Chapter 10

OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
LEAST DISTNACE OF DISTINCT VISION
1. Least distance of distinct vision
(A) Increases with increase in age (B) decreases with increase in age
(C) Unchanged with increase in age (D) decrease with decrease in age
2. The least distance of distinct vision for a normal eye is
(A) 15 cm (B) 25cm (C) 30 cm (D) 40 cm
MAGNIFYING POWER AND RESOLVING POWER OF OPTICAL
INSTRUMENTS
3. If the focal length is 5 cm the power of lens is
(A) 5 (B) 10 (C) 20 (D) 15
4. In the expression of resolving power of a lens αmin expressed by a relation.
D 
  min = 1.22  min = 1.52
(A)  min = 1.22 (B)  (C)  min = 1.22D (D) D
D
5. The magnification of a convex lens of focal length 5 cm is
(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 20
6. The power of lens is measured in
(A) watt (B) joule (C) diopter (D) minutes
7. A double convex lens acts as a diverging lens when the object is
(A) Inside the focus (B) Plane wave front
(C) At a range distance (D) between f and 2f
8. The magnifying power of a convex lens of focal length 10 cm is
(A) 7 (B) 9.6 (C) 11 (D) 3.5
9. If N is the number of rulings on the grating, then the resolving power in the mth order
diffraction is equal to
N 1 m
(A) R = N x m (B) R = (C) R = (D) R =
m Nm N
10. A lens which converges a beam of parallel rays to a point is called:
(A) concave lens (B) convex lens
(C) plano-concave lens (D) plano-convex lens
11. The point where the incident parallel rays of light converge or appear to diverge after
passing through a lens is called:
(A) center of curvature (B) focal point (C) optical center (D) aperture
12. The diameter of a lens is called:
(A) focal length (B) principal axis (C) aperture (D) radius of curvature
13. If an object is placed away from 2f of a converging lens, then the image will be:
(A) real and erect (B) virtual and erect
(C) real and inverted (D) virtual
14. Two convex lenses of equal focal length f are placed in contact. The resultant focal
length of the combination is:
(A) zero (B) focus (C) 2 f (D) f/2
15. If a convex lens of focal length f is cut into two identical halves along the lens diameter
the focal length of each half is:
(A) f (B) f/2 (C) 3f/2 (D) 2f
16. A convex and concave lens of focal length f are in contact the focal length of the
combinations will be:
(A) zero (B) f / 2 (C) 2f (D) infinite
SIMPLE MICROSCOPE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
17. The magnifying power of simple microscope is
d d f f
(A) M = 1 + (B) M = 1 − (C) M = o (D) M = 1 +
f f fe d
18. The final image formed by simple microscope is
(A) Virtual and inverted (B) virtual and erect
(C) Real and erect (D) real and inverted
19. A single convex lens can be used as a
(A) simple microscope (B) simple telescope
(C) Prism (D) diffraction grating
20. The magnifying power of a compound microscope is:
p d  fo  d q d  fo
(A) 1 +  (B) 1 +  (C) 1 +  (D)
q  fe  L  fe  p  fe  fe
21. A compound microscope forms final image at:
(A) Least distance of distinct vision (B) Focus of eyepiece
(C) Focus of objective (D) Infinity
22. In a compound microscope which of the following has longer focal length:
(A) objective (B) eyepiece (C) convex lens (D) collimator
23. The minimum distance between an object and its real image in a convex lens is:
(A) 2 f (B) 2.5 f (C) 3f (D) 4f
24. A transparent refracting medium bounded by two curved surfaced is called
(A) Lens (B) Glass (C) Mirror (D) Prism
ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE
25. A real object placed inside the focus of a convex lens gives
(A) Real image but diminished (B) Real image but enlarged
(C) Virtual image but diminished (D) Virtual image but enlarged
26. The magnifying power of astronomical telescope is
f
(A) 0 (B) f 0 + f e (C) f 0  f e (D) f 0 − f e
fe
27. An astronomical telescope is made with the objective of focal length 100 cm, and an eye
piece of focal length is 5cm. The length of telescope when focused for infinity is
(A)95cm (B) 105 cm (C)100cm (D) 20cm
28. The normally adjusted telescope, its length is
f
(A) fo x fe (B) o (C) fo + fe (D) None
fe
29. Which of the following is an optical instrument?
(A) Telescope (B) Galvanometer (C) Ammeter (D) Avometer
30. Large astronomical telescopes are usually of the following types:
(A) reflecting (B) refracting (C) diffracting (D) interfering
31. A good astronomical telescope should have:
(A) objective with long focal length (B) eye piece with small focal length
(C) objective with small focal length (D) eye piece with long focal length
SPECTROMETER
32. Spectrometer is used to
(A) Study diffraction of light (B) measure wavelength of light
(C) Measure refractive index of material (D) all of these
33. The collimator in a spectrometer is used to
(A) Disperse the light beam (B) Reflect the light beam
(C) Make the light beam parallel (D) Converge the light beam
34. Which component of a spectrometer can be employed to measure wavelength of light?
(A) collimator (B) grating (C) telescope (D) eyepiece
35. Which is not the essential component of a spectrometer?
(A) collimator (B) Microscope (C) telescope (D) turntable
SPEED OF LIGHT
36. In Michelson’s experiment, the equation used to find the speed of light is
(A) c = 16fd (B) c = 16 f/d (C) c = 16 f/d (D) c = 1 / 16fd
37. Light entering glass prism from air does not give change in its
(A) Frequency (B) Wavelength (C) Velocity (D) Direction
38. Refractive index is given by
 c v c v
(A) (B) (C) (D)
v c v c
39. In going form a denser to rarer medium a ray of light is:
(A) not deviated (B) bent away from the normal
(C) bent towards the normal (D) polarized
INTRODUCTION OF FIBRE OPTICS,FIBRE OPTIC PRINCIPLE,TYPES OF
OPTICAL FIBRES,SIGNAL TRANSMISSION AND CONVERSION TO SOUND
POWER LOSSES IN OPTICAL FIBRE
40. An optical fibre carries data in the form of
(A) Light signals (B) sound signals (C) waves (D) particles
41. The optical fibers are of
(A) Two types (B) Three types (C) Four types (D) Five types
42. The diameter of single mode step index fiber is
(A) 10 µ m (B) 50 µ m (C) 100 µ m (D) 5 µ m
43. At some angle of incidence when the angle of refraction becomes 90o, this angle is called

