CHAPTER -09- RAY OPTICS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

Laws of reflection
1.The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane.
2. Angle of incidence is equal to angle of reflection.
Difference between real and virtual images
1.Real image can be formed on a screen virtual image cannot be formed on a screen
2.Real images are inverted virtual images are erect and laterally inverted.
3.In real image the rays after reflection from the object meet at a point. In virtual images the rays
of light after reflection do not meet at a point but appear to diverge from a point.
Spherical mirrors.: A spherical mirror is reflecting surface which is the part of a sphere.
Types of mirrors
Concave mirror - Reflecting surface is curved inwards
Convex Mirror – Reflecting surface is curved outwards.
Plane mirror- Reflecting surface is Plane.
Centre of curvature(C). It is the centre of the sphere of which the mirror forms a part.
Radius of curvature(R). It is the radius of the sphere of which the mirror forms a part. The radius
of curvature of a plane mirror is infinity.
Pole(P) – Pole is the geometrical mid-point of the mirror.
Principal Axis – Principal axis is the straight line passing through the pole and centre of curvature
of the mirror.
Principal focus(f).
When a beam of light Parallel and close to the principal axis of a concave/convex mirror incident at
the mirror, after reflection from the mirror converges/ appear to diverge from a point on the
principal axis. This point is called the principal focus of the concave/ convex mirror.
The principal focus of concave mirror is real and that of convex mirror is virtual.

Focal length:
Focal length is the distance from the pole to the principal focus of the mirror.
Cartesian sign Convention
1. Object is placed on left side in front of the mirror.
2. All distances are measured from the pole of the mirror.
3. Distances measured in the same direction of the incident light are taken as positive and
distances measured in a direction opposite to the incident light are taken as negative.

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4. Heights measured perpendicular to the principal axis upwards are taken as positive and
distances measured perpendicular to the principal axis downward are takes as negative.

Mirror Formula
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
+ = where u – the object distance,
𝒖 𝒗 𝒇

v- image distance and f- the focal length

KEY POINTS
• For real objects the object distance(u) is negative and
for virtual objects the object distance (u) is positive.
• For real images the image distance (v) is negative
and for Virtual images image distance is positive.
• Focal length (f)of a concave mirror is negative and focal length of convex mirror is positive.
Rules for the formation of image
• A ray of light from the object parallel to the principal axis of concave/convex mirror, after
reflection form the mirror passes through principal focus/appear to diverge from principal
focus.

• A ray of light from the object passing through the centre of curvature of the mirror after
reflection retraces its path.

• A ray of light from the object passing through the principal focus of the mirror moves parallel
to the principal axis.

• A ray of light incident on the pole of the mirror is reflected from the pole obeying the laws of
reflection.

Any two of these rays are required for the formation of image.

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 Derivation of Mirror Formula
Consider a concave mirror of small aperture and radius
of curvature R. Let u- be the object distance, v- the
image distance and f- the focal length of the mirror
Triangles ABP and A’B’P are similar.
𝑨′𝑩′ 𝑨′𝑷
= ……………………………….(1)
𝑨𝑩 𝑨𝑷

Triangles FNE and A’B’F are similar,

𝑨′𝑩′ 𝑨′𝑭
= ------------------------------------(2)
𝑵𝑬 𝑭𝑵

NE= AB
𝑨′𝑩′ 𝑨′𝑭
∴ = ………………………….(3)
𝑨𝑩 𝑭𝑵
𝐀′𝐏 𝐀′𝐅
From equations (1) and (3) =
𝐀𝐏 𝐅𝐍

AP = -u , A’P = -v , FP = -f (Applying sign conventions)

A’F=A’P – FP (FP≈ 𝐍𝐅)
−𝐯 −𝐯 − (−𝐟)
=
−𝐮 −𝐟
𝒗 −𝒗+𝒇
= ⇒ −𝒗𝒇 = −𝒖𝒗 + 𝒖𝒇 dividing throughout by uvf we get
𝒖 −𝒇

