. 2014]
= [D2 + (D + x)2]1/2
– [D2 + (D – x)2]1/2 Ans. (i) The resultant displacement is given by
λ y = y1 + y2
= ½ = acos wt + acos (wt + f) ½
2
= acos wt (1 + cos f) – asin wtsin f
If x =D Put Rcos q = a(1 + cos f)
λ
(D +4D )
2 2 1/2
– (D )
2 1/2
= Rsin q = asin f ½
2

λ φ
(5D2)1/2 – (D2)1/2 = = 2a2(1 + cos f) = 4a2cos2
2 2

λ φ φ
D( 5 − 1) = \ I = R2 = 4a2cos2 = 4I0cos2 ½
2 2 2

λ
\ D= ½
2( 5 - 1) φ φ
cos = ±1 or
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] 2 2
Q. 7. Explain by drawing a suitable diagram that the
interference pattern in a double slit is actually a φ φ π
cos = 0 or = (2n + 1) or f = (2n + 1)p
2 2 2
superposition of single slit diffraction from each slit.
Write two basic features which distinguish [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] ½
292 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Q. 9. Answer the following questions : Detailed Answer :

(i) In a double slit experiment using light of (b)
wavelength 600 nm, the angular width of the
fringe formed on a distant screen is 0.1°. Find the
spacing between the two slits.
(ii) Light of wavelength 5000 Å propagating in air
gets partly reflected from the surface of water.
How will the wavelengths and frequencies of the
reflected and refracted light be affected ?
A [Delhi I, II, III 2015] we know that frequency of light is same in all media
Ans. Finding the spacing between two slits 1 Thus,
Effect on wavelength and frequency of reflected v 3·0 × 10 8
f= =
and refracted width light. 1+1 λ 5000 × 10−10
(i) Angular width of fringes : ½ = 0.6 × 10+15
λ = 0.6 × 1015 Hz
q =
d If wavelength in air is l1 & that in water is l2.
where, d = separation between two slits µ1 v2 λ2
= =
π µ2 v1 λ1
Here q = 0·1° = 0·1 × radian
180 µ 
−9 l2 = λ1  1 
600 × 10 × 180  µ2 
\ d = m
0·1 × π
µ 
= 3·43 × 10–4 m °
l2 = 5000  1  A
= 0·34 mm ½  µ2 
(ii) For Reflected light : Wavelength of refracted ray decreases by a factor
Wavelength remains same ½ µ 
1
Frequency remains same ½ of   while wavelength of reflected ray may
 µ2 
For Refracted light :
remains same.
Wavelength decreases ½
Frequency remains same ½
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]

Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)

Q. 1. (i) Explain the two features to distinguish between λD

Now, b= 1
the interference pattern in Young’s double slit d
experiment with the diffraction pattern obtained Linear width of central maxima in the diffraction
due to single slit. pattern
(ii) A monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm 2λD
is incident normally on a single slit of width b' =
d
0.2 mm to produce a diffraction pattern. Find the

angular width of the central maximum obtained
on the screen.
1
Estimate the number of fringes obtained in Young’s \ n × b = b’
double slit experiment with fringe width 0.5 mm, 2λD d
which can be accommodated within the region of n= ×
d λD
total angular spread of the central maximum due
to single slit. U [Delhi I, II 2017] n =2
[Award the last ½ mark if the student writes the
Ans. (i) Try yourself, Similar to Q. 1, Short Answer answer as 2 (taking d = a), or just attempts] ½
Type Questions-I 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
(ii) Angular width of central maximum
2λ Q. 2. In Young’s double slit experiment, deduce the
w= 1
a condition for (a) constructive, and (b) destructive
2 × 500 × 10 −9 interference at a point on the screen. Draw a graph
= radian 1 showing variation of intensity in the interference
0.2 × 10 −3
= 5 × 10–3 radian pattern against position ‘x’ on the screen.
Wave optics [ 293

(ii) Compare the interference pattern observed (ii) (a) The interference pattern has number of
in Young’s double slit experiment with single equally spaced bright and dark bands, while in
slit diffraction pattern, pointing out three the diffraction pattern the width of the central
distinguishing features. U [Delhi 2016] maximum is twice the width of other maxima. ½
Ans. (i) (b) In Interference all bright fringes are of equal
G intensity, whereas in the diffraction pattern the
P intensity falls as order of maxima increases. ½
(c) In Interference pattern, maxima occurs at an angle
S1 x x λ
, where, a is the slit width, whereas in diffraction
d
a
Z z ½
O λ
y pattern, at the same angle i.e., at first minima
S2 a
D occurs. (Here ‘a‘ is the size of the slit) 1
(Any other distinguishing feature)
G' [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
From figure,
Q. 3. (a) There are two sets of apparatus of Young’s
Path difference = (S2P – S1P)
double slit experiment. In set A, the phase
 d   d 
2 2
(S2P)2 – (S1P)2 = D 2 +  x +   − D 2 +  x −   difference between the two waves emanating from
  2     2   the slits does not change with time, whereas in set
B, the phase difference between the two waves
(S2P + S1P)(S2P – S1P) = 2xd from the slits changes rapidly with time. What
2 xd difference will be observed in the pattern obtained
Þ S2P – S1P =
(S2 P + S1P ) on the screen in the two set ups?
(b) Deduce the expression for the resultant intensity
For x, d << D
in both the above mentioned set ups (A and B),
2 xd xd
S2P – S1P = = ½ assuming that the waves emanating from the
2D D two slits have the same amplitude a and same
For constructive interference, wavelength l. U [SQP 2018-19]
S2P – S1P = nl, n = 0, 1, 2. .... Ans. (a) Set A : Stable interference pattern, the
xd positions of maxima and minima do not change
Þ = nl ½
D with time. 1
nλD Set B : Positions of maxima and minima will
x= change rapidly with time and an average uniform
d
intensity distribution will be observed on the
\ Position of the nth bright fringe on screen : screen. 1
xd (b) Expression for intensity of stable interference
Þ = nl
D pattern in set-A 2
nλD If the displacement produced by slit S1 is
Þ x= ½ y1 = acos wt
d then, the displacement produced by S2 would be
For destructive interference y2 = acos (wt + f)
λ and the resultant displacement will be given by
S2P – S1P = ( 2n + 1)
2 y = y1 + y2
n = 0, 1, 2, ... = a[cos wt + cos (wt + f)]
xd λ = 2acos (f/2)cos (wt + f/2)
Þ = ( 2n + 1) The amplitude of the resultant displacement is
D 2 2acos (f/2) and therefore the intensity at that
λD point will be
Þ x = ( 2n + 1) ½
2d I = 4I0cos2 (f/2)
f =0
\ I = 4I0
In set B, the intensity will be given by the average
intensity
<I> = 4I0 < cos2 (f/2)> 1
I = 2I0
½ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018-19]
Q. 4. (i) State the essential conditions for diffraction of
light.
(ii) Explain diffraction of light due to a narrow single slit
and the formation of pattern of fringes on the screen.
294 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