(A) Phase angle (B) Incident angle (C) Refractive angle (D) Critical angel
44. If n1 and n 2 are refractive index of core and cladding, then for light through optical fibre:

(A) n1  n 2 (B) n1  n 2 (C) n1 = n 2 (D) n1  n2

45. Using a graded index fibre, the time difference is reduced to about
(A) 33 ns per km (B) 1 ns per km (C) 2 ns per km (D) 32 ns per km
46. Light signals pass through multimode graded index fiber due to:
(A) continuous refraction (B) total internal reflection
(C) both a and b (D) diffraction
47. Which type of fiber is more suitable for transmission of white light signals?
(A) mono mode step index fiber (B) multi-mode step index fiber
(C) multi-mode graded index fiber (D) single mode step index fiber
48. There is no noticeable boundary between core and cladding in:
(A) multi-mode step index fiber (B) multi-mode graded index fiber
(C) single mode step index fiber (D) all types of fiber
49. When light signals are transmitted through optical fiber, a light pulse represents:
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) both 0 and 1 (D) neither 0 nor 1
50. In optic fiber transmission system what is used to regenerate the dim light signal?
(A) Diodes (B) Repeaters (C) Laser (D) Transformer
51. The information carrying capacity of optical fibers is generally known as:
(A) propagation (B) transmission (C) diameter (D) bandwidth
52. In optical fibre communication system, the wavelength of light used is
(A) 1.3 µm (B) 1.5 µm (C) 5 µm (D) 50 µm
53. For the phenomenon of total internal reflection, the angle of incidence should be
(A) Equal to critical angle (B) Smaller than critical angle
(C) Greater than critical angle (D) Zero
54. The value of critical angle for the glass-air boundary is
(A) 41.80 (B) 41.50 (C) 420 (D) 42.80
55. A layer over the central core of jacket is called
(A) Jacket (B) plastic (C) cladding (D) rubber
56. The refractive index of water is 1.33. The speed of light in water is
−1
(A) 3 10 ms (B) 1.8  108 ms −1 (C) 2.3  108 ms −1
8
(D) zero
57. The light emitted from LED has a wavelength
(A) 1.3 pm (B) 1.3m (C) 1.3 mm (D) 1.3 m
58. Television signals are converted into light signals by
(A) Decoder (B) Transistor (C) Photodiode (D) Optical fibre
59. Repeaters in the newer systems are separated by a distance of
(A) 30 Km (B) 100 Km (C) 150 Km (D) 500 Km
60. A diffraction grating has 5000 lines/cm. Its grating element will be
 (A) 2.0  10 −6 m (B) 2.0  10 −4 m (C) 1.0 10−6 m (D) 1.0 10−4 m

