Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

CHAPTER 10
Light Reflection and Refraction
1. ONE MARK QUESTIONS convex mirror for seeing traffic at the rear?
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
Advantage of Convex Mirror: It provide wider view of
1. Write down four important characteristics of image the rear traffic.
formed by a plane mirror. Disadvantage: It does not give the correct distance of
Ans : [CBSE 2014] the vehicle at the rear.
Image is virtual, erect, laterally inverted and of same
5. What are the units of power of a lens?
size as object.
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
2. Describe a spherical mirror. If the focal length is measured in metre then the unit
Ans : [CBSE 2014] of power of a lens is dioptre.
Spherical mirror is a part of a sphere. If reflection
takes place from inside, it is said to be concave mirror,
and if the reflection takes place from outside surface
it is a convex mirror.

3. Define the following terms in relation to concave 6. Give two uses of a convex lens.
spherical mirror:
Ans : [All India 2016]
a. Pole
b. Centre of curvature Convex lens are used in (i) spectacles, (ii) telescopes,
c. Radius of curvature (iii) microscopes, (iv) camera.
d. Principal axis
e. Principal focus 7. Give one use of a concave lens.
f. Aperture Ans :
g. Focal length (each one mark) Concave lenses are used in (i) shaving mirror, (ii) flash
Ans : [CBSE2013, 2014, 2015] lights,
a. The mid point of mirror is known as pole. 8. What is a prism?
b. The centre of curvature of a spherical mirror is
Ans : [CBSE 2015,2016]
the centre of that sphere of which mirror is a part,
c. The distance between pole and centre of curvature A prism is an optical device with two triangular
is called radius of curvature of the mirror. bases along with three rectangular lateral surfaces
d. The straight line joining the pole and centre of commonly inclined at an angle of 60°.
curvature is called principal axis.
e. The point on the principal axis through which 9. Define the term reflection.
parallel rays to the principal axis passes or appear Ans : [CBSE 2016]
to pass after reflection. The bouncing back of a ray of light in the same
f. The diameter of the mirror or size of the mirror is medium after striking on a surface of an object.
called aperture.
g. The distance between focus and pole of a mirror 10. Define the terms:
is the focal length of the mirror. a. Angle of incidence
b. Angle of reflection
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a c. Plane of incidence
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

Ans : [CBSE 2016] TWO MARKS QUESTIONS

a. The angle between incident ray and normal at the
point of incidence is called angle of incidence +i .
19. If the image formed by a convex lens is of the same
b. The angle between the reflected ray and normal at
the point of incidence is called angle of reflection size as that of the object. What is the position and
+r . nature of the image with respect to the lens?
c. A plane containing, incident ray, normal, and Ans : [CBSE 2012, 2013]
reflected ray is known as plane of incidence. The image will be real, inverted and will be formed at
centre of curvature of the lens.
11. State the laws of reflection.
Ans : [All India 2010] 20. How can you identify the three types of mirrors
Laws of Reflection without touching them?
a. The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal Ans : [CBSE 2011]
at the point of incidence are always in the same a. If the image formed is erect, of same size, and at
plane. equal distance behind the mirror as object and is
b. +i = +r in front of the mirror, then mirror is plane.
b. If the image is of larger size and erect and changes
12. Explain why we see the sign front of to inverted and smaller size by changing the
the some vehicles. position of mirror from the object it is concave
Ans : [CBSE 2015] mirror.
Because the image of laterally inverted written letter c. If the image is smaller and erect for all positions
will once again laterally inverted in the rear view mirror of mirror from the object, it is a convex mirror.
of the vehicle going ahead and image so produced will
21. (a) What happens to a ray of fight when it travels
be erect image of the word AMBULANCE.
from one medium to another having equal
13. What is the radius of curvature of a plane mirror? refractive indices?
Ans : [CBSE 2015] (b) State the cause of refraction of fight.
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
The radius of curvature of a plane mirror is infinite.
(a) If a ray travels from one medium to another
14. How many images are formed by two parallel mirrors? medium of same refractive indices then it will not
Ans : [CBSE 2015] bend and travels in a straight line.
(b) Change in speed of light is the cause of
The images formed by two parallel plane mirrors will
refraction. -
be infinite.
22. (a) What should be the position of the object, when a
15. Name a mirror that can give an erect and enlarged
concave mirror is to be used:
image of an object.
(i) as a shaving mirror, and
Ans : [CBSE 2011, 2012, 2013] (ii) in torches producing parallel beam of fight?
Concave mirror (b) A man standing in front of a mirror finds his
image having a very small head and legs of normal
16. The radius of curvature of a spherical mirror is 20 cm. size. What type of mirror are used in designing
What is its focal length? such a mirror?
Ans : [CBSE 2011] Ans : [CBSE 2011]
Focal length f = R = 20 = 10 cm (a) (i) Face must be placed in between the pole and
2 2
focus of the mirror so that enlarged, erect
17. Light enters from air to glass having refractive index image of face can be formed.
1.50. What is the speed of light in glass? Speed of light (ii) At focus, because rays coming from the focus
in air is 3 # 108 m/s. after reflection will become parallel.
(b) It is a combination of convex mirror (small head)
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
and plane mirror (legs of normal size).
Speed of light in glass
8 23. Name the type of lens that can be used . as magnifying
v = c = 3 # 10 = 2 # 108 m/s
n 1.5 glass. Give reason(s) and draw a ray diagram to
support your answer.
18. The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. What is the Ans : [CBSE 2011]
meaning of this statement?
A convex lens of smaller focal length can be used as
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
magnifying glass. When an object is placed in between
The meaning of refractive index of diamond is 2.42 the pole and focus of the convex lens then enlarged,
is that speed of light in diamond is 1/2.42 times the erected and same side of object image is formed.
speed of light in air/vacuum D,
i.e. speed of light in diamond
8
v = c = 3 # 10 = 1.24 # 108 m/s
n 2.42
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

27. (a) Name the spherical mirror used as:

1. Shavingmirror,
2. Rearview mirror in vehicles,
3. Reflector in search – fights.
(b) Write any three differences between a real and
virtual image.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
(a) 1. Concave mirror,
24. An object is placed at the following distances from a 2. Convex mirror,
concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. 3. Concave parabolic
(a) 10 cm (b) Differences between a real and virtual image :
(b) 20 cm
Real Image Virtual Image
(c) 30 cm
(d) 40 cm It can be taken on a It can not be taken on
Which position of the object will produce: screen a screen
(i) Virtual image It is always inverted It is always erected
(ii) A diminished real image
(iii) An enlarged real image When reflected or When reflected or
(iv) An image of same size. refracted rays actually refracted rays appear
Ans : [CBSE 2011] meet at a point, then to meet at a point
real image is formed. then virtual image is
Given, concave mirror of f= 15 cm. formed
a. When object is placed at a distance 10 cm from
mirror (between P and f) image is virtual, enlarged 28. What is meant by power of a lens? Give its SI unit.
and erected. When two or more lenses are placed in contact, what
b. For object in between 2F and 3 i.e. 40 cm image will their combined power?
is inverted, diminished and real.
c. For object in between F and C (20 cm), image is Ans : [CBSE 2012]
inverted, enlarged and real beyond 2F(C). Power of a lens is the ability of the lens to converge or
d. For object at 2F (30 cm), the image is of same diverge a ray of light incident on it. It is the reciprocal
size. of the focal length of the lens, i.e. P = 1f . The SI unit
of power is D(dioptre) if f is measured in metre.
25. (a) What is meant by refraction of fight?
(b) If on applying Cartesian sign convention for 29. For the same angle of incidence in media P, Q and
spherical lenses, the image distance obtained is R, the angles of refraction are 45°, 35° and 15°
negative, state the significance of the negative respectively. In which medium will the velocity of
sign. light be minimum? Give reason.
Ans : [CBSE 2011] Ans : [CBSE 2012]
(a) When a ray of light passes from one medium to
As n = c = sin i & v = c sin r
another it bends from its path. The phenomenon v sin r sin i
of bending a ray of light when it passes from one for same incident angle, v will be minimum for
medium to another is called refraction of light. minimum value of angle r i.e. medium R.
(b) In a lens if the image distance is negative then its
meaning is that image formed is at the same side 30. Define absolute refractive index. Absolute refractive
of object, virtual and erect. The lens is concave indices of medium A and medium B are na and nb
lens. respectively, what is the refractive index of medium
B with respect to medium A? How does the velocity
26. What is minimum number of rays required for locating of light vary with change in the optical density of the
the image formed by a concave mirror for an object? media?
Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of a virtual Ans : [CBSE 2012]
image by a concave mirror.
Absolute refractive index of a given medium, w.r.t.
Ans : [CBSE 2011]
air/vacuum is known as absolute refractive index of
We require minimum two rays for locating the image the medium
formed by a concave Speed of light in vacuum or air
n =
Speed of light in medium

n = c as c > v
v
n >1
b n = Velocity of light in B = vb = na
a
Velocity of light in A va nb
Higher the optical density, lesser is the velocity of
light in the medium
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

31. As the velocity of light increases, the refractive index Ans : [CBSE 2014]
of the medium decreases. Light enters from air to water When a ray passes from optically rarer to denser
having refractive index 4/3. Find the speed of light in medium it bends towards the normal.
water. The speed of light in vacuum is 3 # 108 m/s.
na = 1.36 alcohol
Ans : [CBSE 2012]

Given: a n = 4 , c = 3 # 108 m/s

w 3
a
w v =?
As an = c & v = c
w vw wn
a

8
vw = 3 # 10 # 3
4
= 2.25 # 108 ms-1

32. What is meant by radius of curvature of a spherical a. nh = 1.44 kerosene oil

mirror? How is it related to the focal length of the nt = 1.47 turpentine oil
mirror? b. 1.44
Ans : [CBSE 2013]
Radius of curvature of a spherical mirror is the radius
of the sphere of which mirror is a part. It is the distance
between pole and centre of curvature of a mirror.
The radius of curvature is equal to the twice the focal
length
R = 2f

34. With the help of ray diagram show that angle of

incidence is equal to the angle of reflection when a ray
is incident on the concave/convex mirror.
Ans : [CBSE 2014]

33. Refractive index of turpentine oil, kerosene and alcohol

are 1.47, 1.44 and 1.36 respectively. On the basis of
this information, complete the following ray diagram
to show path of ray of light through each medium.
Give reason for your answer.

35. A doctor has prescribed a corrective lens of power +1.5

D. Find the focal length of the lens. Is the prescribed
lens diverging or converging?
Ans : [CBSE 2011]

f = 1 m = 1 m = + 10 m
P + 1. 5 15

=+ 2 m
3
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

f =+ 66.7 cm 40. An object is placed at the focus of a convex lens. Draw

+ f means the lens is convex (converging) lens. a ray diagram to locate the position of the image
formed, if any. State its position and nature.
36. With the help of a ray diagram, show that the
Ans :
formation of the image of an object by a concave
mirror when it is placed at the centre of curvature. Image is formed at 3, image will be real, inverted
Ans : [CBSE 2012] and enlarged.

37. Draw a ray diagram for the image formed by a concave

41. Define the term magnification. Write its formula also.
mirror when the object is placed beyond its centre of
curvature. Ans : [CBSE 2013]
Ans : [CBSE 2011] Magnification m of a mirror gives the relative extent to
which the size of image of an object is magnified w.r.t.
size of object. It is the ratio of size of image (h2 ) to size
of an object (h1 ).
Size of image
m = = h2 =- v
Size of object h1 u

42. Write the relation between object distance and image

distance from a lens and focal length of a lens.
Ans : [CBSE 2013]
38. Differentiate between reflection and refraction of light. 1 =1-1
Ans : [CBSE 2012] f v u
43. With the help of ray diagrams differentiate between a
Reflection Refraction converging lens and a diverging lens.
It is the phenomenon It is the phenomenon of Ans : [CBSE 2013]
of bouncing back of ray bending a ray of light
of light in the same when it travels from
medium after striking one another medium.
with a surface
+i = +r (angle of +i ! +r (angle of
reflection) refraction)
Reflection can take Refraction can take
place from any surface. place from a transparent
interface..