(iii) Find the relation for width of central maxima in Q. 5. (a) Define a wavefront. Using Huygens’ principle,
terms of wavelength ‘l’, width of slit ‘a’, and verify the laws of reflection at a plane surface.
separation between slit and screen ‘D’. (b) In a single slit diffraction experiment, the width
(iv) If the width of the slit is made double the original of the slit is made double the original width. How
width, how does it affect the size and intensity of does this affect the size and intensity of the central
the central band ? U [Foreign 2016] diffraction band ? Explain.
(c) When a tiny circular obstacle is placed in the path
Ans. (i) Size of slit/aperture must be smaller than of the
order of wavelength of light. 1 of light from a distant source, a bright spot is seen
(ii) at the centre of the obstacle. Explain why.
[Delhi & OD, 2018]
Ans. (a) Definition of wavefront ½
Verification of laws of reflection 2
(b) Explanation of the effect on the size and intensity
1
of central maxima 1+ 1
(c) Explanation of the bright spot in the shadow of the
obstacle ½
(a) The wavefront may be defined as a surface of
constant phase. ½
Single slit diffraction is explained by treating [Alternatively : The wave front is the locii of all
different parts of the wavefront at the slit as points that are in the same phase]
sources of secondary wavelets. ½ Incident
At the central point C on the screen, q is zero. All wavefront
path differences are zero and hence all the parts E Refrected
B
of the slit contribute in phase and give maximum wavefront
i 1
intensity at C.
A i r C
At any other point P, the path difference between M N
two edges of the slit is
Let speed of the wave in the medium be 'v'
NP – LP = NQ.
Let the time taken by the wave front, to advance
= asin q » aq  sin q is small
from point B to point C be 't' ½
Any point P, is direction q, is a location of minima
if aq = nl Hence BC = v t
This can be explained by dividing the slit into even Let CE represent the reflected wave front
number of parts. The path difference between Distance AE = v t = BC
waves from successive parts is 180° out of phase Δ AEC and Δ ABC are congruent
and hence cancel each leading to a minima. ½ Ð BAC = Ð ECA ½
Any point P, in direction Q, is a location of maxima Þ Ði =Ðr ½
 1 (b) Size of central maxima reduces to half, ½
if aq =  n +  λ 2λD
 2 (\ Size of central maxima = 2 )
α
This can be explained by dividing the slit into
Intensity increases. ½
odd number of parts. The contributions from
This is because the amount of light, entering the
successive parts cancel in pairs because of 180°
slit, has increased and the area, over which it falls,
phase difference. The unpaired part produces decreases. ½
intensity at P, leading to a maxima. (Also accept if the student just writes that the
(iii) If q is the direction of first minima, then intensity becomes four fold)
aq = l (c) This is because of diffraction of light.
Þ q=
λ [Alternatively : Light gets diffracted by the tiny
a circular obstacle and reaches the centre of the
Angular width of central maxima shadow of the obstacle.] ½
= 2q [Alternatively : There is a maxima, at the centre of the
2λ obstacle, in the diffraction pattern produced by it.]
= ½ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
α
Linear width of central maxima, Q. 6. (i) Derive an expression for path difference
2λD in Young’s double slit experiment and obtain
b= = 2q × D ½ the condition for constructive and destructive
a interference at a point on the screen.
(iv) If 'a' is doubled, b becomes half ½ (ii) The intensity at the central maxima in Young’s
Intensity becomes 4 times. ½ double slit experiment is I0. Find out the intensity
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] at a point where the path difference is l/6 , l/4 and
l/3. U [OD North 2016]
Wave optics [ 295

Ans. (i) Try yourself, Similar to Q. 2 (i) LAT Questions. Q. 8. When a parallel beam of monochromatic source
(ii) Try yourself, Similar to Q. 2 SAT Questions-I of light of wavelength l is incident on a single
slit of width a, show how the diffraction pattern
Q. 7. (i) Using Huygens construction of secondary
is formed at the screen by the interference of the
wavelets explain how a diffraction pattern is
wavelets from the slit.
obtained on a screen due to a narrow slit on
Show that, besides the central maxima at
which a monochromatic beam of light is incident
q = 0, secondary maxima are observed at
normally.
(ii) Show that the angular width of first diffraction  1λ
q = n+ 
fringe is half that of the central fringe.  2 a
 1 λ nλ
(iii) Explain why the maxima at q =  n+  become and the minima at θ = .
 2 a a
weaker and weaker with increasing n. Why do secondary maxima get weaker in intensity
U [Delhi I, II, III 2015] with increasing n ? A

Ans. (i) Ans. (i)