ANSWER KEYS
1 A 16 D 31 A 46 A
2 B 17 A 32 D 47 C
3 C 18 B 33 C 48 B
4 A 19 A 34 B 49 B
5 C 20 C 35 B 50 B
6 C 21 A 36 A 51 D
7 A 22 B 37 A 52 A
8 D 23 D 38 A 53 C
9 A 24 A 39 B 54 A
10 B 25 D 40 A 55 C
11 B 26 A 41 B 56 C
12 C 27 B 42 D 57 B
13 C 28 C 43 D 58 C
14 D 29 A 44 D 59 B
15 D 30 A 45 B 60 A

Short Questions from Topics

Q.1 Define least distance of vision and what is the minimum value of least distance of vision?
Ans The minimum distance from the eye at which an object appears to be distinct is called least
distance of distinct vision or near point. This distance represented by d is about 25 cm from the
eye.
Q.2 How can we measure the magnification of a simple microscope?
Ans The ratio of size of image to the size of object is called magnification. The magnification of
simple microscope can be expressed as:
𝑑 𝑑
𝑀 = =1+
𝑝 𝑓
where p = object distance, d= near point, f = focal
length.
Q.3 What is a compound microscope? Draw its ray
diagram.
Ans Whenever high magnification is desired; a compound
microscope is used. It consists of two convex lenses, an
objective lens of very short focal length and an eye piece
of comparatively longer focal length. The ray diagram of
a compound microscope is shown as:
Q.4 Write down the formula for magnification of compound microscope.
Ans The magnification of a compound microscope is given by
q d
M = p (1 + f )
e
where q = image distance, p = object distance, d= near point, fe = focal length of eye piece.
Q.5 What is an astronomical telescope? Explain its working by ray diagram.
Ans Astronomical telescope:
Initially the extensive use of the telescopes was for
astronomical observations. Such telescopes are called
astronomical telescopes. A simple astronomical telescope
consists of two convex lenses, an objective lens of long
focal length fo and an eye piece of short focal length fe .
Ray diagram of astronomical telescope:
Q.6 What is meant by eye piece and objective lenses?
Ans The objective lens of a microscope is the one that is near to the object. The eyepiece is the lens
that is close to the eye. The eyepiece and objective lens work together to provide magnification
in optical instruments.
Q.7 How can we measure the magnification of an astronomical telescope?
Ans The magnification of telescope is the ratio of focal length of objective lens to the focal length
of eyepiece lens.
f
M = fo
e
where fo =focal length of the objective lens, fe = focal length of the eye piece lens.
Q.8 Define spectrometer and write down its essential parts.
Ans A spectrometer is an optical device used to study spectra from different sources of light. The
essential components of a spectrometer are:
(i) Collimator (ii) Turn table (iii) Telescope
Q.9 What are the uses of a spectrometer?
Ans A spectrometer is used to measure:
i. the deviation of light by a glass prism
ii. refractive index of the material of prism
iii. the wavelength of the light using a diffraction grating.
Q.10 If an astronomer wants to study the stars which are million years away, which type of
telescope will he use?
Ans The astronomer will use the astronomical telescope because it is an optical device used for
viewing distant objects. The image of a distant object viewed through it appears larger because
it subtends a bigger visual angle than when viewed with the naked eye.
Q.11 Write down the formula of time and speed for measuring the speed of light.
2𝜋
Ans The time taken by the mirror M to rotate through an angle 8 is
1
t = 8f
Time taken by the light for passing from rotating mirror (M) to fix mirror (m) is
2d
t= C
Comparing both equations
1 2d
=
8f C
c = 16fd
c = 2.99792458 × 108 m s −1
c = 3 × 108 m s−1
Q.12 What is an optical fibre? Write the names of different types of optical fibres.
Ans A thin flexible fibre with a glass core through which light signals can be sent is called optical
fibre. It is widely used in telecommunications. It has much wider bandwidth capability and
immunity from electromagnetic interference.
There are three different types of optical fibres:
i. Single mode step index
ii. Multimode step index
iii. Multimode graded index
Q.13 What is the principle of optical fibre?
Ans Optical fibre work on the principle of:
i. Total internal reflection and
ii. Continuous refraction
Q.14 Explain total internal reflection.
Ans When light travels from denser medium to rare medium and angle
of incidence is greater than critical angle then light will reflect back
in the same medium. This phenomenon is called total internal
reflection.
Q.15 What are the uses of optical fibre?
Ans Optical fibre has the following uses:
 i. It has ability to transmit thousands of telephone conversations, several
television programs, and numerous data signals between stations.
ii. It is used to transmit light around corners and into inaccessible places.
iii. It is commonly used as a diagnostic tool in medicine.
iv. It is used in word processing, transmitting images, and receiving equipment to
operate efficiently.
Q.16 Define refractive index.
Ans The index of refraction of a medium is the ratio of the speed of light 𝑐 in vacuum to the speed
of light 𝑣 in that medium.
c
n=
v
It has no unit.
Exercise Short Questions
Q.1 What do you understand by linear magnification and angular magnification? Explain how
a convex lens is used as a magnifier?
Ans Linear (or Transverse) magnification:
The ratio of the size of the image to size of the object is called linear magnification.
I q
M=O= p
Angular magnification (Magnifying power):
The ratio of the angle subtended by the image as seen through the optical device to the angle
subtended by the object at the unaided eye is called angular magnification.
β
M = α
Convex Lens as a Magnifier:
An ordinary convex lens held close to the eye serves as a magnifying glass or simple microscope. When
an object is placed inside the principle focus of convex lens, the image formed is erect, virtual,
and magnified.
Q.2 Explain the difference between angular magnification and resolving power of an optical
instrument. What limits the magnification of an optical instrument?
Ans Angular magnification (or Magnifying power)
The ratio of the angle subtended by the image as seen through the optical device to the angle
subtended by the object at the unaided eye is called angular magnification.
β
M =
α
Resolving power:
The ability of an instrument to reveal the minor details of the object under examination is called
resolving power.
1
Resolving power is given by R = α
min
1.22 λ
where αmin = D
λ = wavelength of light, D = diameter of lens
Limits: Magnification of an optical instrument is limited by the wavelength of light, focal
length of lens and by chromatic and spherical aberrations of lenses.
Q.3 Why would it be advantageous to use blue light with a compound microscope?
Ans The formula for resolving power is given by,
D
R = 1.22 λ
As blue light has short wavelength, it produces less diffraction, hence it increases the
resolving power, and more details of an object can be seen.
Q.4 One can buy a cheap microscope for use by the children. The image seen in such a
microscope has colored edges. Why is this so?
Ans When light passes through a glass lens it splits into its constituent colours. This is called
dispersion of light. A cheap microscope cannot focus light of different colours at a single point
due to defect of its lens. This defect of lens is called chromatic aberration. Due to this
aberration, the image seen through a cheap microscope has coloured edges.
Q.5 Describe with the help of diagrams, how (a) a single biconvex lens can be used as a
magnifying glass. (b) biconvex lenses can be arranged to form a microscope.
Ans This is a long question. Pl. see the topics in textbook.
Q.6 If a person were looking through a telescope at the full moon, how would the appearance of
the moon be changed by covering half of the objective lens.
Ans When half of the objective lens is covered, the transmission of light will become half and the
brightness of the light will decrease. There will be no change in shape, and he will observe full
image of the moon.
Q.7 A magnifying glass gives five times enlarged image at a distance of 25 cm from the lens.
Find, by ray diagram, the focal length of the lens.
Ans We know that the formula for the magnification is
d
M = 1 + f
d 25
or f = (M−1) = (5−1) = 6.2 cm
Q.8 Identify the correct answer:
(i) The resolving power of a compound microscope depends on;
(a) The refractive index of the medium in which the object is placed.
(b) The diameter of the objective lens.
(c) The angle subtended by the objective lens at the object.
(d) The position of an observer’s eye with regard to the eye lens.
(ii) The resolving power of an astronomical telescope depends on:
(a) The focal length of the objective lens.
(b) The least distance of distinct vision of the observer.
(c) The focal length of the eye lens.
(d) The diameter of the objective lens.
Ans i) Correct answer is (b) The diameter of the objective lens.
1.22 λ
αmin = D
ii) Correct answer is (d) The diameter of the objective lens.
1.22 λ
αmin = D
Q.9 Draw sketches showing the different light paths through a single-mode and multi-mode
fiber. Why is single-mode fiber preferred in telecommunications?
Ans