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
− =− + ⇒ + =
𝒖 𝒇 𝒗 𝒗 𝒖 𝒇
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
+ =
𝒗 𝒖 𝒇
Refraction of light
When light passes from one medium to another medium of different optical density, it bends at
the surface of separation between the two media. This phenomenon is called refraction.
Key Points:
1. Optical density (refractive Index)
Optical density is the ratio of speeds of light in two different media.
Optical Density Versus Mass Density
Do not get confused with optical density and mass density. Both are different from each
other. While mass density is the ratio of mass per unit volume of a substance, optical density is
the ratio of speed of light in one medium to another. For example, turpentine is optically denser
than water as it has a greater refracting effect on light, but has a lower mass density than
water.
2. When light travels from one medium to another, the frequency of light does not change.
However, the velocity and the wavelength of light change. Frequency depends on the source of
light.
3. When a ray of light passes from rarer to denser medium it bends towards the normal

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 and ∠r<∠i. Angle of deviation, d = i –– r
4. When a ray of light passes from denser to rarer medium, it bends away from the normal
and ∠r>∠i. Angle of deviation d = r – i
5. A ray of light travelling along the normal passes undeflected.

Cause for Refraction of Light

When a ray of light changes its medium, the basic change that occurs is the change in its
wavelength. This change in the wavelength leads to the change in its velocity and the change
velocity is responsible for its deviation; and hence, refraction takes place.
Laws of refraction
1. The incident ray, refracted ray and the normal at the point of incidence all lie in the same
plane.
2. The ratio of sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is a constant for
a given pair of media. The constant is called the refractive index of the second medium with
respect to the first medium (the incident ray lies in the first medium). This law is called Snell’s
law of refraction
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐢
= 𝐧𝟐𝟏
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐫
where n21 is the refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first medium.
Note: Absolute refractive index
It is the ratio of speed of light in vacuum(c) to the speed of light in medium(v).
𝒄 𝝂𝝀𝟎
𝒏= ⟹𝒏=
𝒗 𝝂𝝀
𝝀𝟎
𝒏 = 𝝀 where λ0 wavelength of light in vacuum and λ wave length of light in the medium.
Relative refractive index
• It is the ratio of speeds of light in two different media.
𝐯
𝐧𝟐𝟏 = 𝐯𝟏 : n21 is the refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first medium. V1
𝟐
velocity of light in the first medium and v2 velocity of the light in the second medium.
𝒗
• 𝒏𝟏𝟐 = 𝒗𝟐: n12 is the refractive index of the first medium with respect to the second medium.
𝟏
PRINCIPLE OF REVERSIBILITY OF PATH
If a ray of light, after suffering any number of reflections or refractions has its path reversed at
any stage, it travels back to the source along the same path in the opposite direction. This is
called principle of reversibility.

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 Consider a ray of light traveling from the medium a
to b after retraction in the medium b is reflected
normally by the plane mirror.
𝒗𝟐 𝒗𝟏
𝒏𝒂𝒃 × 𝒏𝒃𝒂 = × =𝟏
𝒗𝟏 𝒗𝟐
𝟏
𝒏𝒃𝒂 =
𝒏𝒂𝒃
Refraction through a parallel sided glass slab –
lateral displacement
Consider a rectangular glass slab, as
shown in figure. A ray AE is incident
on the face PQ at an angle of
incidence i. On entering the glass slab,
it bends towards normal and travels
along EF at an angle of refraction r.
The refracted ray EF is incident on
face SR at an angle of incidence r’.
The emerged ray FD bends away
from the normal at an angle of
refraction e. The extend of bending on
both the faces PQ and SR are equal
and opposite.
Thus the emergent ray FD is parallel
to the incident rays AE, but it has
been laterally displaced with respect
to the incident ray. There is shift in the path of light on emerging from a refracting medium with
parallel faces.

