Previous Year Questions: Light - Reflection & Refraction

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: The refractive index of glass is 1.50. What is the meaning of this statement? (2021
C)
Ans. It gives us the idea about the speed of light in the air and in the glass. It means that
speed of light is 1.5 time more in air than the speed of light in the glass.

Q2: Define pole of a spherical mirror. (2020 C)

Ans. The pole of a spherical mirror define the geometrical center of the spherical surface of
the mirror. It is the center of reflecting surface of spherical mirror and lies on the surface of
spherical mirror.

Q3: What is the magnification of the images formed by plane mirrors and why? (Delhi
2015)
Ans. Magnification of images formed by plane mirrors is unity because for plane mirrors,
the size of the image formed is equal to that of the object.

Q4: What is meant by power of a lens? (Delhi 2015)

Ans: Power is the degree of convergence or divergence of light rays achieved by a lens.
It is defined as the reciprocal of its focal length. i.e, P = 1/f

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: The magnification produced when an object is placed at a distance of 20 cm from a
spherical mirror is +1/2. Where should the object be placed to reduce the magnification
to +1/3? (2023)
Ans. Here, object distance, u = -20 cm
Magnification, m = 1/2
Q2: Define the following terms in the context of a diverging mirror:
(i) Principal focus
(ii) Focal length
Draw a labelled ray diagram to illustrate your answer. (2023)
Ans. (i) Principal focus: It is the point on the principle axis where rays incident parallel to
the principal axis appear to diverge after reflection.
(ii) Focal length: The distance between the pole of mirror and the principal focus is called
focal length.

Q3: A student has focused the image of an object of height 3 cm on a white screen using
a concave mirror of focal length 12 cm. If the distance of the object from the mirror is
18 cm, find the values of the following:
(i) distance of the image from the mirror.
(ii) height of the image. (2023)
Ans. Given : h0 = 3 cm, f = -12 cm,
u = - 18 cm, v = ?, hi = ?
(i) Using mirror formula,

So, the distance of image from the mirror is 36 cm.

(ii)
So, the height of image is 6 cm.

Q4: The power of a lens is +4 D. Find the focal length of this lens. An object is placed at
a distance of 50 cm from the optical centre of this lens. State the nature and
magnification of the image formed by the lens and also draw a ray diagram to justify
your answer. (2023)
Ans. Given: Power, P = +4 D
Let focal length be f.

Now, u = -50 cm, f = 25 cm

As the object is placed at 2F, so image is also formed at 2F and of same size as that of object.
The image is real and inverted also.

∴ u = -ve, v = +ve and f = +ve

Q5: An object of height 10 cm is placed 25 cm away from the optical centre of a

converging lens of focal length 15 cm. Calculate the image-distance and height of the
image formed. (2023)
Ans. Given: ho = 10 cm, u = -25 cm, f = +15 cm

Height of image = 15 cm, image distance = 37.5 cm

Q6: Define power of a lens. The focal length of a lens is -10 cm. Write the nature of the
lens and find its power. If an object is placed at a distance of 20 cm from the optical
centre of this lens, according to the New Cartesian Sign Convention, what will be the
sign of magnification in this case? (2023)
Ans. The ability of a lens to converge or diverge the rays of light is called power of lens. It is
the reciprocal of focal length of lens.

Its Sl unit is dioptre.

If f = - 10 cm

So, lens is concave in nature.

u = - 20 cm, f = - 10 cm
As the object placed beyond F image is virtual and thus magnification is +ve.

Q7: (a) Water has refractive index 1.33 and alcohol has refractive index 1.36. Which of
the two medium is optically denser? Give reason for your answer.
(b) Draw a ray diagram to show the path of a ray of light passing obliquely from water
to alcohol.
(c) State the relationship between angle of incidence and angle of refraction in the
above case. (2020)
Ans. (a) Here, alcohol is optically denser medium as its refractive index is higher than that
of water. When we compare the two media, the one with larger refractive index is called the
optically denser medium than the other as the speed of light is lower in this medium.
(b) Since light is travelling from water (rarer medium) to alcohol (denser medium), it slows
down and bends towards the normal.

where i = angle of incidence and r = angle of refraction.

(c) According to Snell's law,

∴ sin i = 1.0225 x sin r

Q8: The refractive index of a medium 'x' with respect to a medium 'y' is 2/3 and the
refractive index of medium 'y' with respect to medium 'z' is 4/3. Find the refractive
index of medium 'z' with respect to medium 'x'. If the speed of light in medium 'x' is 3 x
108 m s-1, calculate the speed of light in medium 'y. (2020)
Ans: Given, refractive index of medium x with respect to y,

Refractive index of medium y with respect to z,

∴ Refractive index of medium x with respect to z,

∴ Refractive index of medium z with respect to x,

Now speed of light in x = 3 × 108 m/s

Speed of light in y, vy = ?