Single-mode fiber is preferred in modern telecommunications because they use digital and
monochromatic laser light. The transmission is free from dispersion and can carry 14 TV
channels & 1400 phone calls at the same time.
Q.10 How the light signal is transmitted through optical fibre?
Ans There are two methods by which the light signal is transmitted through the optical fiber.
i. By total internal reflection of light signals and
ii. Continuous refraction of light.
Fibre optics communication system consists of three major components: a) A transmitter which
converts electrical signal into light signal, b) Optical fibre which guides the signal and c) a
receiver which receives the light signal and converts into electrical signal.
Q.11 How the power is lost in optical fiber through dispersion? Explain.
Ans There are two major causes for power losses:
i. Scattering/Dispersion: Scattering/dispersion of light signal by groups of atoms which are
formed at places where fibers are joined together. This loss can be reduced by careful
manufacturing of fiber e.g., fibers can be joined by laser.
 ii. Absorption: When a light signal travels along fibers by multiple reflections, some light is
absorbed due to impurities in the glass. Also, at the joints, density increases due to which
light is absorbed. Careful manufacturing can reduce these power losses.

LONG QUESTIONS
Q1 Define simple microscope. Also calculate the magnifying power of a simple microscope.
Ans Definition:
A simple convex lens used to see magnified images of a small object is called a simple
microscope or magnifying glass.
Principle:
When an object is placed inside the focus F of a convex lens, a magnified, erect and virtual
image is formed.
Magnification:
From Fig.
α is the angle made by the object O at the un-aided eye.
β is the angle made by the magnified image at the eye, when
it is seen through the convex lens. Both the object and image
are at least distance of distinct vision d. The angular
magnification is given by
β
M = α − − − − − (1)
O
From figure (a), tanα = d
As, angle α is very small therefore, tanα = α
O
α = d − − − − − (2)
I
Similarly, in figure (b), tanβ = d
As angle β is also very small, therefore tanβ = β, so
I
β = d − − − − − −(3)
Putting the values of ∝ and β from equations (2) and (3) in (1),
I/d
M = O/d
I d
=d ×O
I
M=O
I q
We know that O = P
Therefore,
q
M=P But q = d
d
M= P
Using lens Formula,
1 1 1
f = P + q As the image is virtual q = d
1 1 1
= p + (−d)
f
1 1 1
Or =p−d
f
Multiplying both sides by d,
 d d d d d
f = P − d ⇒ f = P −1
d d
P = 1+ f
𝐝
𝐌 =𝟏 +𝐟
It is clear from the above equation that for higher magnification, lens of shorter focal length
should be used.
Q2. Draw the diagram of a compound microscope also calculate its magnifying power.
Ans A compound microscope is used to see highly magnified image of a very small object.
Construction:
It consists of two lenses.
1. Objective:
It is convex lens of small focal length f0 placed near the object.
2. Eye Piece:
It is a convex lens of relatively long focal length fe placed near the eye.
Working:
(i) An object of height h is placed just beyond the principal focus of the objective lens. A
real, magnified and inverted image h1 of the object is formed within the focus of the
eyepiece.
(ii) The eye piece works as a simple microscope, so the image h1 is further magnified. In
normal adjustment of microscope, the final image h2 is formed at least distance of
distinct vision.

A
B2 h fo fe B1
B Oo e Oe
h1

A1
Objective
eye piece
h2

A2 Ray diagram o f a Compou nd Microsc ope

Magnifying Power:
It is defined as the ratio of the angle made by the image as seen through an optical instrument
to the angle made by the object at the unaided (naked) eye.θe is the angle made by the final
image of height h2. θ is the angle that the object of height h would make at the eye if placed at
the near point.
h
In ∆ABOo, tanθ = d − − − − (1)
h2
In ∆A2B2Oe, tanθe = d − − − (2)
tane
as M= Putting the values from eq. (1) & (2)
tan
h2/d
M = h/d
h2 d
M= d × h
h2
M= d
Multiplying and dividing right hand side of above expression by h1,
 h1 h2
M = h x h = M1 × M2 − − − (3)
1

h1
where M1 = h = magnification produced by the objective lens.
h1
M2 = h = magnification produced by the eye-piece lens.
q
We know that M1 = p
d
and M2 = 1 + f Eye-piece acts as simple microscope
e
Putting values in equation (3),
𝐪 d
𝐌 = 𝐩 (𝟏 + f )
e

This is the magnification of compound microscope.