Lateral shift(d):
Lateral shift is the perpendicular distance between the incident and emergent rays when light is
incident obliquely on a refracting slab with parallel faces.
Expression for lateral shift
Lt ‘t’ be the thickness of the glass slab, i - be the
angle of incidence and Δ𝑥 be the lateral
displacement.
From the right triangle APB,
𝑡 𝑡
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑟 = 𝐴𝐵 ⟹ 𝐴𝐵 = cos 𝑟
∆𝑥
From the right triangle BCA,𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑖 − 𝑟) = 𝐴𝐵
∆𝑥 = 𝐴𝐵 sin (𝑖 − 𝑟)
𝑡
∆𝑥 = cos 𝑟 sin (𝑖 − 𝑟)
Factors on which lateral shift depends are:
(i) Lateral shift is directly proportional to the thickness of glass slab.
(ii) Lateral shift is directly proportional to the incident angle.
(iii) Lateral shift is directly proportional to the refractive index of glass slab.
(iv) Lateral shift is inversely proportional to the wavelength of incident light.

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Real and Apparent depths
let O be a point object lying at the bottom of a tank containing water and I be its virtual image.
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒊
From Snell’s law of refraction, 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒓 = 𝒏𝒂𝒘
𝑨𝑩 𝑨𝑩
From triangles AOB&O’AB, 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒊 = 𝑶𝑩 and 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒓 = 𝑰𝑩
𝑨𝑩
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒊 𝑶𝑩 𝑰𝑩
= 𝑨𝑩 = 𝑶𝑩 = 𝒏𝒂𝒘
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒓
𝑰𝑩

But OB nearly equal to OA and IB nearly

equal to IA

𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒊 𝑰𝑨
∴ 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒓 = 𝑶𝑨 = 𝒏𝒂𝒘 IA = Apparent depth, OA
= real depth

𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒊 𝑰𝑨 1
∴ 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒓 = 𝑶𝑨 = 𝒏𝒂𝒘 but, 𝑛 = 𝑛𝑎𝑤
𝑤𝑎

𝑰𝑨 1 𝑂𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ
= 𝒏𝒂𝒘 = ⟹ 𝑛𝑤𝑎 = =
𝑶𝑨 𝑛𝑤𝑎 𝐼𝐴 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉
= 𝒏𝒘𝒂 = 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒙
𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉

Refraction at a convex spherical surface: Consider a convex refracting surface of Radius of

curvature R and small aperture. Let O be a point object placed at a distance u from the optic
centre and the image I is formed at a distance v from the optic centre.

𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒊 𝒏𝟐
From Snell’s law =
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒓 𝒏𝟏

Since the angles are small, 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒊 ≈ 𝒊 & 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒓 ≈ 𝒓 ⟹ 𝒏𝟏 × 𝒊 = 𝒏𝟐 × 𝒓 ---------------------(1)

From triangle OCN, 𝒊 = 𝜶 + 𝜸 & from triangle NCI, 𝜸 = 𝒓 + 𝜷

∴ 𝐧𝟏 × (𝛂 + 𝛄) = 𝐧𝟐 × (𝛄 − 𝛃)

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 𝑵𝑷
𝒏𝟏 𝜶 + 𝒏𝟐 𝜷 = (𝒏𝟐 − 𝒏𝟏 )𝜸 ------------------(2) From triangle ONP, 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝜶 ≈ 𝜶 = 𝑶𝑷

𝑵𝑷 𝑵𝑷
From triangle NPI, 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝜷 ≈ 𝜷 = & From triangle NPC, 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝜸 ≈ 𝜸 =
𝑰𝑷 𝑪𝑷

Substituting these values in equation (2) we get,

𝐍𝐏 𝐍𝐏 𝐍𝐏
𝐧𝟏 𝐎𝐏 + 𝐧𝟐 = (𝐧𝟐 − 𝐧𝟏 ) 𝐂𝐏
𝐈𝐏

Where OP = - u– Object distance (applying sign convention)

IP = v – Image distance & CP = R – Radius of curvature

𝐍𝐏 𝐍𝐏 𝐍𝐏
𝐧𝟏 + 𝐧𝟐 = (𝐧𝟐 − 𝐧𝟏 )
−𝐮 𝐯 𝐑

𝐧𝟐 𝐧𝟏 (𝐧𝟐 −𝐧𝟏 )
+ = This formula is applicable to both convex and concave refracting
𝐯 −𝐮 𝐑
surfaces.