½
1

The diffraction pattern formed can be understood

We can regard the total contributions of the by adding the contributions from the different
wavefront LN at some point P on the screen, as the wavelets of the incident wavefront, with their
resultant effect of the superposition of its wavelets proper phase differences. 1
like LM, MM2, M2N. These have to be superposed For the central point, we imagine the slit to be
taking into account their proper phase differences. divided into two equal halves. The contribution
We therefore, get maxima and minima, i.e., a of corresponding wavelets, in the two halves, are
diffraction pattern, on the screen. 1 in phase with each other. Hence we get a maxima
(ii) at the central point. The entire incident wavefront
D2 contributes to this maxima. ½
D1  1  λ
λ/a All other points, for which q =  n +  , get a
λ/a  2a
a O
λ/a net non zero contribution from all the wavelets.
λ/a D1' Hence all such points are at the points of maxima.
½ n
D2' Points for which q =
a
Conditions for first minima on the screen
asin q = l ½
λ We thus get a diffraction pattern on the screen,
Þ q= ½ made up of points of maxima and minima. ½
a
\ Angular width of the central fringe on the
screen (from figure)
2λ
= 2q = ½
a 1
Angular width of first diffraction fringe (From fig)
λ
= ½
a
For first diffraction, angular width of the fringe is
half that of central fringe. Secondary maxima keep on getting weaker in
(iii) Maxima becomes weaker and weaker with intensity, with increasing n. This is because, at the
increasing n. This is because the effective part (i) First secondary maxima, the net contribution
of the wavefront, contributing to the maxima 1 rd
becomes smaller and smaller, with increasing n. 1 is only from (effectively) of the incident
3
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]
wavefront on the slit.
296 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

(ii) Second secondary maxima, the net contribution Hence obtain the conditions for the angular width
is only from (effectively) 1/5th of the incident of secondary maxima and secondary minima.
wavefront on the slit and so on. 1 (ii) Two wavelengths of sodium light of 590 nm and
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] 596 nm are used in turn to study the diffraction
taking place at a single slit of aperture 2 × 10–6
Q. 9. (i) In Young’s double slit experiment, describe m. The distance between the slit and the screen is
briefly how bright and dark fringes are obtained 1.5 m. Calculate the separation between the
on the screen kept in front of a double slit. Hence positions of first maxima of the diffraction pattern
obtain the expression for the fringe width. obtained in the two cases. [OD I, II, III 2014]
(ii) The ratio of the intensities at minima to the Ans.(i)
maxima in the Young’s double slit experiment is
9 : 25. Find the ratio of the width of the slits.
U [O.D. I, II, III 2014]
Ans. (i) Try yourself similar to Q. 2 (i) LAT Questions. 3½
Now, fringe width,
b = separation between two successive maxima
(or two successive minima)
= xn – xn – 1
λD 1
\ b = ½ The path difference (NP – LP), between the two
d
edges of the slit, is given by
NP – LP = NQ = asin q » aq ½
I max ( a1 + a2 )2 25
(ii) We have = = L
I min ( a1 - a2 )2 9

a1 + a2 5 a 4
\ = Þ 1 = ½
a1 - a2 3 a2 1 a
2
w1 I (a ) 16
\ = 1 = 1 2 = ½ 90°
w2 I2 (a 2 ) 1 Q
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
Q. 10. (i) Write three characteristic features to distinguish We, therefore, get maxima and minima, at
between the interference fringes in Young’s different points of the screen, depending on the
double slit experiment and the diffraction pattern path difference between the contributions from
the wavelets, emanating from different points of
obtained due to a narrow single slit.
the slit. This results in a diffraction pattern on the
(ii) A parallel beam of light of wavelength 500 nm screen. ½
falls on a narrow slit and the resulting diffraction The path difference between two points M1 and M2
pattern is observed on a screen 1 m away. It is in the slit plane, separated by a distance y, is yq. ½
observed that the first minima is at distance of 2.5 At the central point, C, on the screen, q is zero.
mm away from the centre. Find the width of the All parts of the slit contribute in phase. Hence C is
a maxima.
slit. A [Foreign 2014]
 1λ
Ans. (i) Try yourself, similar to Q. 1 Short Answer Type At all points where q =  n +  , we get
 2a
Questions -I 3
nλD (secondary) maxima of varying intensity.
(ii) yn = ½ This is because of the non-zero contribution of a
d
(decreasing) part of the slit at these points.
nλD nλ
Þ d= At all points where, q = , we get minima. ½
yn a
1 × 500 × 10 -9 × 1 This is because of a net (almost) zero contribution
\ d= m ½ of the whole slit at these points.
2.5 × 10 -3
(ii) Angular width of the secondary maxima
d = 2 × 10–4 m (= 0.2 mm) 1 λ
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] = 2(2n + 1)
a
Q. 11. (i) Describe briefly how a diffraction pattern is λ
obtained on a screen due to a single narrow slit \ Linear width = [(2n + 1) ]D 1
a
illuminated by a monochromatic source of light.
Wave optics [ 297