∵
 Q9: Study the ray diagram given below and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Is the type of lens used converging or diverging?

(b) List three characteristics of the image formed.
(c) In which position of the object will the magnification be - 1? (2020 C)
Ans. (a) We have used a converging lens.
(b) The characteristics of the image formed:
(i) It is real.
(ii) It is inverted
(iii) It is enlarged.
(c) We get the magnification of object, m = - 1 at the position 2F1.

Q10: How far should an object be placed from a convex lens of focal length 20 cm to
obtain its real image at a distance of 30 cm from the lens? Determine the height of the
image if the object is 4 cm tall. (2019 C)
Ans. Focal length of convex lens (f) = 20 cm
Real image formed at a distance, (v) = 30 cm
Height of image (h1) = 4 cm
Let the object distance be u.

Lens formula, ; u = - 60 cm.

From,
Hence, height of image of object is 2 cm.

Q11: State laws of reflection of light. List four characteristics of the image formed by a
plane mirror. [CBSE 2011,2015,2019]
Ans. The laws of reflection of light state that:
 The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence
all lie in the same plane.
 The angle of incidence (i) is always equal to the angle of reflection (∠r) i.e. ∠i = ∠r

Characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror

 Image formed in a plane mirror is virtual and erect.
 It is the same size as the object.
 The image formed is laterally inverted.
 The image formed is at same distance behind the mirror as object is in front of mirror.
Q12: A student, holding a mirror in his hand, directed the reflecting surface of the
mirror towards the sun. He then directed the reflected light on to a sheet of paper held
close to the mirror.
(a) What should he do to burn the paper?
(b) Which type of mirror does he use?
(c) Will he be able to determine the approximate value of focal length of this mirror
from this activity ? Give reason and draw ray diagram to justify your answer in this
case. [CBSE 2019]
Ans.
(a) The student should adjust the distance between the mirror and the paper so that solar rays
are sharply focussed on the paper.
(b) The mirror is a concave mirror.
(c) The student can find the approximate focal length by measuring the distance between the
paper and the mirror.

As shown in Fig. 10.29, parallel rays from the sun are focussed on the paper at point A' in
focal plane of mirror such that PB' = f.

Q13: A concave mirror has a focal length of 20 cm. At what distance from the mirror
should a 4 cm tall object be placed so that it forms an image at a distance of 30 cm from
the mirror ? Also calculate the size of the image formed. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. As per question, focal length of concave mirror f = — 20 cm, height of object h = + 4
cm and distance of image v = 30 cm.
Following two cases may arise here :
Case I: I f the image form ed is real then v - — 30 cm and so from mirror

formula
we have

and

So the object be placed 60 cm in front of mirror and image is an inverted image of size 2 cm.
Case II: If the image formed is virtual then v - + 30 cm and now

and

So the object is placed at 12 cm in front of mirror and image is an erect image of height 10
cm.
Q14: A 10 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a convex lens of
focal length 12 cm. The distance of the object from the lens is 18 cm. Find the nature,
position and size of the image. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. As per question f = + 12 cm, u = - 18 cm and h = + 10 cm

As per lens form

we have

The image is formed on opposite side of lens at a distance of 36 cm from it. The image is a
real and inverted image.

Moreover, magnification

So, the size of image is 20 cm tall and is formed below the principal axis.

Q15: A 5 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a convex lens of
focal length 20 cm. The distance of the object from the lens is 30 cm. Find the (i)
position, (ii) nature, and (iii) size of the image formed. [CBSE 2004, 2006, 2014, 2019]
Ans. Here h - + 5 cm, f= + 20 cm, u = - 30 cm

(i) Using lens formula

we have

(ii) +ve sign of v means that image is being formed on the other side of lens i.e., the image is
a real image.

Q16: A real image, 2/3 rd of the size of an object, is formed by a convex lens when the 3
object is at a distance of 12 cm from it. Find the focal length of the lens. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. Here distance of the object from the lens u = - 12 cm and magnification of real image m
= -2/3
As per relation m = v/u , we have v = mu = (-2/3) x (-12) = +8 cm

So as per lens formula

we have
Q17: Draw a ray diagram to show refraction through a rectangular glass slab. How is
the emergent ray related to incident ray ? What is its lateral displacement ? [CBSE
2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019]
Ans. A ray diagram showing refraction through a rectangular glass slab has been shown in
adjoining Fig. 10.32.