Lens maker’s formula: Consider a thin convex lens of focal length f. Let a point object O be
placed at a distance of ‘u’ from the optic centre of the lens so that the image I be formed at a
distance of ‘v’ from the lens.

A ray of light from the point object incident on the first face of the lens, after refraction meets
the principal axis at a point (shown by dotted line). Another ray of light from the point object
passes straight through optic centre. when these two rays meet on the principal axis the image, I
is formed at distance v from the optic centre. The lens is made up of two refracting surfaces P1
and P2. Using the formula for refraction at the left convex surface(P1)

𝒏𝟐 𝒏𝟏 (𝒏𝟐 −𝒏𝟏 )
+ = ------------------------------(1)
𝒗′ −𝒖 𝑹𝟏

This Image I’ acts as the virtual object for refraction at the second face of the lens. The final
image is formed at distance v from the lens. For refraction at the second face, the incident ray
lies in the second medium of refractive index n2 and refracted ray lies in the first medium of
refractive index n1

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 𝒏𝟏 𝒏𝟐 (𝒏𝟏 −𝒏𝟐 )
− = ----------------------------(2)
𝒗 𝒗′ 𝑹𝟐

𝐧𝟏 𝐧 𝟏 𝟏
Adding equations (1) and (2) we get, − 𝐯𝟏′ = (𝐧𝟐 − 𝐧𝟏 ) {𝐑 − 𝐑 }
𝐯 𝟏 𝟐

𝟏 𝟏 𝐧𝟐 𝟏 𝟏
Dividing throughout by n1, we get − =( − 𝟏) { − }
𝐯 𝐮 𝐧𝟏 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐

1 1 1 1
− = (n21 − 1) { −
} When the object is at infinity, the image will be at the focus.
v u R1 R2
Then U=∞ and V= F and R2 is negative by sign convention
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
∴ = (𝒏𝟐𝟏 − 𝟏) { + } This equation is known as lens makers’ formula
𝒇 𝑹 𝑹 𝟏 𝟐

Equivalent focal length of a combination of two thin convex lenses: Consider two thin convex
lenses L1 & L2 of focal lengths f1 and f2 kept in
contact. Let an object O be placed at a
distance U from the First lens L1. It forms and
image I1 at a distance V1 on its other side.
This I1 image acts as virtual object for the
second lens L2 and the final image is formed at
distance V from the lens combination. Since
lenses are thin, the thickness of the lenses is
negligible. Applying thin Lens Formula for the
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Lens L1, − = ………... (1)
𝒗𝟏 𝒖 𝒇𝟏

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
For the lens L2, − = …………………. (2)
𝒗 𝒗𝟏 𝒇𝟐

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Adding these equations, we get − = +
𝒗 𝒖 𝒇𝟏 𝒇𝟐

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
If 'f’ is the equivalent focal length of the combination, then 𝒗 − 𝒖 = 𝒇

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
∴ = +
𝒇 𝒇𝟏 𝒇𝟐

Magnification of a lens combination:

If M1 and M2 are the magnifications of the individual lenses, then magnification of the lens
combination is 𝑴 = 𝒎𝟏 × 𝒎𝟐

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POWER OF A LENS: Power of a lens is defined as the reciprocal of focal length expressed in
meters. The unit of power of lens is dioptre. For convex lens power is positive and for concave
𝟏
lens power is negative. 𝑷 = 𝒇

One dioptre is the power of a lens of focal length one metre.

Power of lens combination: Power of a lens combination is equal to the algebraic sum of
individual powers

𝑷 = 𝑷𝟏 + 𝑷𝟐 + 𝑷𝟑 + ⋯ … … … … .. where P1, P2 ……. Are the powers of each lenses.

Refraction through Prism: Consider an

equilateral prism of angle A. let a ray of
light incident on the prism at an angle of
incidence i.

