WAVE OPTICS NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I

WAVE OPTICS (PHYSICAL OPTICS)

SYNOPSIS
b2 b2
≈ 1 or << 1
In geometrical optics, light is represented as a ray lλ lλ
which travels in a straight line in a homogeneous Note: The object interacting with light may be a mirror,
medium. The phenomenon like Interference and a lens, a prism, an aperture (pin hole), a slit and a
Dffraction cannot be explained on the basis of straight edge.
particle nature of light. These phenomenon can only WAVE FRONT
be explained on the basis of wave nature of light.
This part of optics is called physical optics or wave According to wave theory of light, a source of light
optics. The wave theory of light was presented by sends out disturbance in all directions. In a
Christian Huygen. It should be pointed out that homogeneous medium, the disturbance reaches to
Huygen did not know whether the light waves were all those particles of the medium in phase, which
longitudinal or transverse and also how they are located at the same distance from the source
propagate through vaccum. It was then explained of light and hence at any instant, all such particles
by Maxwell by introducing electromagnetic must be vibrating in phase with each other.
wave theory in nineteenth century. The locus of all the particles of the medium, which
Geometrical optics at any instant are vibrating in the same phase, is
1. In geometrical optics, light is assumed to be called the wavefront.
travelling in a straight line. This property is Depending upon the shape of the source of light,
known as rectilinear propagation. wavefront can be of the following types
2. By using rectilinear propagation of light, laws 1. Spherical wavefront: A spherical wavefront
of reflection, refraction, total internal reflection is produced by a point source of light. It is
etc. are explained geometrically. because, the locus of all such points, which are
Physical optics or wave optics: equidistant from the point source, is a sphere
(a)
1. In physical optics, light is considered as a wave
2. Huygen’s wave principle and principle of
superposition are used to explain interference
and diffraction
3. Electromagnetic wave nature of light is used to
explain the concept of polarisation.
Condition for applicability of geometrical
optics and wave optics: When the size of the (a) (b) (c)
object incteracting with light, is much larger than 2. Cylindrical wavefront: When the source of
the wavelength of light, we can apply light is linear in shape (such as a slit), a
geometrical optics. cylinderical wavefront is produced. It is
When the wavelength of light is comparable to because, all the points, which are equidistant
or less than the size of the object interacting with from the linear source, lie on the surface of a
light, we can apply wave optics. cylinder (b).
If ‘b’ is the size of the object interacting with 3. Plane wavefront: A small part of a spherical
light, ‘l’ is the distance between the object and or a cylindrical wavefront originating from a
the screen and ‘ λ ’ is the wavelengh of light then, distant source will appear plane and hence it is
i) The condition for applicability of geometrical called a plane wavefront (c).
b2 Huygen’s Principle: Every point on the
optics is >> 1 wave front becomes a source of secondary
lλ disturbance and generates wavelets which
ii) The condition for applicability of wave optics spread out in the medium with the same velocity
is as that of light in the forward direction only.