The emergent ray GH is exactly parallel to the incident ray EFNM. It means that ∠r2 = ∠i1.
However, the emergent ray is laterally (side ways) displaced as compared to the original path
of light ray. In ray diagram, the lateral displacement is GN. Its value increases on increasing
the width of glass slab.

Q18: State the laws of refraction of light.

Explain the term absolute refractive index of a medium and write an expression to
relate it with the speed of light in vacuum. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. Two basic laws of refraction of light are :
(i) The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal to the separating surface at the point of
incidence, all lie in the same plane.
(ii) The ratio of sine of the angle of incidence (i) to the sine of angle of refraction (r) is a
constant. It is known as Snell‟s law. Thus, according to Snell‟s law
Sin i/sin r = a constant = n

Generally, the constant n is known as the absolute refractive index of given medium. Thus,
absolute refractive index of a medium is defined as the ratio of sine of angle of incidence of a
light ray in air (or vaccum) to the sine of angle of refraction of the ray in given medium.
Absolute refractive index of a medium is a unitless quantity and its value is one or greater
than one In terms of speed of fight, the absolute refractive index of a medium is defined as:
Absolute refractive index of a medium (re) = Speed of lieht in vacuum (or air) „ c / Speed of
light in given medium „ v‟
Q19: 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. [CBSE
2018]
Ans. The power (P) of a lens is defined as the reciprocal of its focal length (f) expressed in
metre.
Thus,

SI unit of power is dioptre (D), where 1 D = 1 m-1.

The focal length of lens used by one student, f1 = + 40 cm = + 0.4 m

∴ The lens is a convex lens and the power of lens

Again the focal length o f lens used by another student, f2 = - 20 cm = - 0.2 m

∴ The lens is a concave lens and the power of lens

Q20: 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. [CBSE
2018]
Ans. Power of a Lens: The ability of a lens to converge or diverge the ray of light after
refraction, is called power (P) of the lens. It is defined as the reciprocal of the focal length,
i.e. P = 1/f.
The SI unit of power of a lens is „dioptre‟. A lens of focal length 100 cm has a power of 1
dioptre = 1 m-1.
Given: fA = + 40 cm = 0.4 m, fB = -20 cm

Hence, the nature of lens A is convex with power + 2.5D and lens B is concave with power-
5D.

Q21: What is mean by power of lens? You have three lenses L1, L2 and L3 of power +10
D, +5 D and - 10 D respectively. State the nature and focal length of each lens. Explain
which of the three lenss will from a virtual and magnified image of an object placed at
15 cm from the lens. Draw the ray diagram in support of your answer. [CBSE Sample
Paper 2018]
Ans. Power of lens: It is the degree of convergence or divergence of light rays after
refraction through a spherical lens is called power of lens. It is the reciprocal of its focal
length.
= + 20 cm (convex lens)

When object is placed between focus and optical centre of convex lens, virtual erect and
magnified image is formed on the same side of the lens.
Hence, for the object distance of 15 cm, lens L2 will form the same.

Q22: We wish to obtain an equal sized inverted image of a candle flame on a screen
kept at distance of 4 m from the candle flame.
(a) Name the type of lens that should be used.
(b) What should be the focal length of the lens and at what distance from the candle
flame te lens be placed.
(c) Draw a labelled diagram to show the image formation in this case. [CBSC 2018 C]
Ans. (a) Convex lens.
(b) 2 F = 4 ⇒ f = 2 m
Distance of candle flame from the lens = 4 m.

Q23: If the image formed by a mirror for all positions o f the object placed in front of it
is always erect and diminished, what type of mirror is it ? Draw a ray diagram to
justify your answer. Where and why do we generally use this type of mirror ? [CBSE
2015,2017]
Ans. Only a convex mirror always form an erect and diminished image behind the mirror
between its pole and focus point for all positions of the object placed in front of the mirror.

A ray diagram showing the image formation of an object AB is shown here.

A convex mirror is used as a rear view mirror in automobiles because it gives erect and
diminished images of vehicles coming from behind. As a result, it helps the driver in having
a much wider field of view.
Q24: An object 4 cm in height, is placed at 15 cm in front of a concave mirror of focal
length 10 cm. At what distance from the mirror should a screen be placed to obtain a
sharp image of the object. Calculate the height of the image. [CBSE 2017]
Ans. Here distance of object u = — 15 cm, height of object h = + 4 cm and the focal length
of concave mirror f = - 10 cm.

As per mirror formula

we have

Thus, a screen be placed infront of mirror at a distance of 30 cm from it.

∴
Thus, image is an inverted image of height 8 cm.

Q25: An object is placed at a distance of 30 cm from a concave lens of focal length 15

cm. List four characteristics (nature, position, etc.) of the image formed by the
lens. [CBSE 2017]
Ans.
(a) The image o f given object formed by the given concave lens is
(i) virtual
(ii) erect
(iii) diminished in size
(iv) is formed on same side of lens at a distance less than 15 cm from the lens.