39. Define optical centre and principal axis of a lens.

Show the path of the refracted ray when a ray of light
is incident towards the optical centre of concave lens.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
Mid point of a lens through which a ray of light passes
undeviated is known as optical centre.
A straight line joining two centre of curvatures of
the lens is called principal axis of lens.

44. If the image formed by a spherical mirror for all

positions of the object placed in front of it, is always
erected and diminished, what type of mirror is it?
Draw a labelled ray diagram to support your answer.
Ans : [CBSE 2018]
It is a convex mirror. Ray diagram for any position
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

of object
47. (a) For the same angle of incidence 45°, the angle of
refraction in two transparent media; I and II is
20° and 30° respectively. Out of I and II, which
medium is optically denser and why?
(b) Light enters from air to diamond which has
refractive index of 2.42. Calculate the speed
of light in diamond, if speed of light in air is
45. State the laws of refraction of light. Explain the term 3 # 108 ms-1 .
‘absolute refractive index of a medium’ and write Ans : [All India 2011]
an expression to relate it with the speed of light in
a. For the same angle of incidence. The refracted
vacuum.
ray in medium I deviates less than in medium II.
Ans : [CBSE 2018] Hence medium I is more denser than medium II.
Laws of refraction:
a. The incident ray, refracted ray and normal to the
point of incidence all lie in the same plane.
b. The ratio of sin of incident angle to sin of angle of
refraction for a given pair of medium is constant.
sin i = constant
sin r
Absolute refractive index of a medium is the ratio
of speed of light in air or vacuum to speed of light
in the medium.
Absolute refractive index
Speed of light in air/vacuum b. Refractive index of diamond = 2.42
= Speed of light in air = 3 # 108 m/s
Speedof light in medium
Speed of light in diamond = ?
THREE MARKS QUESTIONS n =
Speed of light in air
=c
Speed of light in diamond v
8

46. A ray of light is incident obliquely on a glass slab. v = c = 3 # 10

n 2.42
Draw a ray diagram showing the path of the light ray.
Clearly, mark angle of incidence, angle of refraction, v = 1.24 # 108 m/s
angle of emergence and lateral displacement of the ray. 48. A student focused the image of a candle flame on a
Give a formula to find refractive index of glass slab in white screen by placing the flame at various distances
terms of angle of incidence and angle of refraction. from a convex lens. He noted his observations:
Ans : [All India 2011]
When a ray passes from optical rarer to denser Distance of flame Distance of screen
medium, it bends towards the normal and vice versa. from the lens (cm) from the lens (cm)
60 20
40 24
30 30
24 40
15 70
a. From the above table, find the focal length of lens
without using lens formula.
b. Which set of observations is incorrect and why?
c. In which case the size of object and image will be
same? Give reason for your answer.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
a. In observation (iii) of the table given u = 30 cm, v =
30 cm, which is only possible when u = v = 2f(at C)
2f = 30 or f=15 cm
+i = angle of incidence
+r = angle of refraction 49. (a) Define power of a lens and write its SI unit.
(b) A convex lens forms a real and inverted image of
+e = angle of emergence a needle at a distance of 50 cm from it. Where is
d = lateral displacement. the needle placed in front of the lens, if image size
a n = sin i
is equal to the object size? Also, find the power of
g sin r
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

the lens. light passing obliquely from water to alcohol.

Ans : [CBSE 2012] (b) The absolute refractive index of diamond is 2.42
and the absolute refractive index of glass is 1.50.
a. Power of a lens is the ability of a lens to bend
Find the refractive index of diamond with respect
a ray of light incident upon it. It is equal to the
to glass.
reciprocal of the focal length of the lens.
Ans : [CBSE 2013]
P =1 a. More refractive index means more optical denser
f
If f is measured in m then unit of power is dioptre medium. Here refractive index of water is 1.33
^D h . and of alcohol is 1.36 nAl > nw .
Hence alcohol is more optical denser than water.
(b) v =+ 50 cm
m =1
P =?
Since, m = 1, m = v = 1
u
or u = v = 50 cm
i.e. v and u both are at centre of curvatures
C = 2f = 50 or f = 25 cm
P =1
f
b. a n = 2.42
P =+ 100 D or P =+ 4D d
25 a n = 1.50
g
g
d
n =?
an
g n = ad n # ag n = da
gn
d

g
n = 2 . 42 = 1.61
d 1.50
52. A 4.5 cm needle is placed 12 cm away from a convex
mirror of focal length 15 cm. Give the location of
image and magnification. Describe what happens to
the image as the needle is moved farther from the
mirror.
Ans : [All India 2014]

Given: u = - 12 cm
f = + 15 cm
h1 = 4.5 cm
50. (a) A ray of light falls normally on a face of a glass
slab. What are the values of angle of incidence v = ?, m = ?
and angle of refraction of this ray? Mirror formula,
(b) Light enters from air to a medium X. Its speed 1+1 = 1
in medium X becomes 1.5 # 108 ms-1 . Find the v u f
refractive index of medium X.
1 =1-1 = 1 - 1 = 1 + 1
Ans : [All India 2012] v f u 15 - 12 15 12
a. When a ray of light falls normally on a glass slab v =+ 6.6 cm
then i = 0 , and r = 0
b. vm = 1.5 # 108 m/s m =- v = - 6.6 = 0.55
u - 12
c = 3 # 108 m/s Size of image is smaller than size of object.
We know Refractive index
53. (a) State Snell’s law of refraction.
n = c (b) When a ray of light travelling in air enters
vm
obliquely into a glass slab, it is observed that the
8
or n = 3 # 10 8 = 2 light ray emerges parallel to the incident ray but
1.5 # 10 it is shifted sideways slightly. Draw a ray diagram
n =2 to illustrate it.
Ans : [All India 2014]
51. (a) Water has refractive index 1.33 and alcohol has
refractive index 1.36. Which of the two medium (a) Snell’s law = sin i = constant
is optically denser? Give reason for your answer. sin r
Draw a ray diagram to show the path of a ray of (Refractive index of the medium)
(b)
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

a concave mirror then its image moves from focus to

infinity.