[Note : Award these (1 + 1 + 1) marks if the student

\ Linear separation, between the first maxima of the
draws the diagram and writes the conditions, for
3( λ 2 - λ 1 )
two wavelengths, on the screen, is ×D q, for the three cases.] 1
a
(ii) There is a significant fall in intensity at the
3( 596 - 590 ) × 10 -9 secondary maxima because the intensity there, is
\ Separation = × 1.5 m
2 × 10 -6 only due to the contribution of (nearly)(1/3 or 1/5 or
1 / 7 , .
= 13.5 × 10–3 m (= 13.5 mm) 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] ) of the incident wavefronts. 1
(iii) The size of the central maxima would get halved 1
Q. 12. When a plane wave front, of light, of wavelength when width of the [CBSE
slit is doubled.
Marking Scheme 2016]
l, is incident on a narrow slit, an intensity
distribution pattern, of the form shown is observed Q. 13. (i) (a) ‘Two independent monochromatic
on a screen, suitably kept behind the slit. Name sources of light cannot produce a sustained
the phenomenon observed. interference pattern’. Give reason.
(b) Light waves each of amplitude “a” and frequency
“w”, emanating from two coherent light sources
superimpose at a point. If the displacements due
to these waves are given by y1 = acos wt and
y2 = acos (wt + f), where f is the phase difference
(i) Obtain the conditions for the formation of central between the two, obtain the expression for the
maxima and secondary maxima and the minima. resultant intensity at the point.
(ii) Why is there significant fall in intensity of the (ii) In Young’s double slit experiment, using
secondary maxima compared to the central monochromatic light of wavelength l, the intensity
maxima, where as in double slit experiment all the of light at a point on the screen where path
bright fringes are of the same intensity ? difference is l, is K units. Find out the intensity of
(iii) When the width of the slit is made double the light at a point where path difference is l/3.
original width, how is the size of the central band [Delhi I, II, III 2014 ]
affected ? U Ans. (i) Try yourself similar to Q. 7 SATQ-II
Ans. The phenomenon observed is diffraction. (ii) A path difference of l, corresponds to a phase
(i) At the cental maxima : The contributions due to difference of 2p. ½
the secondary wavelets, from all parts of the wave I
front (at the slit), arrive in phase at the central \ The intensity, I = 4a2 Þ a2 = ½
4
maxima q = 0
λ
At the secondary maxima : A path difference of , corresponds to a phase
3
It is only the contributions from (nearly) 1/3 (or
1/5, or 1/7,...) of the secondary maxima. These 2π
difference of . ½
occur at points for which 3
1 λ
q @  n +  (n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...) 1 \ Intensity = 4a2cos2 f/2
 2 a 2π / 3
= 4 × a2 × cos2
At the minima : 2
2
The contribution, from ‘corresponding pairs’, of I  1 I
the sub-parts of the incident wavefront, cancel =4× ×  = ½
4  2 4
each other and the net contribution, at the location
of the minima, is zero. The minima occur at points [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
λ
for which, q = n (n = 1, 2, 3, ...) 1
a

TopiC-3
Optical instruments and polarisation
of Light

Revision Notes
¾ Resolving Power of Optical Instruments : The ability of an optical instrument to separate small or closely adjacent
images.
298 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

¾ Border line resolving is the required minimum angle q between two objects so that they may be resolved.

Border case

¾ Rayleigh criteria for border line resolving

If opening is circular (which in case of most optical instruments), Rayleigh criteria of border line resolving is
1.22λ D
Dq = =
a d
¾ Resolving Power of Microscope

1
¾ RP =
limit of resolution
1.22λ
¾ Limit of resolution of microscope dmin =
2 sin β
1
And P ∝ (the minimum distance it may resolve, the more powerful is the microscope). Hence we may
dmin
reduce the value of l by filling the liquid of refractive index n around the objective lens. In this case the medium
between the object and the objective lens is not air but a medium of refractive index n.
1.22λ
dmin =
2n sin β
¾ Resolving Power of Telescope
1.22λ
∆θmin = . radian
a
Hence to differentiate minimum angular resolution, aperture ‘a‘ of the objective lens should be as large as possible.
a
RP =
1.22 λ
¾ Fresnel’s distance limit of ray optics
a2
Z=
λ
where, a is the size of aperture.
Doppler’s effect
When there is relative motion between source of light and observer, the frequency as apparent to observer is
different and there is change, according to the following relation.
∆ν −vrelative
=
ν c
where, n = original frequency
Dn = change in frequency
vrelative = relative velocity. It is considered to be positive when source is moving away from the observer.
If there is redshift in doppler effect then source is moving away and if there is blue shift in doppler effect then
source is moving towards observer.
Polarisation
¾ In an unpolarized wave, the displacement will be randomly changing with time though it will always be
perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
Wave optics [ 299

¾ Hence in unpolarized light wave, vibrations of electric fields are in more than one direction. Polarized light waves
are light waves in which the vibrations occur in a single plane.
¾ The process of transforming unpolarized light into polarized light is known as polarisation.
¾ Light is unpolarized by nature but it may be converted into fully or partial polarized light
¾ The light having oscillation only in one plane is called polarised or plane polarised.
¾ The plane perpendicular to the plane of oscillation is called plane of polarisation.
¾ Light can be polarised by transmitting through certain crystals such as tourmaline or polaroids.
¾ Polaroids are thin films of ultramicroscopic, crystals of quinine iodo sulphate with their optical axes parallel to
each other.
¾ Polaroids allow the light oscillations parallel to the transmission axis to pass through them.
¾ If an unpolarised light is incident on a polaroid, the transmitted light is plane polarised as shown below :

Unpolarised light Polarised light

Here, the vertical oscillations are transmitted because the transmission axis is also vertical. The horizontal
oscillations are not transmitted. That is why, on the right hand side there are no dots at the intersection of lines.
¾ When polaroids are used to convert unpolarised light into polarised they are known as polarisers.
¾ When polaroids are used to detect polarised light, they are known as analyser.
¾ If the transmission axes of the polariser and analyser are parallel, then whole of the polarised light passes through
the analyser.
¾ If the transmission axis of the analyser is perpendicular to that of polariser, then no light passes through the
analyser. Such polariser and analyser are said to be crossed.