Q26: Write two different uses of concave mirror. [Delhi 2017 C]

Ans. (i) In solar furnace
(ii) In shaving mirror.

Q27: Define power of a lens. [AI 2017 C]

Ans. The ability of lens to converge or diverge the ray of light is called power of lens. It is
equal to the reciprocal of focal length, i.e. P = 1/f

Q28: The magnification of an image formed by a lens is -1. If the distance of the image
from the optical centre of the lens is 25 cm, where is the object placed? Find the nature
and focal length of the lens. If the object is displaced 15 cm towards the optical centre
of the lens, where would the image be formed? Draw a ray diagram to justify your
answer. [Foreign 2017]
Ans.For real image, m = - 1
Therefore, m = v/u = -1
or u = -v, v = -u, - u = v = — 25
Using lens formula,
Thus, the positive focal length shows that the given lens is a convex lens of focal length 12.5
cm. If the object is now displaced 15 cm towards the optical centre of the lens i.e, object is
now placed at a distance of 25 - 15 = 10 cm from the optical centre.
Therefore u = - 10 cm , and f = +12.5 cm.
Using lens formula again,

or

v = -50
So, in this case, virtual image is formed on the same side of the object at a distance of 50 cm
from the optical centre o f the lens as shown in figure

Q29: If the image formed by a lens for all positions of an object placed in front of it is
always erect and diminished, what is the nature of this lens? Draw a ray diagram to
justify your answer. If the numerical value of the power of this lens is 10 D, what is its
focal length in the Cartesian system? [AI 2017]
Ans. It is a concave or diverging lens.
Or
f = -10cm.

Q30: Define the term magnification as referred to spherical mirrors. If a concave

mirror forms a real image 40 cm from the mirror, when the object is placed at a
distance of 20 cm from its pole, find the focal length of the mirror. [Delhi 2017 C]
Ans. Magnification of spherical mirror (m): It is equal to the ratio of size (height) o f the
image to the size (height) of the object. Thus,

Given: For concave mirror u = - 20 cm,

v = - 40 cm,
Using mirror equation,

or

Q31: State Snell's law of refraction of light. Express it mathematically. Write the
relationship between absolute efractive index of a medium and speed of light in
vacuum. [AI 2017 C]
Ans. Snell‟s law: The ratio of sine of angle of incidence (i.e. sin i) to the sine of angle of
refraction (i.e. sin r) is always constant for the light of given colour and for the given pair of
media.
Mathematically, sin i/ sin r = constant = n21
The constant n21 is called refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first
medium.
Absolute refractive index of the medium is given by

Q32: Complete the following diagram [Fig. 10.12]: [CBSE 2011,2013,2016]

Ans. The completed diagram is as given above in Fig. 10.13.

Q33: Define optical centre of a spherical lens. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Optical centre of a spherical lens is a point on its principal axis, a ray of light passing
through which goes undeviated along its path after refraction.

Q34: Define a lens. [CBSE 2015,2016]

Ans. A lens is a transparent optical device that is designed to direct light in order to focus or
diverge it, thereby forming images of objects. Lenses are commonly made from glass or
other transparent materials and have curved surfaces that are shaped in specific ways to
control the behavior of light as it passes through them.

Q35: Draw the following diagram [Fig. 10.22], in which a ray of light is incident on a
concave/convex mirror, on your answer sheet. Show the path of this ray, after
reflection, in each case. [CBSE 2011, 2012, 2014,2016]

Ans. The diagrams have been drawn and path of rays after reflection have been shown:

Q36: State two positions in which a concave mirror produces a magnified image of a
given object. List two differences between the two images. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Two positions in which a concave mirror produces a magnified image are :
(i) When an object is placed between focus point F and centre of curvature C of the mirror.
For this position the image is real, inverted and magnified, and the image is formed beyond
centre of curvature of the mirror.
(ii) When an object is placed between pole P and focus point F of the mirror. For this
position the image is virtual, erect and magnified and the image is formed behind the mirror.

Q37: It is desired to obtain an erect image of an object, using concave mirror of focal
length of 12 cm.
(i) What should be the range of distance of an object placed in front o f the mirror?
(ii) Will the image be smaller or larger than the object ? Draw ray diagram to show the
formation of image in this case.
(iii) Where will the image of this object be, if it is placed 24 cm in front of the mirror?
Draw ray diagram for this situation also to justify your answer. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. It is given that focal length of concave mirror is 12 cm.
(i) To obtain an erect image of an object by this mirror, the object should be placed in front
of the mirror between its pole and focus point, that is |u| < 1 2 cm.
(ii) The image is larger than the object. The ray diagram has been shown in Fig. 10.25.
(iii) If object be placed at 24 cm in front of the mirror then it means that the object is situated
at the centre of curvature [ ∵ | u | = 24 cm = 2f - 2 x 12 cm = R ] C of the given mirror.
Hence as shown in Fig. 10.24 the real, inverted image of same size is formed at centre of
curvature C itself [ |v| - 24 cm].