Figure shows the path of the ray of light

through the prism.

Let i1 the angle of incidence on the first

face, i2 the angle of emergence, r1 and r2
angles of refraction at the first face AB
and angle of incidence at the second
phase AC respectively.

From the quadrilateral APNQ,fc 3ew <

𝑨+< 𝑵 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 ……………. (1) Also,
from triangle PNQ, < 𝒓𝟏 +< 𝒓𝟐 +< 𝑵 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 ………… (2)

From equations (1) and (2) < 𝒓𝟏 +< 𝒓𝟐 +< 𝑵 =< 𝑨+< 𝑵

< 𝑨 =< 𝒓𝟏 +< 𝒓𝟐 ……………………. (3)

Angle of deviation: Angle of deviation (𝜹) is the angle between the emergent ray and the incident
ray produced.

From triangle MPQ, < 𝜹𝟏 +< 𝜹𝟐 =< 𝜹 (exterior angle = sum of the Interior Opposite angles)

∴ (< 𝒊𝟏 − 𝒓𝟏 ) + (< 𝒊𝟐 − 𝒓𝟐 ) =< 𝜹

(< 𝒊𝟏 + 𝒊𝟐 ) − (< 𝒓𝟏 + 𝒓𝟐 ) =< 𝜹 ………………(4)

Using equation (3) , (< 𝒊𝟏 + 𝒊𝟐 ) − 𝑨 =< 𝜹

(< 𝒊𝟏 + 𝒊𝟐 ) =< 𝑨+< 𝜹 ………………(5)

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i-d curve: As the angle of incidence increases, angle of
deviation decreases becomes minimum and then increases. The
minimum value of angle of incidence is called angle of
minimum deviation(D). At minimum deviation the ray of light
passes symmetrically through the prism.

Angle of incidence < 𝒊𝟏 = angle of emergence < 𝒊𝟐 =< 𝒊 And

< 𝒓𝟏 =< 𝒓𝟐 =< 𝒓

Therefore, from equation (5), 𝟐 < 𝒊 =< 𝑨+< 𝑫

<𝑨+<𝑫 <𝑨
⟹< 𝒊 = From equation (3)< 𝑨 =< 𝒓𝟏 +< 𝒓𝟐 = 𝟐𝒓 ⟹< 𝒓 =
𝟐 𝟐

From Snell’s Law of refraction, refractive index of the prims n is

𝑨+𝑫
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒊 𝒔𝒊𝒏 ( 𝟐 )
𝒏= =
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒓 𝑨
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐

Optical Instruments
Simple microscope: When an object is placed within the focus of a convex lens a magnified,
enlarged, virtual image is formed on the same side of the where the object is placed.

Ray diagram when the final image is at the least distance of distinct vision(D)

𝒗
Linear magnification 𝒎 = 𝒖

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
−𝒖= 𝒇 ⟹ 𝒖= 𝒗−𝒇
𝒗

𝟏 𝟏 𝒗
𝒎 = 𝒗 (𝒗 − 𝒇) ⇒ 𝒎 = (𝟏 − 𝒇) But 𝒗 = −𝑫 sign
convention

𝑫
𝒎 = (𝟏 + )
𝒇

Angular Magnification or magnifying power when the final image is at infinity (Normal
adjustment)

Although the closest comfortable distance for viewing the image is when it is at the near point
(least distance of distinct vision), it causes some strain on the eye. Therefore, the image formed
at infinity is often considered most suitable for viewing by the relaxed eye.

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The angular magnifying power of a simple microscope is defined as the ratio of the angle
subtended at eye by the image (𝜽𝒊 ) to the angle subtended at unaided eye by the object (𝜽𝟎) )
kept at distance of distinct image (LDDV).