Unpolarised
light

Polarised light

no light
¾ Malus’ law : It states about the intensity of a polarised light when it is altered to pass through a polariser at an
angle q. According to this law “ If I0 be the intensity of the polarised light incident on the analyser and q be the
angle between the transmission axes of the polariser and analyser, then the intensity of the light transmitted
through the analyser is given by I = I0cos2 q.”
I −I
Percentage of polarisation = max min × 100
I max + I min
¾ Polarisation by reflection : When unpolarised light is incident on the boundary between two transparent media
such that reflected wave is perpendicular to the refracted wave, then the reflected wave is a totally polarised
wave. The angle of incidence in this case is called Brewster’s angle and is denoted by iB. If refractive index of

sin i
m=
sin r
sin iB
m=
sin( 90 − iB )
sin iB
m= = tan iB
cos iB
This is known as Brewster’s law.
Incident Reflected
AIR
B

Refracted

MEDIUM
300 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

¾ Polarisation by scattering : When scattered light coming to the observer such that source is at 90°, then scattered
light coming to observer is polarised.
Incident Sunlight
(Unpolarised)

Scattered Light
(Polarised)

To Observer
¾ Applications of Polarisation :
¾ Polaroids are used to reduce the intensity in window pane, sunglasses etc.
¾ Polaroids are also used in photographic cameras and 3D movie cameras.
¾ Used in making holograms.
¾ Polarisation proves that light is transverse wave.
¾ Chemical analysis of molecules.

Know the Formulae

¾ Resolving Power of Microscope
2n sin β
RPP==
1.22 λ
¾ Resolving Power of Telescope
1.22 λ
∆θmin =
a
¾ Fresnel’s distance limit of ray optics
a2
Z=
λ
¾ Polarisation
 Percentage to polarisation is given by
I max − I min
× 100
I max + I min
Brewster’s law
m = taniB

objective Type Question (1 mark)

Q. 1. Figure shows a standard two-slit arrangement (b) The second screen would be totally dark.
with slits S1, S2. P1, P2 are the two minima points (c) There would be a single bright point on the second
on either side of P shows in Figure. At P2 on the screen.
screen, there is a hole and behind P2 is a second
(d) There would be a regular two slit pattern on the
screen, 2-slit arrangement with slits S3 and S4 and a
second screen. [NCERT Exemplar]
second screen behind them.
Ans. Correct options : (d)
S1 Screen Explanation : As P2 is minima due to two wave
P1 fronts in opposite phase coming from, two slits S1
S and S2, but there is wavefronts from S1, S2. So P2 will
P S3
act as a source of secondary wavelets. Wavefront
S2 P2 S4 Second starting from P2 reaches at S3 and S4 slits which
Screen will again act as two monochromatic or coherent
(a) There would be no interference pattern on the sources and will form pattern on second screen.
second screen but it would be lighted.
Wave optics [ 301

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. Name the phenomenon which proves transverse lens increases; and (ii) wavelength of the radiation
wave nature of light. Give two uses of the devices used is increased ? R [CBSE - 2012, 2014]
whose functioning is based on this phenomenon. Ans. Resolving power of a compound microscope
R [SQP 2014] 2n sin β
RPP= =
Ans. Polarisation, 1.22λ
Two uses : Polaroids can be used in sunglasses, Hence,
window panes, photographic cameras and 3D (i) resolving power increases when refractive index of
movie cameras. (Any two) ½+½ the medium between the object and the objective
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] lens increases. ½
Q. 2. Two polaroid A and B are parallel. How be a (ii) resolving power decreases when wavelength of the
third polaroid C placed between A and B so that radiation used is increased. ½
the intensity of the emergent light be (i) zero (ii)
maximum ? A Q. 4. Which of the following waves can be polarised
Ans. (i) C should be perpendicular to polaroids A and B. ½ (i) heat waves, (ii) sound waves. Give reason in
(ii) C should also be parallel to polaroids A and B. ½ support your answer. A&E [OD I, II, III 2013]

Q. 3. How does resolving power of a compound Ans. Heat waves, as they are transverse /
microscope change, when (i) refractive index of electromagnetic in nature. 1
the medium between the object and the objective [CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]

Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 marks each)

Q. 1. How is linearly polarised light obtained by the

process of scattering of light ? Find the Brewster's I0
Ans. Intensity is cos2 θ (if I0 is the intensity of
angle for air-glass interface, when the refractive 2
index of glass = 1.5. unpolarised light.) (Award ½ mark if the student
R [OD II 2017]
writes the expression as I0cos2 q) 1
Ans. When unpolarised light gets scattered by
molecules, the scattered light has only one of its
two components in it. (Also accept diagrammatic
representation ) ½ I
Incident Sunlight
(Unpolarised)

½
Scattered Light 
(Polarised) [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
Q. 3. State Brewster’s law.
To Observer The value of Brewster's angle for a transparent
We have, m = tan IB medium is different for light of different colours.
\ tan IB = 1.5 ½
Give reason. R [Delhi 2016, 2015]
\ IB = tan–1 1.5
= 56.3° ½ Ans. When unpolarised light is incident on the surface
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] two media, the reflected light gets (completely)
Q. 2. Unpolarised light is passed through a polaroid P1. polarized only when the reflected light and refracted
When this polarised beam passes through another light become perpendicular to each other. 1
polaroid P2 and if the pass axis of P2 makes angle q If the student draws the diagram, as shown, and
with the pass axis of P1, then write the expression
writes iB as the polarizing angle, award this 1
for the polarised beam passing through P2. Draw
a plot showing the variation of intensity when q mark. If the student just writes m = tan iB, award
varies from 0 to 2p. U [OD 2017] half mark only.
302 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Q. 5. Figure shows a system of two polarizing sheets in

the path of initially unpolarized light. The polarizing
direction of first sheet is parallel to x-axis and that of
second sheet is 60° clockwise from x-axis. Calculate
what fraction of intensity of light emerges from the
system. R [SQP 2016]
iB
Ans. Y

90° 1 X
I0

The refractive index of denser medium, with I1

respect to rarer medium, is given by m = tan iB ½
Since Refractive index (m) of a transparent medium 60°
is different for different colours, hence Brewster's
angle is different for different colours. ½
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] I2