Q38: (a) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of image by a convex lens when an
object is placed in front of the lens between its optical centre and principal focus.
(b) In the above ray diagram mark the object-distance (u) and the imagedistance (v)
with their proper signs (+ve or -ve as per the new Cartesian sign convention) and state
how these distances are related to the focal length (f) of the convex lens in this
case. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. (a) The ray diagram is as shown in Fig. 10.37.

(b) The object distance 'u', the image distance 'v' and the focal length 'f' of the convex lens
are correlated as per relation :

While applying this formula we must specify +ve or -ve signs of u, v and f as per new
Cartesian sign convention being followed.

Q39: Find the power of a convex lens which forms a real, and inverted image of
magnification -1 of an object placed at a distance of 20 cm from its optical
centre. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Here u = - 20 cm and magnification m = - 1 for real and inverted image
∵ m = v/u, hence v = mu =(-1) x(-20) = + 20 cm

∴
⇒ f= 10 cm = 0.1 m

∴ Power of convex lens P =

Q40: A divergent lens has a focal length of 20 cm. At what distance should an object of
height 4 cm from the optical centre of the lens be placed so that its image is formed 10
cm away from the lens. Find the size of the image also. Draw a ray diagram to show the
formation of image in above situation. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Here focal length of given divergent (concave) lens f = - 20 cm, height of the object h =
+ 4 cm and distance of image from the lens v = 10 cm. As the image formed by a concave
lens is always virtual and erect, hence as per sign convention u = - 10 cm.

As per lens formul

we have

∴
⇒ u = -20 cm
Thus, the object is placed at a distance 20 cm from the lens.
Moreover

A ray diagram to show the formation of image is given here in Fig. 10.39.

Q41: The image of an object formed by a mirror is real, inverted and is of

magnification -1. If the image is at a distance of 40 cm from the mirror, where is the
object placed? Where would the image be if the object is moved 20 cm towards the
mirror? State reason and also draw ray diagram for the new position of the object to
justify your answer. [AI 2016]
Ans. Given: Magnification of spherical mirror = -1, Image
distance, v = -40 cm
Magnification, m = -v/u

⇒
Therefore, the object is placed at a distance of 40 cm in front of the spherical mirror.
Case I: when u = -40 cm and v = -40 cm,
Using mirror formula, we get

⇒
⇒
Hence the focal length of the mirror is 20 cm, and the negative focal length shows that it is a
concave mirror.
The new position of the object when it moves 20 cm towards the concave mirror, u‟ = - ( 4 0
- 20) = -20 cm.
Case II: u‟ = - 20 Cm, f = - 20 cm, v =?

From mirror formula,

⇒
Thus, the image is formed at infinity.
Hence when the object is moved 20 cm towards the mirror, a real, inverted and highly
enlarged image is formed at infinity.

Q42: If the image formed by mirror for all positions of the object placed in front of it is
always virtual and diminished, state the type of the mirror. Draw a ray diagram in
support of your answer. Where are such mirrors commonly used and why? [AI 2015,
Foreign 2016]
Ans. Convex Mirror
A convex mirror is commonly used as a rear-view mirror in vehicles because it always
produces a virtual and erect image whose size is smaller than the object. Therefore, it enables
the driver to see a wide field of view of the traffic behind the vehicle in a small mirror.

Q43: If the image formed by a lens for all positions of the object placed in front of it is
always virtual, erect and diminished, state the type of the lens. Draw a ray diagram in
support of your answer. If the numerical value of focal length of such a lens is 20 cm,
find its power in new cartesian sign conventions. [Foreign 2016]
Ans. Concave lens
(i) When an object is placed at infinity.
(ii) When an object is placed between F1 and 2 F1 .

Thus, from the above figures, it is clear that whatever be the position of the object in front of
a concave lens, the image formed is always virtual, erect and diminished.
The power of the given lens is calculated as

⇒R=-5D

Q44: Name the mirror that is used by a dentist in examining teeth. [CBSE 2012,2015]
Ans. Dentist uses a concave mirror to See large images of the teeth of patients.

Q45: What is lateral displacement of a light ray passing through a glass slab? [CBSE
2014,2015]
Ans. The shifting of the light ray sideways (though in the direction of original ray) on
emergence from a rectangular glass slab is called “lateral displacement”.