As compound microscope has high magnifying power so its values are written as the
multiples of 5, 10, 15…. and are marked as x5, x10, x15, ……... on the instrument.
Q3. Define astronomical telescope. Derive the formula of magnifying power with the help of ray
diagram.
Ans It is an optical instrument used for viewing distant heavenly objects e.g. moon and other stars.
Principle:
1. When a distant object is seen through the unaided eye, the visual angle made is very
small so its image will be very small.
2. When a distant object is viewed through a telescope, the visual angle made by the image
on the eye is large. So, the image seen will be larger in size.
Construction:
It consists of two lenses:
1. Objective lens:
It is a convex lens of large focal fo placed in front of the object.
2. Eye-Piece lens:
It is a convex lens of small focal length fe placed in front of the eye.
fo
fe

Rays from distant

object AB

 O O’
B’



A’

Ray diagr am of Astron omica l Teles cope

Working:
Rays coming from a distant object AB are nearly parallel. Objective lens forms a small image
A’B’ at its focus f0. The real image A’B’ acts as an object for the eye-piece lens. The final image
seen through the eyepiece is virtual, magnified and inverted. For higher magnifying power, fo
should be large and fe should be small.
Normal Adjustment:
If intermediate image is formed at focal point of both lenses, then telescope is said to be in
normal adjustment.
Magnifying power
A` B`
From figure, α = tan α = OB`
A` B`
α= (∵ OB` = fo )
fo
 A` B`
Also, β = tan β = O` B`
A` B`
β= (∵ O` B` = fe )
fe
From the formula of magnifying power,
β
M=α
A` B `
fe
M= A` B `
fo
A` B` f
M= × A`oB`
fe
𝐟
𝐌 = 𝐟𝐨
𝐞
Length of Astronomical Telescope:
The distance between optical centers of the objective and eyepiece lens is called length of
telescope. It is represented by L.
From the figure,
𝐋 = 𝐟𝐨 + 𝐟𝐞
Q 5 How can we measure the speed of light? Explain the experiment in detail.
Ans Galileo was the first person who tried to measure the speed of light but could not succeed.
Speed of light was accurately measured by Michelson by the following method.
Experimental Set Up:
i. Source of light.
ii. 8-sided polished mirror M which is mounted (fixed) on the shaft of motor whose angular
speed can be varied. 6
7 5
iii. A plane reflecting mirror m placed at a distance d from
8 O 4
mirror M. M
1 3
iv. A telescope is used to observe the light beam. 2
Telescope
Working:
(i) Suppose mirror M is at rest in the position shown in
figure. A beam of light from the face 1 of the mirror M falls on d

the plane mirror m. This beam of light is reflected back on the Source
of light
face 3 of mirror M. It is reflected from face 3 and enters the
telescope.
m
(ii) If the mirror M is rotated clockwise, initially the source
Michelson’s m etho d for me asur eme nt of speed o f light.
S will not be visible through the telescope. But at a certain
frequency of rotation of mirror M, the source S becomes visible. In this condition the time taken
by the light in moving from M to m and back to M, is equal to the time taken by the face 3 to
take the position of face 2. The distance covered by the light is then,
S = d + d = 2d
Let f = frequency of rotation of mirror M
Time to complete f revolution = 1 second
1
Time to complete one revolution = f
1 1 1 1
Time to complete 8 revolution = 8 x f = 8 f
1
So t =8f
as S = vt
S
v= t
as v = c = Speed of light
S 2d
c = t = 1/8 f = 2d × 8f = 16 fd
 c = 16fd
c = 2.99792458 x 108 m s−1
c ≈ 3 x 108 m s−1 (In vacuum)