Q. 4. Distinguish between polarized and unpolarized

light. Does the intensity of polarized light emitted
by a polaroid depend on its orientation ? Explain I1 = I02
briefly. I2 = I1cos2 60°
The vibrations in a beam of polarized light make I
an angle of 60° with the axis of the polaroid sheet. I2 = 0 2
What percentage of light is transmitted through 4
the sheet ? R [Foreign 2016] [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
Detailed Answer :
Ans. If the direction of vibration of electric field vector/
plane of vibration of electric field vector, does not As the axis of first polaroid is parallel to x-axis all
change with time, the light is polarized. ½ the light passes through it polarised and passes the
Whereas, if the direction of vibration of electric second polaroid is at an angle 60° with the incident
field vector / plane of vibration of electric field light.
vector changes randomly in very short intervals \ By Malus' law
of time / with time, the light is unpolarised. ½ I2 = I1cos2 f
Alternatively,
1
= I0cos2 60°
2
Direction of 1 I I
= × 0 = 0
Propagation 2 4 8

Polarized Light Q. 6. Find an expression for intensity of transmitted

light when a polaroid sheet is rotated between
two crossed polaroids. In which position of the
Direction of
Propagation
polaroid sheet will the transmitted intensity be
maximum ? R [Delhi I, II, III 2015]

Unpolarized Light Ans. Let the rotating polaroid sheet makes an angle q
Yes, it depends upon orientation of Polaroid with the first polaroid.
because electric field vibrations, those are not in \ Angle with the other polaroid will be (90 – q) 1
the direction of axis of Polaroid, are absorbed.
Hence, intensity changes. ½
Alternatively,
I = I0cos2 q
q = angle between vibration in light and axis of IB 90–
polaroid sheet) 2 I1
I
I = I 0 cos2 60° = 0
4
I 1
Þ × 100 = × 100 = 25% ½
I0 4 P1 P3 P2
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
Wave optics [ 303

Applying Malus’ law between P1 and P3 I1 I 2

I3 = I1cos2 q Þ I2 = sin2 2q = 0 sin 2θ ½
4 8
Between P3 and P2
π 
I2 = I3cos2  − θ
2  π
q = ½
π 4
I2 = (I1 cos2q) cos2 ( – q)
2 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]

[Topper's Answer, 2015]

Short Answer Type Questions-II (3 marks each)

Q. 1. (a) Define resolving power of a telescope. Write (b) A telescope produces image of far objects nearer
the factors on which it depends.
to our eye. Objects which are not resolved at
(b) A telescope resolves whereas a microscope
magnifies. Justify the statement. far distance, can be resolved by telescope. A
[SQP 2018-19] microscope, on the other hand magnifies objects
Ans. (a) Resolving power of a telescope is the reciprocal nearer to us and produces their large images. 1
of the smallest angular separation between the [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
two objects which can be just distinctly seen.
Commonly Made Error
½+½
Factors : diameter of the objective, wavelength of  Students sometimes do not label the graph or
the incident light. ½+½ labelled incorrectly.
304 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Q. 2. (i) State law of Malus. Ans. (i) Polaroid sunglasses are preferred because
(ii) Draw a graph showing the variation of intensity (I) they can be much more effective than coloured
of polarized light transmitted by an analyser with sunglasses in cutting off the harmful (UV) rays of
angle (q) between polarizer and analyser. the sun. 1
(iii) What is the value of refractive index of a medium (ii) Let q be the angle between the pass axis of P1 and
of polarizing angle 60° ? P3. The angle between the pass axis of P3 and P2
R [Delhi I, II, III 2016] π 
would then be  - θ . ½
Ans. (i) When the pass axis of a polaroid makes an angle 2 
q with the plane of polarisation of polarised light P1

of intensity I0 incident on it, then the intensity of P3

the transmitted emergent light is given by

I = I0cos2 q 1 P2
(ii)
I1

I3
I
I2

1
p /2 p 3 p/2 2p I3 = I1cos2 q
q
(iii) m = tan ib ½ π 
and I2 = I3cos2  - θ = I3sin2 q ½
2 
= tan 60° = 3 = 1.7 ½
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] I1 ( sin 2θ)2
\ I2 = I1cos2 qsin2 q = ½
4
Commonly Made Error
The plot of I2 vs. q, therefore, has the form shown
 Sometimes students did not mention the direction
below :
of propagation of light.
Q. 3. (i) Distinguish between unpolarised and linearly
polarised light.
(ii) What does a polaroid consist of ? How does it
produce a linearly polarised light ?
(iii) Explain briefly how sunlight is polarised by
scattering through atmospheric particles.
U [Foreign 2014]
½
Ans. (i) In a beam of unpolarized light, the vibrations
of light vectors are in all directions in a plane Q. 5. (i) Using the phenomenon of polarisation, show
perpendicular to direction of propagation. In how transverse nature of light can be demonstrated.
polarised light, these vibrations are only along (ii) Two polaroids P1 and P2 are placed with their pass-
one direction. 1 axes perpendicular to each other. Unpolarised light
(ii) A polaroid consists of a long chain of molecules of intensity I0 is incident on P1. A third polaroid P3
aligned in a particular direction. It polarises light is kept in between P1 and P2 such that its pass-axis
as it allows only one component of light (electric makes an angle of 30° with that of P1. Determine
vectors parallel to the pass-axis) to pass through it, the intensity of light transmitted through P1, P2
while the other components are absorbed. ½ + ½ and P3. U [O.D. I, II, III 2014]
(iii) The observer receives scattered light Ans. (i)
corresponding to only one of the two sets of
accelerated charges, i.e., electrons oscillating
perpendicular to the direction of propagation. 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
Q. 4. (i) Good quality sun-glasses made of polaroids 1
are preferred over ordinary coloured glasses. Light from the sodium lamp passing through
Justify your answer. the single polaroid sheet (P1) does not show any
variation in intensity when this sheet is rotated.
(ii) Two polaroids P1 and P2 are placed in crossed
However, if the light, transmitted by P1, is made
positions. A third polaroid P3 is kept between
to pass through another polaroid sheet (P2) the
P1 and P2 such that pass axis of P3 is parallel to
light intensity, coming out of P2, varies from a
that of P1. How would the intensity of light (I2) maximum to zero, and again to maximum, when
transmitted through P2 vary as P3 is rotated ? Draw P2 is rotated. ½
a plot of intensity ‘I2’ vs. the angle ‘q’, between These observations are consistent only with the
pass axes of P1 and P3. U [Delhi I, II, III 2015] transverse nature of light waves.
Wave optics [ 305