56. State the laws of refraction.

Ans : [All India 2015]
Snell’s laws of refraction
a. Incident ray, refracted ray and normal to the
point of incidence lie in the same plane.
b. sin i = 1 n
sin r 2

57. (a) Define radius of curvature and focal length of a

spherical mirror and show it on a figure.
(b) Write relation between radius of curvature and
focal length of a spherical mirror.
Ans : [All India 2015]
a. Distance between pole and centre of curvature is
54. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame known as radius of curvature or the radius of the
on a screen 60 cm in front of a mirror by keeping the sphere of which mirror is a part is called radius
flame at a distance of 15 cm from its pole. of curvature.
a. Write the type of mirror he should use.
b. Find the linear magnification of the image
produced.
c. What is the distance between the object and its
image?
d. Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation
in this case.
PC =radius of curvature ^Rh
Ans : [All India 2014] b. Focal length of a mirror is half of the radius of
curvature
Given: v =- 60 cm
u =- 15 cm f =R
2
a. Since the image is real the minor is concave
58. An object of height 5 cm is placed perpendicular to
- ^- 60h
b. m =- v = =- 4 the principal axis of a concave lens of focal length
u ^- 15h 10 cm. If the distance of the object from the optical
m =- 4 centre of the lens is 20 cm, determine the position,
c. Distance between object position and image nature and size of the image formed using the lens
position = 60 - 15 = 45 cm formula.
Ans : [All India 2015]
Given, object height h = + 5 cm for a concave lens.
u =- 20 cm, f = - 10 cm
v =?
1 =1-1
d. f v u
1 =1+1
v f u
1 = 1 + 1 =- 3
v - 10 - 20 20

v = - 20 cm =- 6.66 cm
3
Image formed is virtual, erect
m = hl = v
h u

hl = h # v = 5 # b- 20 # 1 l cm
u 3 - 20

= 5 # 1 cm = 5 cm = 1.66 cm
55. Discuss the position and nature of the image formed 3 3
by a concave mirror when the object is moved from
infinity towards the pole of the mirror. 59. If the image formed by a mirror for all positions of
Ans : [All India 2015] the object placed in front of it is always erect and
diminished, what type of mirror is it? Draw a ray
When an object is moved from 3 toward the pole of
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

diagram to justify your answer. Where and why do we if image formed is real. Express it in terms of
generally use this type of mirror? relation between v and u
Ans : [All India 2015] Ans : [All India 2016]
Only in convex mirror, for all positions of the object Given f = + 10 cm, u = ?
placed in front of it is always virtual, erected and For virtual image
diminished. Hence this mirror is convex mirror.
m =+ 2
As m = v or v = 2
u u
v = 2u ...(1)
1-1 = 1 ...(2)
v u f
Substituting (1) in (2)
1 -1 = 1
2u u 10

- 1 = 1
2u 10
u = - 5 cm
For real image, f = 10 cm, m =- 2
v = - 2 , v =- 2u
Convex mirrors are used in automobiles as a rear view u
mirror because of wider field of view and formation of 1-1 = 1
erect image. v u f
1 -1 = 1
60. The nature, size and position of image of an object - 2u u 10
produced by a lens or mirror are as shown below.
Identify the lens/ mirror (X) used in each case and - 3 = 1 or u = - 15 cm
2u 10
draw the corresponding complete ray diagram, (size
of the object about half of the image). 62. One half of a convex lens is covered with a black paper.
a. Show the formation of image of an object placed
at 2Fp of such covered lens with the help of ray
diagram. Mention the position and nature of
image.
b. Draw the fay diagram for same object at same
position in front of the same lens, but now
Ans : [CBSE 2016] uncovered. Will there be any difference in the
image obtained in the two cases? Give reason for
a. Convex lens when object is in between F and C your answer.
(2F).
Ans : [Delhi 2016]
a. If the lower half of the lens is covered even then it
will form a complete real, inverted image of same
size at C2(2F2) with reduced intensity of image.

b. Concave mirror when object is in between P and F

its enlarged, erected and virtual image is formed.

b. There will be no change in the nature and position

of the object except in later case the image will
be brighter.

63. What is meant by power of a lens? Write its SI unit. A

student uses a lens of focal length 40 cm and another
of - 20 cm. Write the nature and power of each lens.
61. (a) Calculate the distance at which an object should Ans : [CBSE 2017,2018]
be placed in front of a convex lens of focal length
Power of lens is the ability of a lens to converge or
10 cm to obtain a virtual image of double its size.
diverge light rays passing through it. It is the reciprocal
(b) In the above given case, find the magnification,
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