Q46: Define power of a lens and write its SI unit. [CBSE 2011,2012,2015]
Ans. Reciprocal of focal length of a lens, expressed in metre, is called the power of that lens.
Its SI unit is 1 dioptre (1 D), where 1 D = 1 m-1.

Q47: Name the lens which can be used as a magnifying glass. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. A convex lens can be used as a magnifying glass so as to form magnified image of a
tiny object placed near it.

Q48: Which type of lens has a negative power ? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. A concave (diverging) lens has a negative power.

Q49: What is the difference between virtual image of an object formed by a convex lens
and that formed by a concave lens? [CBSE 2011,2015]
Ans. 'Virtual image formed by a convex lens is always magnified but that formed by a
concave lens is diminished one.

Q50: During its passage from one medium to another, where does a light ray change its
path? [CBSE 2006,2011,2015]
Ans. During its passage from one medium to another a light ray changes its path at the
boundary face separating the two media.

Q51: The power of a lens is + 5 D. Find its focal length in metres. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Focal length f = 1/P = +1/5 m = 0.2m

Q52: To construct a ray diagram we use two rays of light which are so chosen that it is
easy to determine their directions after reflection from the mirror. Choose these two
rays and state the path of these rays after reflection from a concave mirror. Use these
two rays to find the nature and position of the image of an object placed at a distance of
15 cm from a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm. [CBSE 2012, 2015]

Ans. The position of the image formed by a spherical mirror can be found by considering
following two rays:
(i) The ray incident parallel to the principal axis, after reflection, passes through the principal
focus of a concave mirror.
(ii) A ray passing through the centre of curvature in a concave mirror after reflection,
retraces its path.
The image formation is shown in the adjacent figure. Here for every 5 cm distance wc have 1
cm in the ray diagram. Here AB is the object and ATT is the real and inverted image formed
on the basis of above mentioned two rays.
Actual measurement shows that the image is formed 30 cm in front o f the concave m irror
i.e., v = 30 cm.

Q53: (a) Define optical centre of a lens. What happens when a ray of light passes
through the optical centre of lens?
(b) Define principal focus and focal length of a lens. Draw ray diagram to show the
position of principal focus of a lens. [CBSE2015]
Ans. (a) The optical centre of a thin lens is a point on its principal axis, a ray of light passing
through which goes straight without any bending (or deviation).
In Fig. 10.33, the point O is the optical centre.

(b) Principal focus of a lens is a point where a light beam incident parallel to the principal
axis of the lens, after refraction, actually converges to (in case of a convex lens) or diverges
from (in case of a concave lens). Since, a lens has two refracting surfaces, a lens has two
principal foci. F1 and F2 on either side of lens.
The distance of principal focus of a lens from its optical centre is called its focal length f.
Thus, f = OF1= OF2.

Q54: What is the magnification of the images formed by plane mirrors and why?
Ans. The magnification of the images formed by plane mirrors is 1 as the size of the image is
equal to the size of object.

Q55: A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on a screen 80 cm in front
of a mirror by keeping the candle flame at a distance of 20 cm from its pole.
(i) Which type of mirror should the student use?
(ii) Find the magnification of the image produced.
(iii) Find the distance between the object and its image.
(iv) Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation in this case and mark the
distance between the object and its image. [Foreign 2015]
Ans. (i) Concave mirror, as it forms a real image on the same side of the mirror.

(ii) Magnification, The negative sign in magnification shows that the

image formed is real and inverted.
(iii) Distance between the object and its image = 80 - 20 = 60 cm.

(iv) The focal length of the concave mirror is given by

∴ f= - 16 cm, R = 2f = - 32 cm
Since u = - 20 cm, it implies that the object lies between F and C, so image is formed beyond
the centre of curvature as shown below:

The image is real, inverted and enlarged.

Q56: Draw a ray diagram to show the path of the reflected ray in each of the following
cases. A ray of light incident on a convex mirror.
(a) strikes at its pole making an angle θ from the principal axis.
(b) is directed towards its principal focus.
(c) is parallel to its principal axis. [Foreign 2015]
Ans.

Q57: An object of height 5 cm is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a concave

lens of focal length 10 cm. If the distance of the object from the optical centre of the
lens is 20 cm, determine the position, nature and size of the image. [AI 2015]
Ans. Given: h0 = + 5 c m , f = - 10 cm, u = - 20 cm,
v =?, hi =?
Using lens formula,

⇒
∴
So, the image is formed on the same side of the object at a distance of 6.67 cm. The negative
sign indicates that the image is virtual.
Also |u|< |u| so the image is diminished.