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
10.1 A converging lens of focal length of 5.0 cm is used as a magnifying glass. If the near point
of the observer is 25 cm and the lens is held close to the eye, calculate (i) the distance of
the object from the lens (ii) the angular magnification. What is the angular magnification
when the final image is formed at infinity?
Given data:
f = 5 cm
q = d = − 25 cm ∵ image is virtual
To calculate:
(i) p =?
(ii) M =?
(iii) M = ? (when image is at infinity)
Solution:
(i) By using lens formula
1 1 1
=p+q
f
1 1 1
= f −q
p
1 1 1
= 5 − (−25)
p
1 1 1
= 5 + 25
p
1 5+1 6
= = 25
p 25
6
p = 25
𝐩 = 𝟒. 𝟐 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
d
(ii) M= 1+ f
25
M= 1+ 5
M= 1+5
𝐌 = 𝟔. 𝟎 Ans.
q
(iii) M=p
d
M=p
When image is at infinity object must be at focus i.e., p = f
d
M= f
25
M= 5
𝐌 = 𝟓. 𝟎 Ans.
10.2 A telescope objective has focal length 96 cm and diameter 12 cm. Calculate the focal
length and minimum diameter of a simple eye piece lens for use with the telescope, if the
linear magnification required is 24 times and all the light transmitted by the objective
from a distant point on the telescope axis is to fall on the eye piece.
Given data:
fo = 96 cm
do = 12 cm
M = 24
To find:
fe = ?
de = ?
Solution:
 f
M = fo
e
fo
fe = M
96
fe = 24
𝐟𝐞 = 𝟒. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
According to formula,
d
M = do
e
do fo
So, =f
de e
de f
= fe
do o
f
de = do × fe
o
4
de = 12 × 96
𝐝𝐞 = 𝟎. 𝟓 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
10.3 A telescope is made of an objective lens of focal length 20 cm and an eye piece of 5.0 cm,
both convex lenses. Find the angular magnification.
Given data:
fo = 20 cm
fe = 5.0 cm
To find:
M=?
Solution:
f
M = fo
e
20
M= 5
𝐌 = 𝟒.0 Ans.
10.4 A simple astronomical telescope in normal adjustment has an objective of focal length
100 cm and an eye piece of focal length 5.0 cm. (i) Where is the final image formed? (ii)
Calculate the angular magnification.
Given data:
fo = 100 cm
fe = 5.0 cm
To find:
(i) Distance of final image = q = ?
(ii) M =?
Solution:
(i) For the distance of final image
1 1 1
= p + q
f e
Final image is virtual so,
1 1 1
= −
fe p q
1 0
=
q 5
5
q=0
𝐪=∞ Ans.
The final image is formed it at infinity.
(ii) According to formula,
f 100
M = fo = 5
e
𝐌 = 𝟐𝟎 Ans.
10.5 A point object is placed on the axis of and 3.6 cm from a thin convex lens of focal length
3.0 cm. A second thin convex lens of focal length 16.0 cm is placed coaxial with the first
 and 26.0 cm from it on the side away from the object. Find the position of the final image
produced by the two lenses.
Given data:
First Lens acts as objective lens
po = 3.6 cm
fo = 3.0 cm
Second Lens acts as eye-piece lens
fe = 16 cm
L = 26 cm
To find:
qe = ?
Solution:
L =q +p o e

By lens formula L =2.6cm

1 1 1
=p +q P
q P e e
f
o o o A B2 Fo Fe B1
1 1 1 B
= + Fo
3 3.6 qo
1 1 10 A1
= 3 − 36 Pe
qo
q o = 18 cm A2
qe
for pe
L = q o + pe
pe = L − q o
= 26 − 18
𝑝𝑒 = 8 cm
For q e
1 1 1
=p +q
fe e e
1 1 1
=f −p
qe e e
1 1 1
= 16 − 8
qe
1 1−2 −1
= =
qe 16 16
𝐪𝐞 = − 𝟏𝟔 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
-ve sign shows that image is virtual. Hence, the final image will be formed at 16 cm from the 2nd Lens.
10.6 A compound microscope has lenses of focal length 1.0 cm and 3.0 cm. An object is placed
1.2 cm from the object lens. If a virtual image is formed, 25 cm from the eye, calculate the
separation of the lenses and the magnification of the instrument.
Given data:
fo = 1.0 cm
fe = 3.0 cm
po = 1.2 cm
q e = d = −25 cm (-ve sign for virtual Image)
To find:
L =?
M =?
Solution:
For q o L = q +p o e