𝜽𝒊
𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝒎 =
𝜽𝟎

𝒉′ 𝒉′ 𝒗
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽𝒊 = −𝒗 but 𝒎 = =𝒖
𝒉

𝒉′ 𝒉 𝒉
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽𝒊 = = −𝒉′ =−
−𝒗 𝒉′𝒖 𝒖

𝒉
For small angles tan𝜽=𝜽 ∴ 𝜽𝒊 = −
𝒖

𝒉
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽𝟎 = 𝜽𝟎 = 𝑫

𝒉
tan 𝜃𝑖 −𝒖 𝐷
𝑚= = 𝒉 =− when the image is at infinity, the object will be at focus. u=-f
tan 𝜃0 𝑢
𝑫

𝐷
∴𝑚=
𝑓

Compound microscope:

A compound microscope consists of a system of two convex lenses. One lens facing the object
called object lens or objective. The second lens facing the eye called eye lens or eye piece. The
objective has short focal length and short aperture. The eye piece has large focal length and
large aperture. The distance between the lenses can be adjusted. The distance between the lenses
is called tube length L.

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 Ray diagram when the image is formed at least distance of distinct
vision.

Object AB is placed beyond the focus of the objective. It it forms a real enlarged image A’B’ at a
distance vo from the objective. This image acts as the object for the eyel lens. The eye lens act as
a simple magnifier and the final image is formed at the least distance of distinct vision.

Expression for the Magnifying power

𝐌 = 𝐦𝟎 × 𝐦𝐞

𝒎𝒐 - magnifying power of objective and 𝒎𝒆 - magnifying power of eye piece

𝒗 𝑫
𝒎𝟎 = 𝒖𝟎 . The eye lens act as a simple microscope. 𝒎𝒆 = (𝟏 + 𝒇 )
𝟎 𝒆

𝒗 𝑫
M =𝒖𝟎 (𝟏 + 𝒇 )
𝟎 𝒆

𝑳 𝑫
It can be shown that 𝑴 = 𝒇 (𝟏 + 𝒇 ) where L is the tube length of the microscope
𝟎 𝒆

Note : For obtaining large magnifying power both the objective and eyepiece should have
small focal lengths

Telescope - Refracting Telescope (Normal Adjustment)

In a telescope the objective lens has large focal length and large aperture and eye piece has small
focal length and aperture. Ray diagram for refracting telescope is shown in the figure.

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Magnifying power

Magnifying power is the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the final image (𝜷) to the
angle subtended by the object (𝜶)at the lens.

𝜷
𝒎=
𝜶
𝑨′𝑩′ 𝑨′𝑩′
From the triangle C2 B’A’, 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜷 = 𝑩′𝑪 for small Angeles 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜷 = 𝜷 ∴ 𝛃 = 𝑩′𝑪
𝟐 𝟐

𝑨′𝑩′
From triangle C1 B’A’, 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜶 = 𝜶 = 𝑩′𝑪
𝟏

𝑨′𝑩′
𝑩′𝑪𝟐 𝑩′𝑪𝟏 𝒇𝟎
𝒎= 𝑨′𝑩′
= =
𝑩′𝑪𝟐 −𝒇𝒆
𝑩′𝑪𝟏

𝒇𝟎
𝒎=−
𝒇𝒆

Tube length of the telescope is L=|𝒇𝒆 | + ⌈𝒇𝒆 ⌉

Note:
The main considerations with an astronomical telescope are
(1) Its light gathering power and
(2) Its resolution or resolving power.
The light gathering power depends on the area of the objective lens which depends on its
diameter. Larger the diameter of the objective greater will be its light gathering power and
fainter objects can be observed

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 The resolving power depends on the diameter of the objective. Larger the diameter of the
objective greater will be the resolving power.

Reflecting type telescope

Telescopes with mirror objectives are called reflecting telescopes.

Advantages of reflecting telescopes over refracting telescopes

(1.) There is no chromatic aberration in a mirror.

(2.) Spherical aberration can be minimized using parabolic mirrors.
(3.) Mechanical support is much less of a problem since a mirror weighs much less than a
lens of equivalent optical quality and can be supported over its entire back surface, not
just over its rim
Disadvantage
One obvious problem with a reflecting telescope is that the objective mirror focusses light inside
the telescope tube obstructing some light.
******************

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