∵
or

or

So, the image is virtual, erect, diminished and of size 1.66 cm.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: The ability of a medium to refract light is expressed in terms of its optical density.
Optical density has a definite connotation. It is not the same as mass density. On
comparing two media, the one with the large refractive index is optically denser
medium than the other. The other medium with a lower refractive index is optically
rarer. Also the speed of light through a given medium is inversely proportional to its
optical density.
(i) Determine the speed of light in diamond if the refractive index of diamond with
respect to vacuum is 2.42. Speed of light in vacuum is 3 × 108 m/s
(ii) Refractive indices of glass, water and carbon disulphide are 1.5, 1.33 and 1.62
respectively. If a ray of light is incident in these media at the same angle (say θ), then
write the increasing order of the angle of refraction in these media.
(iii) The speed of light in glass is 2 × 108 m/s and in water is 2.25 × 108 m/s
(a) Which one of the two is optically denser and why?
(b) A ray of light is incident normally at the water- glass interface when it enters a thick
glass container filled with water. What will happen to the path of the ray after entering
the glass? Give reason. (2023)

Ans.

According to Snell's law,

(a) The medium in which the speed is maximum, it is rarer and minimum it is denser.
So, glass is denser than water.
(b) A water is rarer than glass, so when a ray of light travels from rarer medium to denser
medium, the ray bends towards the normal.

Q2: Rishi went to a palmist to show his palm. The palmist used a special lens for this
purpose.
(i) State the nature of the lens and reason for its use.
(ii) Where should the palmist place/hold the lens so as to have a real and magnified
image of an object?
(iii) If the focal length of this lens is 10 cm, the lens is held at a distance of 5 cm from
the palm, use lens formula to find the position and size of the image. (2020)
Ans. (i) The lens used here is a convex lens and it is used as a magnifying glass because at
close range, i.e., when the object is placed between optical centre and principal focus it
forms an enlarged, virtual and erect image of the object.
(ii) When this lens is placed such that the object is between the centre of curvature and the
principal focus, the palmist obtain a real and magnified image.
(iii) Given, focal length, f = 10 cm and u = -5 cm According to lens formula,

∴
Thus, the image will be formed at 10 cm on the same side of the palm and the size of the
image will be enlarged.

Q3: An object is placed at a distance of 60 cm from a concave lens of focal length 30

cm.
(i) Use lens formula to find the distance of the image from the lens.
(ii) List four characteristics of the image (nature, position, size, erect/inverted) formed
by the lens in this case.
(iii) Draw ray diagram to justify your answer of part (ii). [Delhi 2019]
Ans. Given u = - 60 cm, f = - 30 cm
(i) Using lens formula,

∴
∴ v = -20 cm
(ii) Nature of image : Virtual
Position of image : Between optical centre and focus Of concave lens.
Size of image: Smaller than the object using

So size of image is is one third of the object.

Erect/inverted : Erect image
(iii)

Q4: (a) List four characteristics of the image formed by a convex lens when an object is
placed between its optical centre and principal focus.
(b) Size of the image of an object by a concave lens of focal length 20 cm is observed to
be reduced to 1/3 rd of its size. Find the distance of the object from the
lens. [CBSE2019]
Ans: (a) When an object is placed between the optical centre and principal focus of a convex
lens, the image formed is virtual, erect and enlarged. Moreover, the image is formed on the
same side of lens behind the object.
(b) Here magnification of given concave lens m = +1/3 and focal length of lens f = - 20 cm.
As per relation m = v/u for a lens, we get

Therefore, as per sign convention followed, both u and v are -ve.

Using lens formula we have

⇒
So the object is placed at a distance of 40 cm from the lens.

Q5: (a) What is the minimum number of rays required for locating the image formed
by a concave mirror for an object? Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of a
virtual image by a concave mirror.
(b) The linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is+3. Analyse this value
and state the (i) type o f mirror and (ii) position of the object with respect to the polerof
the mirror. Draw ray diagram to show the formation of image in this cased
(c) An object is placed at a distance of 30 cm in front of a convex mirror of focal length
15 cm. Write four characteristics of the image formed by the mirror. [Delhi 2017]
Ans. (a) Two rays are required.

(b) The linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is +3. It shows that the size of
image is three times the size of object, image is virtual and erect and formed behind the
mirror. Hence

(i) the mirror is a concave mirror, and

(ii) the object is placed betw een the pole and the focus of a concave mirror.
(c) The four characteristics of the image formed by the convex mirror are virtual, erect,
diminished and laterally inverted.