of the focal length. v = 60 cm

S.I. Unit: If focal length is measured in metre then
m = hi = v & hi = 60
unit of power of a lens is Dioptre (D) ho u 4 ^- 30h
P = 1 ^D h hi =- 8 cm
f
Power of first lens: Focal length=+40 cm. Focal length Ratio = hi /ho is approximately 2:1
is positive hence it is a convex lens.
66. (a) Define real image of an object.
P1 =+ 100 =+ 100 = + 2.5 D (b) Name the mirror that:
f ^cmh 40 cm - can give real as well as virtual image of an
Power of second lens object.
Focal length =- 20 cm - will always give virtual image of same size of
Its focal length is negative hence it is a concave lens. an object.
- will always give virtual and diminished image
f2 =- 20 m =- 1 m of an object.
100 5
- is used by a doctor in examining teeth,
P2 = 1 =- 5D (b) With the help of a ray diagram explain the use of
f2
concave mirror as solar concentrators.
64. State the laws of refraction of light. Explain the term Ans : [All India 2011]
‘absolute refractive index of a medium’ and write a. When the reflected rays after reflection actually
an expression to relate it with the speed of light in meet at a point then real image is formed.
vacuum. b. Concave mirror
Ans : [CBSE 2017] Plane mirror
Laws of refraction: Convex mirror
a. The incident ray, refracted ray and normal to the Concave mirror
point of incidence, all lie in the same plane. c. The rays coming from the sun are parallel to
b. The ratio of sine of incident angle and sine of principal axis and will concentrate at focus after
angle of refraction for a given pair of medium is reflection.
constant.
sin i =Constant
sin r
Absolute refractive index of a medium is the ratio
of speed of light in air or vacuum and speed of
light in the medium.
Absolute refractive index
67. Name the type of mirror used in the following:
speed of life in air/vacuum a. Solar furnace
=
speed of light in medium b. Side/rear - view mirror of a vehicle.
Draw a labelled ray diagram to show the formation of
FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS image in each of the above two cases.
Which of these mirrors could also form a magnified
and virtual image of an object? Illustrate with the
65. An object of height 4.0 cm is placed at a distance of
help of a ray diagram.
30 cm from the optical centre ‘O’ of a convex lens of
focal length 20 cm. Draw a ray diagram to find the Ans : [All India 2011,2015]
position and size of the image formed. Mark optical a. Concave mirror
centre ‘O’ and principal focus ‘F’ on the diagram. Also
find the approximate ratio of size of the image to the
size of the object.
Ans : [CBSE 2018]

Ray diagram: Position of O and F

b. Convex mirror

1 =1-1 & 1 =1- 1 Concave mirror form magnified virtual image of an

f v u 20 v ^- 30h object.
1 = 1 - 1 & 1 = 3-2
v 20 30 v 60
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

68. (a) A thin converging lens forms a

- Real magnified image. c. f =- 12 cm
- Virtual magnified image of an object placed u =- 6 cm
in front of it.
Write the positions of the objects in each case. v =?
(b) Draw labelled ray diagrams to show the image 1 = 1+1
formation in each case. f u v
(c) How will the following be affected on cutting this 1 = -1 + 1 = -1 + 2 = 1
lens into two halves along the principal axis? v 12 6 12 12
- Focal length
v = 12 cm
- Intensity of the image formed by half lens.
Ans : [All India 2011,2015] 70. (a) Define optical centre of a spherical lens.
a. When object is placed in between F and 2F(C) (b) You are given a convex lens of focal length 30 cm.
of a converging lens it will form a real magnified Where would you place an object to get a real,
image. inverted and highly enlarged image of the object?
Draw a ray diagram showing the image formation,
(c) A concave lens has a focal length of 20 cm. At
what distance an object should be placed so that
it forms an image at 15 cm away from the lens?
Ans : [All India 2011]
a. Mid point of a lens through which a ray of light
passes undeviated.
b. At f =+ 30 cm, because when object is kept at fin
case of a convex lens then its real, inverted and
highly enlarged image is formed
When object is placed in between F1 and optical
centre O of a converging lens, it will form a virtual
magnified image of the object.

b.

c. f =- 20 cm, v =- 15 cm, u = ?
c. When lens is cut along the principal axis its focal Lens formula
length remains same but intensity is reduced.
1-1 = 1
69. (a) Define principal focus of a spherical mirror.
v u f
(b) For what position of the object does a concave 1 -1 = 1
mirror form a real, inverted and diminished image - 15 u - 20
of the object? Draw the ray diagram.
(c) An object 4 cm high is placed at a distance of 6 - 1 = -1 + 1 = -3 + 4 = 1
u 20 15 60 60
cm in front of a concave mirror of focal length 12
u = - 60 cm
cm. Find the position of the image formed.
Ans : [All India 2011] 71. (a) Under what condition, a concave mirror produces
a. The point on the principal axis at which the light a virtual and magnified image? Draw a labelled
rays parallel to principal axis after reflection from ray diagram to show the formation of image in
a concave mirror actually meet or appear to come the above case. Also, state the position of object
from in convex mirror on the principal axis is to produce magnified and real image.
called principal focus. (b) A ray of light moving along principal axis is falling
b. In case of a concave mirror, when the object is on a concave mirror. Draw the path of reflected
placed beyond 2F(C) then image formed is real, ray. Also, state the values of angle of incidence
inverted and diminished. and reflection in this case.
Ans : [All India 2011]
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

a. A concave mirror will produce a virtual and a glass slab, it is observed that a ray of light
magnified image of the object if placed in between undergoing refraction emerges parallel to the
F and pole of the mirror. direction of incident ray. Why does it happen so?
Explain with the help of a diagram.
Ans : [All India 2011]
a. By holding concave mirror, focus the reflected
light incident on the mirror on a sheet of paper.
The distance between paper sheet and mirror
will give the approximate value of focal length of
concave mirror.
Real and magnified image will be formed if the b. Size of image reduces
object is placed in between 2F ^C h and F in front
of a concave mirror.
b. Ray of light moving along the principal axis will
retraces it path because incident angle +i =
reflected angle +r = 0 .

72. Which lens can be used as a magnifying glass? For

which position of object does a convex lens form:
a. a virtual and erect image?
b. a real and inverted image of same size as that of
object? Draw labelled ray diagrams to show the
formation of the required image in each of the c. The opposite faces of rectangular glass slab AB
above two cases. and DC are parallel and extent of bending on
Ans : [All India 2011] opposite faces is equal and opposite+i = +e .
A convex lens of shorter focal length is used as a Hence incident ray is parallel to emergent ray.
magnifying lens (glass).
74. (a) The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. What is
a. A virtual and erect image in a convex lens is
the meaning of this statement?
formed when object is placed in between F and
(b) Redraw the diagram given below in your answer
O.
book and complete the path of ray.

b. A real and inverted image of same size as that

of an object is formed by a convex lens when the
object is placed at 2F ^C h .