1 1 1
=p +q q P
f
o o o A
o e

1 1 1 Fo Fe B1
=f −p B2 h
qo o o B fo O h1 O
1 1 1
qo
= 1 − 1.2 A1
Objective
1 1.2−1 0.2 eye piece
= = 1.2 h2
qo 1.2
1.2
q o = 0.2
q o = 6 cm A2
qe = -25cm
For pe ,
1 1 1
=p +q
fe e e
1 1 1
= p + (−25)
3 e
1 1 1
= p − 25
3 e
1 1 1
= 3 + 25
pe
1 25+3 28
= 3 × 25 = 75
pe
75
pe = 28 = 2.678 cm
pe = 2.7 cm
For L,
L = q e + pe
L = 6 + 2.7
𝐋 = 𝟖. 𝟕 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
For M,
q d
M = p (1 + fe)
6 25
M = 1.2 (1 + 3 )
M = 5 (1 + 8.33)
= 5 (9.33) = 46.7
𝐌 = 𝟒𝟕 Ans.
10.7 Sodium light of wavelength 589 nm is used to view an object under a microscope. If the
aperture of the objective is 0.90 cm, (i) find the limiting angle of resolution (ii) using visible
light of any wavelength, what is the maximum limit of resolution for this microscope.
Given data:
λ = 589 nm = 589 × 10−9 m
D = 0.90 cm = 0.90 × 10−2 m
To find:
(i) ∝min = ?
(ii) ∝′min = ?
Solution:
1.22 × λ
∝min = D
1.22 × 589 × 10−9
= 0.90 × 10−2
−𝟓
∝𝐦𝐢𝐧 = 𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎 𝐫𝐚𝐝 Ans.
′
For maximum limit of resolution ∝min the shortest wavelength of visible light should be used.
For λ = 400 nm,
1.22 × λ
∝′min = D
1.22 × 400 × 10−9
=
0.9 × 10−2
∝′𝐦𝐢𝐧 =𝟓. 𝟒 × 𝟏𝟎 𝐫𝐚𝐝 Ans.−𝟓

10.8 An astronomical telescope having magnifying power of 5 consists of two thin lenses 24 cm
apart. Find the focal lengths of the lenses.
Given data:
M=5
L = 24 cm
To find:
fo =?
fe =?
Solution:
L = fo + fe
24 = fo + fe ---------(1)
 f
M = fo
e
fo
5=f
e
fo = 5fe …………………(2)
From equation (1),
24 = 5fe + fe
24 = 6fe
24
fe = 6
𝐟𝐞 = 𝟒 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
From equation (2),
fo = 5fe
=5 ×4
𝐟𝐨 = 𝟐𝟎 𝐜𝐦 Ans.
10.9 A glass light pipe in air will totally internally reflect a light ray if its angle of incidence
is at least 39o. What is the minimum angle for total internal reflection? If pipe is in water?
(Refractive index of water = 1.33).
Given data:
For glass-air boundary
O
θc = 39° n2 2= 90 Air
To find: n1
glass
For glass-water boundary c

θ′c = ?
Solution:
For glass air boundary
By Snell’s Law
n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2
n1 sin θc = 1 × sin 90o (∵ for air θ1 = θc , θ2 = 90o , n2 = 1)
n1 sin θc = 1 × 1
1
n1 = sin θ
c
1 1
n1 = sin 39o = 0.629 Water
O
2 = 90
n1 = 1.589
For glass water boundary n1 glass
n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 c= ?

N1 sin θ′ c = n2 sin 90o (∵ for water θ1 = θ′c , θ2 = 90o )

1.59 sin θ′c = 1.33 × 1 (∵ n1 = 1.59 , n2 = 1.33)
1.33
sin θ′c = 1.59 = 0.836
θ′c = sin−1 (0.836) = 56. 7o
𝛉′𝐜 = 𝟓𝟕𝐨 Ans.
10.10 The refractive index of the core and cladding of an optical fibre are 1.6 and 1.4,
respectively. Calculate (i) the critical angle for the interface (ii) the maximum angle of
incidence in the air of a ray which enters the fibre and is incident at the critical angle on
the interface.
Given data:
Refractive index of core= n1 = 1.6
Refractive index of classing= n2 = 1.4
To find:
(i) θc = ?
(ii) θ =?
Solution:
For core-cladding boundary
By Snell’s Law
n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2
1.6 sin θc = 1.4 sin 90o
 1.4
sin θc = 1.6 × 1
sinθc = 0.875
θc = sin−1 (0.875)
𝛉𝐜 = 𝟔𝟏° Ans.
For air-core boundary
θ1 + θ′ = 90o
θc + θ′ = 90o
61o + θ′ = 90o
θ′ = 90o − 61o
θ′ = 29o
By Snell’s law
n′1 sin θ = n1 sin θ′
1 × sinθ = 1.6 sin 29o
sin θ = 1.6 (0.4848)
sin θ = 0.77568
θ = sin−1 (0.776)
𝛉 = 𝟓𝟎. 𝟏° Ans.