(ii) Intensity of light transmitted through P1 Ans. P1

P3
I
I1 = 0
2 
I1
Intensity of light transmitted through P3
I  (90°–)
I3 =  0  × cos2 30° ½
I I'
 2  P2
3I 0
=
8 ½
Intensity of light transmitted through P2
I2 = I3 × cos2 (90° – 30°) Intensity of unpolarised light is given as I,
3 I
It becomes on passing through polaroid P1
= I cos2 60° ½ 2
8 0
3 \ Using law of Malus, for the intensity passing
I2 = I0 ½ through P3 ½
32
 I  cos2 q
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] I1 =  
 2
Q. 6. (i) Unpolarised light of intensity I0 passes through
two polaroids P1 and P2 such that pass-axis of P2 This intensity I1 is incident on P2 ½
makes an angle q with the pass-axis of P1. Plot a Hence using law of Malus for Polaroid P2
graph showing the variation of intensity of light I’ = I1cos2 (90° – q)
transmitted through P2 as the angle q varies from I
= cos2 q[cos2 (90° – q)]
zero to 180°. 2
(ii) A third polaroid P3 is placed between P1 and P2 I
= (2cos qsin q)2 ½
with pass-axis of P3 making an angle b with that of 8
P1. If I1, I2 and I3 represent the intensities of light I
= (sin 2q)2 ½
transmitted by P1, P2 and P3, determine the values 8
of angle q and b for which I1 = I2 = I3. (i) When q = 30°
I
U [OD Comptt. I, II, III 2014] Then I’ = (sin 60°)2
8
Ans.(i) Try yourself similar Q. 3 SATQ-II. 1 I' 3
(ii) I1 = Light transmitted by P1 Þ =
I 32
I3 = Light transmitted by P3 = I1cos2 b
I2 = Light transmitted by P2 (ii) When q = 45°
= I3cos2 (q – b) ½
I' 1
Alternatively, (Award mark to student who Þ = ½
I 8
indicates correct value of I1, I2 and I3 by making a
diagram) [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
\ I2 = I3
I1cos2 b. cos2 (q – b) = I1 cos2 b Commonly Made Error
q =b ½  Many students used a final long and tedius method
Also, I1 = I2 to obtain final Intensity.
I1 = I1cos2 q Q. 8. (a) When an unpolarized light of intensity I0 is
or cos q = 1
2
passed through a polaroid, what is the intensity of
\ q = 0° or p ½ the linearly polarized light ? Does it depend on the
Therefore b = 0° or p ½ orientation of the polaroid ? Explain your answer.
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] (b) A plane polarized beam of light is passed through
Q. 7. Two polaroids, P1 and P2, are ‘set-up’ so that their a polaroid. Show graphically the variation of the
‘pass-axes’ are ‘crossed’ with respect to each other. intensity of the transmitted light with angle of
rotation of the polaroid in complete one rotation.
A third polaroid, P3, is now introduced between
[CBSE Comptt. 2018]
these two so that its ‘pass-axis’ makes an angle q
with ‘pass-axis’ of P1. Ans. (a) Intensity of linearly polarized light ½
Dependence on orientation ½
A beam of unpolarised light, of intensity I, is
Explanation 1
incident on P1. If the intensity of light, that gets (b) Graphical representation 1
transmitted through this combination of three (a) The intensity of the linearly polarized light would
 I ' I0
polaroids, is I’, find the ratio   when q equals : . ½
I 2
(i) 30°, (ii) 45°. A [Delhi Comptt., 2016] No; it does not depend on the orientation. ½
306 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

Explanation : The polaroid will let the component of

the unpolarized light, parallel to its pass axis, to pass
through it irrespective of its orientation. 1
(b) We have I = I0cos2 q
\ The graph is as shown below 1

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]

Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)

Q. 1. (a) The two polaroids, in a given set up, are kept Ans. (i) In an unpolarized light, the oscillations, of
‘crossed’ with respect to each other. A third the electric field, are in random directions. For a
polaroid, now put in between these two polaroids, polarized light, the oscillations are aligned along one
can be rotated. Find an expression for the particular direction. 1
dependence of the intensity of light I, transmitted Alternatively,
by the system, on the angle between the pass Polarized light can be distinguished, from
axes of first and the third polaroid. Draw a graph unpolarized light, when it is allowed to pass through
showing the dependence of I on q. a polaroid. Unpolarized light can show change in its
intensity, on passing through a Polaroid; intensity
(b) When an unpolarized light is incident on a plane remains same in case of unpolarized light. 1
glass surface, find the expression for the angle of When unpolarized light wave is incident on a
incidence so that the reflected and refracted light polaroid, then the electric vector along the direction
rays are perpendicular to each other. What is the of its aligned molecules, get absorbed; the electric
vector, oscillating along a direction perpendicular
state of polarisation, of reflected and refracted to the aligned molecules, pass through. This light is
light, under this condition? [SQP 2018/19] called linearly polarized light. 1
(ii) According to Malus’s Law
Ans. (a) Try yourself Similar to Q. 5 (ii) SATQ-II 2 I = I0cos2 q
Intensity
I 
\ I1 =  0  cos2 q
 2
I
where, I0 is the intensity of unpolarized light. 1
q = 60°
I
1 I2 = 0 cos2 60°
90 180 270 360 2
q 2
I0  1 
(b) Expression for incident angle : = × 
2  2
sin B sin iB
µ= = 1 I0
sin r sin( π / 2 − iB )
= 8 1
sin iB
= = tan iB [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
cos iB
Q. 3. (i) Why does unpolarized light from a source
Nature of polarisation : show a variation in intensity when viewed through
Reflected light : Linearly polarised ½
a polaroid which is rotated ? Show with the help
Refracted light : Partially polarised ½
of diagram how unpolarized light from sun gets
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
linearly polarised by scattering ?
Q. 2. (i) Distinguish between unpolarised and linearly (ii) Three identical polaroid sheet P1, P2 and P3 are
polarised light. (ii) How does one get a linearly oriented so that the pass axes of P2 and P3 are
polarised light with the help of a polaroid ? inclined at the angle of 60° and 90° respectively
(ii) A narrow beam of unpolarized light of intensity I0 with the pass axis of P1 . A monochromatic source
is incident on a polaroid P1. The light transmitted S of unpolarized light of intensity I0 is kept in front
by it is then incident on a second polaroid P2 with of polaroid sheet P1 as shown in figure. Determine
its pass axis making angle of 60° relative to the pass the intensities of light as observed by the observer
axis of P1. Find the intensity of light transmitted by at O , when the polaroid P3 is rotated with respect
P2. A [Delhi I, II 2017] to P2 at angle q =30° and 60°. [OD 2016]
Wave optics [ 307