(c) What is the difference between virtual images

produced by concave, plane and convex mirrors?
(d) What does the negative sign in the value of
magnification produced by a mirror indicates
73. (a) Describe an activity to find the approximate value about a image?
of focal length of a concave mirror.
Ans : [All India 2012]
(b) What happens to the size of the image of an
object when it is moved gradually away from a a. The refractive index of diamond is 2.42 means
concave mirror? that speed of light in diamond is (1/2.42) times
(c) In an experiment to study refraction through the speed of light in air.
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction
c = 2.42 or v = c
v 2.42
iii.

b.

iv.

76. (a) Draw a ray diagram in each of the following cases

c. to show the position and nature of the image
formed when object is placed:
(i) between focus and centre of curvature of a
concave mirror.
(ii) between focus and pole of a concave mirror.
Concave Convex mirror Plane
(iii) between centre of curvature and infinity for a
mirror mirror
concave mirror.
Virtual is magnified smaller in size same size (b) (i) Give mathematical formulae for determining
image as that of magnification produced by a spherical mirror.
object (ii) What does m = - 1 signify? Identify the
d. negative magnification produced by a mirror mirror that can produce it.
mean image is real. Ans : [All India 2012]
a.
75. (a) Write one use of concave mirror as well as convex
mirror.
(b) Draw ray diagrams for the following cases when a
ray of light:
(i) passing through centre of curvature of a i.
concave mirror is incident on it.
(ii) parallel to principal axis is incident on convex
minor.
(iii) is incident at the pole of a convex mirror.
(iv) passing through focus of a concave mirror
incident on it.
ii.
Ans : [All India 2012]
a. Use of concave mirrors
(i) Head light of vehicles
(ii) Used by ENT doctors to focus the light
Use of convex mirror: Used as rear view mirrors
in vehicles.
iii.

i.

b. m =- 1
m = v =- 1
u
v =- u
(i) Size of image = Size of object
(ii) Minus sign mean that the image is real and
inverted. A concave mirror can produce it
ii. when object is kept at 2F ^C h .

77. Draw the ray diagram in each case to show the

position, nature of image formed when the object is
placed:
a. at the centre of curvature of a concave mirror
b. within focal length of a convex lens
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

c. between pole and focus of concave mirror n = sin i = constant

d. in front of concave lens sin r
e. in front of convex mirror (ii) Incident ray, normal to the point of incidence
Ans : [All India 2013] and refracted ray lie in the same plane.
a. 79. (a) Explain the following terms related to spherical
lenses:
(i) Optical centre
(ii) Centres of curvature
(iii) Principal axis
(iv) Aperture
(v) Principal focus
i.
(vi) Focal length
(b) A converging lens has focal length of 12 cm.
Calculate at what distance should the object be
placed from the lens so that , it forms an image at
48 cm on the other side of the lens.
Ans : [All India 2014]
a. See the key points in the beginning of this chapter.
ii.
b. f = + 12 cm,
v = + 48 cm
u =?
Lens formula
1-1 = 1
iii. v u f
1 - 1 = 1 or 1 = 1 - 1
48 u 12 u 48 12
or u = - 16 cm

80. Draw a labelled ray diagram to locate the image of an

object formed by a convex lens of focal length 20 cm
when the object is placed 30 cm away from the lens.
Ans : [All India 2015]
iv. f = 20 cm,
u =- 30 cm
v =?
Lens formula, 1 - 1 = 1
v u f
v. 1- 1 = 1
v ^- 30h 20
78. (a) A converging lens forms a real and inverted image 1 = 1 - 1 & v = 60 cm
of an object at a distance of 100 cm from it. v 20 30
Where should an object be placed in front of the f = 20 cm
lens, so that the size of the image is twice the size
R = 40 cm,
of the object? Also, calculate the power of a lens.
(b) State laws of refraction. u = 30 cm
Object is placed in between F and C ^2F h image is
Ans : [All India 2014]
formed beyond 2F ^C h enlarged image.
(a) v =+ 100 cm
m =+ 2
m = v = 100 = 50 cm
2 2

Lens formula, 1 =1-1 = 1 - 1 = 3

f v u 100 ^- 50h 100

f = 100 cm = 1 m
3 3

P = 1 =+ 3D 81. An object is situated at 8 cm from a convex lens of

f
(b) (i) Snell’s law focal length 10 cm. Find the position and nature of
image. Draw ray diagram to illustrate the formation
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

of image (not to scale). hl = 60 # 4

Ans : [All India 2015] 15
hl = 16 cm
u =- 8 cm
f =+ 10 cm 83. (a) Define absolute refractive index.
(b) The path of a light ray from three different media
Lens formula, 1 - 1 = 1 A, B and C for a given angle of incidence is
v u f
shown below. Study the diagrams and answer the
1- 1 = 1 following questions:
v -8 10
1 = 1 -1
v 10 8
1 = 4 - 5 = -1
v 40 40
v =- 40 cm
Virtual, erected and magnified image