Q6: (a) To construct a ray diagram we use two rays which are so chosen that it is easy
to know their directions after reflection from the mirror. List two such rays and state
the path of these rays after reflection in case of concave mirrors. Use these two rays and
draw ray diagram to locate the image of an object placed between pole and focus of a
concave mirror.
(b) A concave m irror p roduces three times magnified image on a screen. If the object
is placed 20 cm in front of the mirror, how far is the screen from the object? [Delhi
2017]
Ans: (a) Rays which are chosen to construct a ray diagram for reflection are: O') A ray
parallel to the principal axis and 00 A ray passing through the centre of curvature of a
concave mirror.
Path of these light rays after reflection:
(i) It will pass through the principal focus of a concave mirror
(ii) It gets reflected back along the same path. When an object is placed between the pole and
the principal focus of a concave mirror, a virtual, erect and enlarged image is formed behind
the concave mirror as shown in the figure.

(b) Given: u = — 20 cm and m = 3

Magnification, m, is given by
∴v=-mxu
= - (- 3) (- 20 cm) = - 60 cm
Distance between the object and the screen is
= - 60 cm - (- 20 cm)
= - 40 cm.

Q7: Analyse the following observation table showing variation of image-distance (v)
with object distance (u) in case of a convex lens and answer the questions that follow,
without doing any calculations:

(a) What is the focal length of the convex lens? Give reason to justify your answer.
(b) Write the serial number of the observation which is not correct. On what basis have
you arrived at this conclusion?
(c) Select an appropriate scale and draw a ray diagram for the observation at S.No. 2.
Also find the approximate value of magnification. [AI 2017]
Ans: (a) The focal length of the convex lens is f = 20, Cm.
Reason: Objects at S.No. 3 indicates that u - -40 cm, v = +40 cm
Thus, object is at 2F.
Therefore, 2f - 40 cm ⇒ f= 20 cm
(b) Observation at S.No. 6 is not correct.
The value, w = - 15 cm, indicates that the object is in between the optical centre and the
focus (i.e., less than the focal length) of the lens and hence, the image should be on the same
side as the object. Accordingly, the image distance should be negative and cannot be positive
(+120 cm) as shown in table.
(c) Ray diagram for the observation at S.No. 2 : Given: u = - 60 cm; v =+30 cm; f= 20 cm
Q8: (a) If the image formed by a mirror for all positions of the object placed in front of
it is always diminished, erect and virtual, state the type of the mirror and also draw a
ray diagram to justify your answer. Write one use such mirrors are put to and why?
(b) Define the radius of curvature of spherical mirrors. Find the nature and focal
length of a spherical mirror whose radius of curvature is +24 cm. [Al 2017]
Ans: (a) Convex (diverging) mirror

view mirror.
Reason: (i) It always produces a virtual and erect image.
(ii) The size of image formed is smaller than the object.
Therefore, it enables the driver to see a wide field view of the traffic behind the vehicle in a
small mirror.
(b) Radius of Curvature: The separation between the pole and the centre of curvature or the
radius of the hollow sphere, of which the mirror is a part, is called radius of curvature (R),
i.e., PC = R.
Since focal length of the mirror is +24 cm. It indicates that nature of the given spherical
mirror is convex/diverging mirror.
As R = 2f = 24 cm
Therefore, f = +12 cm

Q9: (a) Draw labelled ray diagrams for each of the following cases to show the position,
nature and size of the image formed by a convex lens when the object is placed. (i)
between its optical centre (O) and principal focus (F)
(ii) between F and 2 F
(b) How will the nature and size of the image formed in the above two cases, (i) and (ii)
change, if the convex lens is replaced by a concave lens of same focal length? [Delhi
2017C]
Ans: A convex lens of focal length 'f' can form
(i) a magnified and erect image only when the object is placed between its focus 'F' and
optical centre „O‟ of the lens.

(ii) a magnified and inverted image when an object is placed in the following positions:
Between F1 and 2F1
(b) Whatever be the position o f object as given in case (i) and (ii),the image formed by the
concave lens is always virtual, erect and diminished.

Q10: State the laws that are followed when light is reflected by spherical mirrors. Daw
a ray diagram to show the formation of image of an object placed infront of a convex
mirror. List two characteristics of the image formed. Briefly explain one use of convex
mirror. [AI 2017C]
Ans: The two laws of reflection of light are:
(i) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
(ii) The incident ray, the normal to the reflecting surface at the point of incidence and the
reflected ray from that point, all lie in the same plane.
(i) Image formed is behind the mirror between pole (P) and focus (F).
(ii) Virtual, erect and diminished image is formed.

(ii) Rear-view mirror of vehicles: Convex mirror Convex mirror is used because it always
produces a virtual and erect image whose size is smaller than the object. Therefore, it enables
the driver to see wide field view of the traffic behind the vehicle in a small mirror.