Unpolarized light passing through the polaroid P1

gets linearly polarized. ½
s o [As the electric field vector components parallel
to the pass-axis of P1 are transmitted, whereas the
others are blocked.]
P1 P2 P3 When this polarised light is incident on the
Ans. (i) As per Malus’ law, Polaroid P2, kept crossed with respect to P1, then
Transmitted intensity I = I0cos2 q ½ these components also get blocked and no light is
\ The transmitted intensity will show a variation as transmitted beyond P2. ½
per cos2 q. ½
(iii) It is due to the scattering of light by the molecules
[Note : If the student writes that “unpolarized light
will not show any variation in intensity, when of earth’s atmosphere.
Incident Sunlight
viewed through a polaroid, which is rotated” award
(Unpolarised)
this ½ mark ]
Incident Sunlight
(Unpolarised)

Scattered Light
(Polarised)
Scattered Light
(Polarised)
To Observer 1
Under the influence of the electric field of the
To Observer 1 incident (unpolarized) wave, the electrons in the
The electric field, of the incident wave, makes molecules acquire components of motion in both
the electrons of the air molecules, acquire both these directions. The charges, accelerating parallel
to the double arrows, do not radiate energy
components of motion (perpendicular as well as
towards the observer since their acceleration has
parallel). ½
no transverse component.
Charges accelerating parallel to perpendicular The radiation scattered by the molecule is
component, do not radiate energy towards the therefore represented by dots, i.e., it is polarised
observer. Hence the radiation, scattered towards perpendicular to plane of figure. 1
observer gets linearly polarised. ½ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
(ii) Try yourself similar to Q. 8 SATQ-II 2 Q. 5. (i) How does one demonstrate, using a suitable
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] diagram, that unpolarized light when passed
Q. 4. (i) Distinguish between linearly polarised and through a polaroid gets polarised ?
unpolarized light. (ii) A beam of unpolarized light is incident on a
(ii) Show that the light waves are transverse in nature. glass-air interface. Show, using a suitable ray
(iii) Why does light from a clear blue portion of the diagram, that light reflected from the interface is
sky show a rise and fall of intensity when viewed totally polarised, when m = tan iB, where m is the
through a polaroid which is rotated ? Explain by refractive index of glass with respect to air and iB
drawing the necessary diagram. is the Brewster’s angle. U [Delhi I, II, III 2014]
U [Delhi Comptt. I, II, III 2014] Ans.(i)
Ans. (i) A light wave, in which the electric vector
oscillates in all possible directions is known as
unpolarized light. ½
If the oscillations of the electric vectors are
restricted to only one direction, in a plane
perpendicular to the direction of propagation,
the corresponding light is known as linearly
polarised light. ½
(ii) Unpolarised light Polaroid Plane polarised
light 1
90°
P2 The components of electric vector associated
with light wave, along the direction of aligned
molecules of a polaroid, get absorbed. As a
No light result after passing through it, the components
perpendicular to the direction of aligned
Linearly
polarised light molecules will be obtained in the form of plane
1 polarised light. 1
308 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, PHYSICS, Class – XII

(ii) Try yourself similar to Q. 2 SATQ-II

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
Q. 4. (i) How does an unpolarised light incident on a
polaroid get polarised ?
Describe briefly, with the help of a necessary
diagram, the polarisation of light by reflection
from a transparent medium.
(ii) Two polaroids ‘A’ and ‘B’ are kept in crossed 1
position. How should a third polaroid ‘C’ be placed Whenever an unpolarised light is incident on
between them so that the intensity of polarised a transparent surface, the reflected light gets
light transmitted by polaroid B reduces to 1/8th of completely polarised when the reflected and
the intensity of unpolarised light incident on A ? refracted light are perpendicular to each other. 1
(ii) Let q be the angle between the pass-axis of A
[OD I, II, III 2012] and C.
Ans. (i) When an unpolarised light falls on a polaroid, Intensity of light passing through A = I0/2
it lets only those of its electric vectors that are Intensity of light passing through B = (I0/2)cos2 q
oscillating along a direction perpendicular to its Intensity of light passing through C
aligned molecules to pass through it. The incident = (I0/2)cos2 q[cos2 (90° – q)] ½
light thus gets linearly polarised. 1 ½
Alternatively, I0 sin 2 2θ I
Þ × = 0 (Given) ½
2 4 8
\ sin 2q = 1
2q = 90°
The third polaroid is placed at q = 45°. ½
1 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2012]

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