82. One half of a convex lens of focal length 10 cm is

covered with a black paper. Can such a lens produce
an image of a complete object placed at a distance of
30 cm from the lens? Draw a ray diagram to justify
your answer.
(i) Which of the three media A, B or C has
A 4 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the
maximum optical density?
principal axis of a convex lens of focal length 20 cm.
(ii) Through which of the three media, will the
The distance of the object from the lens is 15 cm. Find
speed of light be maximum?
the nature, position and size of the image.
(iii) Will the light travelling from A to B bend
Ans : [All India 2015] towards or away from the normal?
Yes, the lens will produce a complete image but (iv) Will the refractive index of B relative to C be
brightness of image will be reduced more than unity or less than unity?
Ans : [All India 2015]
(a) Absolute refractive index of a medium is the ratio
of speed of light in air/vacuum to the speed of
light in medium.
(b) (i) Angle of refraction in medium C is minimum.
Hence medium C is maximum optical denser.
(ii) In least denser medium i.e. A the speed of
light will be maximum.
h = 4 cm (iii) Towards normal
(iv) Less than 1
u =- 15 cm
v =? 84. State the relation between object distance, image
distance and focal length of a concave or convex mirror.
f =+ 20 cm A concave mirror produces two times magnified real
hl = ? image of an object at 10 cm from it. Find the position
1-1 = 1 of the image.
v u f Ans : [CBSE 2016]
1- 1 = 1 For concave or convex mirrors the relation between
v - 15 20 u, v and f is given by
1 = 1 - 1 = 3 - 4 = -1 1+1 = 1
v 20 15 60 60 mirror formula,
v u f
m =- 2
v =- 60 cm
u =- 10 cm
Virtual, erect, hl = v & hl = ^- 60h
h u 4 ^- 15h m =- v = - 2 or v = 2u =- 20 cm
u
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

v =- 20 cm
1+ 1 = 1
85. (a) Write relation between u, v f for lenses and for u - 3u - 30
mirrors, where u, v f are object distance, image 2 =- 1
distance and focal length respectively. 3u 30
(b) The magnification produced by a concave mirror
is m =+ 4 . Write the information about the image u =- 20 cm
given by this statement. i.e. if the object is placed at a distance of 20 cm
(c) Draw a ray diagram for the following and show in front of mirror then virtual, an erected image is
the formation of the images in case of concave produced by the concave mirror.
mirror when the object is placed:
87. A 5 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the
(i) between the pole and focus point.
principal axis of a convex lens of focal length 20 cm.
(ii) at the centre of curvature.
The distance of the object from the lens is 30 cm.
Ans : [All India 2016] Find the
a. u, v and f reflection is given by lens formula a. position
1-1 = 1 b. nature
v u f c. size of the image formed.
1+1 = 1 Ans : [All India 2014]
Mirror formula,
v u f
Given, h = 5 cm
b. m =+ 4 of a concave mirror means virtual,
enlarged image is formed behind the mirror. u = - 30 cm
f = + 20 cm
c.
v =?
a. Lens formula 1-1 = 1
v u f
i.
1- 1 = 1
v ^- 30h 20
1 = 1 - 1 = 3-2 = 1
v 20 30 60 60
v = 60 cm
b. Nature of the image is real, inverted and magnified.
ii.
c. m = h2 = v
h1 u
h2 = 60
5 - 30
86. The focal length of a concave mirror is 30 cm. Find
h2 = - 10 cm
the position of the object in front of the mirror so that
the image is three times the size of the object. 88. An object 4 cm high is placed at a distance of 27 cm in
Ans : [All India 2016] front of a convex lens of focal length 18 cm. Find the
position, nature and size of the image formed.
f =- 30 cm, m =- 3
Ans : [All India 2013]
u =?
a. For real image We have h1 = 4 cm
u =- 27 cm
m =- v =- 3
u
f =+ 18 cm
v = 3u v =?
Mirror formula, 1 =1+1 1 =1-1
f v u f v u
1 = 1 +1 1 =1+ 1
^- 30h 3u u 18 v 27
- 1 = 4 or u =- 40 cm 1 = 1 - 1
30 3u v 18 27
object must be 40 cm in front of mirror to get a real
inverted image by the concave mirror. v = + 54 cm
b. For virtual image m = h2 = v
h1 u
m =- v =+ 3
u h2 = 54
4 - 27
v =- 3u
h2 = - 8
From mirror formula 1 + 1 = 1 Size of image is 8 cm, - ve sign means image is real,
u v f
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction

inverted and 2 times magnified. v = 10 cm

89. An object 5 cm high is kept 25 cm away from a m = - v = - 10 = 2

u - 15 3
converging lens (convex lens) of focal length 10 cm.
What is nature, position and the size of the image? 91. A point object is placed at a distance of 12 cm from a
Ans : [All India 2016] convex lens on its principal axis. Its image is formed
on the other side of the lens at a distance of 18 cm
Given: h1 = 5 cm (height of object) from the lens. Find the focal length of the lens. Is the
u =- 25 cm image magnified? Justify your answer.
f =+ 10 cm Ans : [All India 2011]
v =? Here, u =- 12 cm
Lens formula v = 18 cm
1-1 = 1 f =?
v u f
1 =1-1 = 1 - 1 = 1 + 1
1- 1 = 1 f v u 18 - 12 18 12
v ^- 25h 10
1 = 1 - 1 = 5-2 = 3 = 2+3 = 5
36 36
v 10 25 50 50
f = 36 cm = 7.2 cm
v = 50 cm = 16.7 cm 5
3
m = v = 18 = - 1.5
Size of image, m = h2 = v u - 12
h1 u
m =- 1.5 means the image is magnified
h2 = 16.7
5 - 25 92. (a) Two lenses have power of (i) + 2D (ii) - 4D .
What is the nature and focal length of each lens?
h2 =- 16.7 =- 3.3 cm
5 (b) An object is kept at a distance of 100 cm for a lens
Image is real, smaller in size, inverted at a distance of of power - 4D . Calculate image distance.
16.7 cm from the lens. Ans : [All India 2012]

(a) (i) P1 =+ 2D
f1 = 1 = 1 m
P1 2
f1 = 50 cm
Lens is convex lens.
(ii) P2 =- 4D
f2 = 1 = 1 m
P2 -4
f2 =- 25 cm
Lens is concave lens.
b. For the lens of power P = - 4D , we have
f =- 25 cm, u = - 100 cm
90. An object is placed 15 cm from a convex mirror of Lens formula, 1-1 = 1
v u f
radius of curvature 60 cm. Find the position of image
and its magnification. 1- 1 = 1
v ^- 100h - 25
Ans : [All India 2016]
1 =- 1 - 1 = - 5
Here, u =- 15 cm v 25 100 100
R =+ 60 cm v =- 20 cm
f = R =+ 30 cm 93. A 4.5 cm needle is placed 12 cm away from a convex
2
mirror of focal length 15 cm. Give the location of the
v =? image and its magnification.
m =? Ans : [All India 2016]
Mirror formula, 1 =1+1
f v u h1 = 4.5 cm, u = - 12 cm
1 =1- 1 f =+ 15 cm, v = ?
30 v 15 1+1 = 1
Mirror formula,
1 = 1 + 1 = 1+2 = 3 v u f
v 30 15 30 30
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction
1+ 1 = 1
v - 12 15 The position of screen must be 37.5 cm from the
mirror.
1 = 9
v 60 m = h2 =- v
h1 u
v = 60 = 6.7 cm
9 h2 = ^- 37.5h
4.0 ^- 25h
m = h2 =- v
h1 u
h2 =- 37.5 # 4 = - 6 cm
25
h2 = - 6.7
4.5 ^- 12h Image is enlarged, inverted, real and same side of
object.
h 2 = + 6. 7 # 4. 5
12
96. The power of a lens is 2.5 dioptre. What is the focal
=+ 2.5 cm length and the type of lens?
Size of image is +2.5, virtual, erect and smaller behind Ans : [Delhi 2015]
the mirror.
P =+ 2.5 D
94. A convex mirror used on an automobile has 3 m
radius of curvature. If a bus is located at 5 m from f = 1 = 100 cm
P 2.5
this mirror, find the position, nature and size of the
image. f = 40 cm
Focal length is positive hence it is a convex lens.
Ans : [All India 2016]
97. A10 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the
We have R =+ 3 m
principal axis of a convex lens of focal length 30 cm.
f = R = 1.5 m The distance of the object from the lens is 20 cm. Find
2
the (i) position, (ii) nature and (iii) size of the image
u =- 5 m formed.
Mirror formula, Ans : [All India 2014]
I +1 =1 We have h1 = 10 cm
v u f
u =- 20 cm
I + 1 = 1
v ^- 5h 1. 5 f =+ 30 cm
I = 1 + 1 = 1 + .3 = 1.3 v =?
v 1. 5 5 1.5 1.5 1-1 = 1
Lens formula,
v u f
v = 15 = 1.15 m
13 1- 1 = 1
v - 20 30
m = h2 =- v =- 1.15 = 0.23
h1 u ^- 5h 1 = 1 - 1 = 2 - 3 = -1
i.e. image is virtual, erected and smaller in size behind v 30 20 60 60
the mirror. v =- 60 cm
95. An object, 4.0 cm in size, is placed 25.0 cm in front m = h2 = v
of a concave mirror of focal length 15.0 cm. At what h1 u
distance from the mirror should a screen be placed in h2 = - 60 = 3
order to obtain a sharp image? Find the nature and 10 - 20
the size of the image.
h2 =+ 30 cm
Ans : [All India 2016] Virtual, erect, enlarged image.
We have h1 = 4.0 cm 98. Find the position, nature and size of the image of an
u =- 25 cm object 3 cm high placed at a distance of 9 cm from a
f =- 15.0 cm concave mirror of focal length 18 cm.
Ans : [All India 2004]
v =?
h2 = ? h1 = 3 cm
u =- 9 cm
From mirror formula, 1 + 1 = 1
v u f
f =- 18 cm
1+ 1 = 1
v ^- 25h - 15 v =?
Mirror formula, 1+1 = 1
1 =- 1 + 1 = - 5 + 3 = - 2 v u f
v 15 25 75 75
1+ 1 = 1
v = - 75 =- 37.5 cm v -9 - 18
2
Chap 10 : Light Reflaction and Refraction
1 = 1 +1 = 1 v = - 30 cm
v 18 9 18
^- 30h
m = h2 = - v & h2 =-
v = 18 cm h1 u 1 ^- 15h
m = h2 =- v h2 = - 2 cm
h1 u Image is real, inverted and 2 times larger.
h2 =- 18
3 ^- 9h 101. A 2.0 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the
principal axis of a convex lens of 1 focal length 10 cm.
h2 = 6 cm
The distance of the object from the lens is 15 cm. Find
Image is formed at a distance of 18 cm behind the
the position, nature and size of the image forms.
mirror which is erected, virtual and magnified image.
Ans : [All India 2013]
99. (a) A concave mirror produces three times enlarged
In convex lens, h1 = 2.0 cm
image of an object placed at 10 cm in front of it.
Calculate the focal length of the mirror. f = 10 cm
(b) Show the formation of the image with the help of u = - 15 cm
a ray diagram when object is placed 6 cm away
v =?
from the pole of a convex mirror.
Ans : [All India 2012] Lens formula, 1-1 = 1
v u f
(a) u =- 10 cm 1- 1 = 1
Let a real image is formed in concave mirror i.e., v ^- 15h 10

m =- v =- 3 1 = 1 - 1 = 1
u v 10 15 30
v = 3u v = 30 cm
v = 3 # 10 cm = 30 cm = h2 = v
1 =1+1 h1 u
Mirror formula,
f v u h2 = 30
1 = 1 + 1 2.0 - 15
f - 30 - 10 h2 =- 4 cm
1 =- 1 - 1 = - 4
f 30 10 30 Image is real, inverted and four times enlarged.

f = - 30 =- 7.5 cm
4
(b) When u =- 6 cm from pole of a convex mirror.
For convex mirror, the image will be virtual,
erected and smaller.

100. An object 1 cm tall is placed at a distance of 15 cm

from a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm. Find the
position, size and nature of the image formed.
Ans : [All India 2013]
In concave mirror
h1 = 1 cm
u =- 15 cm
f =- 10 cm
v =?
1+1 = 1
v u f
1+ 1 = 1
v - 15 - 10
1 - 1 + 1 =- 1
v 10 15 30