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 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
Ø The envelope of these secondary waves at any
instant of time gives the position of the new wave
front at that instant.
Ø The wave front in medium is always perpendicular
to the direction of wave propagation.
B Principle of superposition of waves states that when
µ
1
i two or more waves are simultaneously impressed
A
r
D on the particles of the medium, the resultant
2 µ
C displacements of all the waves. (or)
AB is width of incident beam
CD is width of refracted beam
width of incident beam cosi
=
width of refracted beam cosr
The Doppler Effect:
i) When any source emitting light (like sun, moon, star,
atom etc) is approaching or receding from the
observer then the frequency or wavelength of light
appears to be changing to the observer. This a) Superposition of coherent waves: Consider
apparent change in frequency or waveelength of
light is called Doppler effect in light.
Blue Shift: When the distance between the
source and observer is decreasing (i.e. the source
is approaching the observer) then frequency of
light appears to be increasing or wavelength
appears to be decreasing i.e. the spectral line in
electromangetic spectrum gets displaced
towards blue end, hence it is known as blue shift.
Red Shift: When the distance between the
source and observer is increasing (i.e. the source
is receding from the observer) then frequency of
light appears to be decreasing or wavelength
appears to be increasing i.e. the spectral line in
electromangetic spectrum gets displaced
towards red end, hence it is known as red shift.
∆v V
Doppler Shift, = ( where V is the speed
v C
of source and C is the speed of light)
W. E-1 What speed should a galaxy move with
respect to us so that the sodium line at 589.0
nm is observed at 589.6 nm?
∆λ V
Sol. = ;
λ C
 0.6  8  0.6 
V = +c   = 3 × 10   = +3.06 × 10 ms
5 −1
 589.0   589.0 
Therefore. the galaxy is moving away from us with
speed 306 km/s.
WAVE OPTICS
Principle of superposition of waves:
If two or more waves meet at a place
simultaneously in the same medium, the particles of
the medium undergo displacements due to all the
waves simultaneously. The resultant wave is due to
the resultant displacement of the particles.
displacement of any particle is equal to the sum of
“When two or more waves overlap, the resultant
displacement at any point and at any instant is the
vector sum of the instantaneous displacements that
would be produced at the point by individual waves,
if each wave were present alone”.
If y1 , y2 ,......... yn denote the displacements of ‘n’
waves meeting at a point, then the resultant
displacement is given by y = y1 + y2 + .... + y n .
two waves travelling in space with an angular
frequency ω . Let the two waves arrive at some
point simultaneously. Let y1 and y2 represent the
displacements of two waves at this point.
∴ y1 = A1 sin(ωt + φ1 ) & y2 = A2 sin(ωt + φ2 )
Then according to the principle of
superposition the resultant displacement at the point
is given by,
y = y1 + y2 or y = A1 sin(ω t + φ1 ) + A2 sin(ωt + φ2 )
= A1(sin ωt cos φ1 + cos ωt sin φ1 )
+ A2 (sin ωt cos φ2 + cos ωt sin φ2 )
= A cos φ .sin ωt + A sin φ .cos ω t
= A sin(ωt + φ )
where A cos φ = A1 cos φ1 + A2 cos φ2.......(1)
and Aisnφ = A1 sin φ1 + A2 sin φ2 ........(2)
Here A and φ are respectively the amplitude and
initial phase of the resultant displacement
Squaring and adding equations (1) & (2), we
get
A = A12 + A22 + 2 A1 A2 cos(φ1 − φ2 )
= A12 + A22 + 2 A1 A2 cos φ .....(3)
Where φ = φ1 − φ 2 , phase difference between the
two waves.
Dividing equation (2) by equation (1), we get
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 WAVE OPTICS
A1 sin φ1 + A2 sin φ2
tan φ = ........(4)
A1 cos φ1 + A2 cos φ2
Since the intensity of a wave is proportional to
square of the amplitude, the resultant intensity I of
the wave from equation (3) may be written as
I = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 cos φ .........(5)
where I1 and I 2 be the intensities of the two waves.
It can be seen that the amplitude (intensity) of the
resultant displacement varies with phase difference Ø
of the constituent displacements.
Case I : When φ = φ1 − φ2 = 0,2π , 4π ...... 2nπ
where n = 0,1,2,..........
⇒ cos φ = 1
∴ A = A1 + A2 from (3)
and I = I1 + I 2 from (5)
Hence the resultant amplitude is the sum of the two
individual amplitudes. This condition refers to the
constructive interference.
Case II: When φ = φ1 −φ 2 = π , 3π , 5π ..... (2n − 1)π
where n = 1,2,3,....... ; ⇒ cos φ = −1
∴ A =| A1 − A2 | and I =| I1 − I2 |
Hence the resultant amplitude is the difference of
the individual amplitudes and is referred to as Ø
destructive interference.
b) Supersposition of incoherent waves:
Incoherent waves are the waves which do not
maintain a constant phase diference. The phase of
the waves fluctuates irregularly with time and
independently of each other. In case of light waves
the phase fluctuates randomly at a rate of about
108 per second. Light detectors such as human eye,
photographic film etc, cannot respond to such rapid
changes. The detected intensity is always the
average intensity, averaged over a time interval
which is very much larger than the time of Ø
fluctuations. Thus
I av = I 1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 < cos φ > . The average
value of the cosφ over a large time interval will be a)
zero and hence I av = I 1 + I 2
This implies that the superposition of incoherent
waves gives uniform illumination at every point and
is simply equal to the sum of the intensities of
the component waves.
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NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
Interference:
Ø The variation in intensity occurs due to the
redistribution of the total energy of the interfering
waves is called interference.
Ø Interference of light is a wave phenomenon.
Ø The source of light emitting wave of same frequency
and travelling with either same phase or constant
phase difference are called Coherent Sources.
Ex: Two virtual sources derived from a single source
can be used as Coherent Sources.
The source producing the light wave travelling with
rapid and random phase changes are called
Incoherent Sources.
Ex: 1. Light emitted by two candles.
2. Light emitted by two lamps.
Conditions for Steady Interference
Ø The two sources must be coherent.
Ø Two sources must be narrow.
Ø Two sources must be close together.
NOTE: The two sources must be mono chromatic,
otherwise the fringes of different colours overlap
and hence interference cannot be observed.
Young’s Double Slit Experiment
Ø Young with his experiment measured the most
important characteristic of the light wave i.e
wavelength (l )
Young’s experiment conclusively established the
wave nature of light.
s1 s2 =d
When source illuminates the two slits, the pattern
observed on the screen consists of large number of
equally spaced bright and dark bands called
“interference fringes”
Bright fringes :
Bright fringes occur whenever the waves from
S1 and S2 interfere constructively. i.e. on reach
ing ‘P’, the waves with crest (or trough) superimpose
at the same time and they are said to be in phase.
The condition for finding a bright fringe at ‘P’ is that
S2 P − S1P = nλ ,
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS

Where n = 0, ± 1, ± 2, ± 3,.... and n is called the λ

fringe, the path difference, d sin θ = (2n −1)
order of bright fringe. Hence for n th order bright 2
fringe, the path difference is λ
y   2n −1  λ D
d sin θ = nλ ⇒ d  n  = (2n − 1) ∴ y n =  
 D 2  2  d
y 
⇒ d  n  = nλ Where yn is the position of n th minima from O.
 D The first dark fringe occurs when
nλ D λ
∴ yn = S 2 P − S1P = .This is called first order dark (n = 1)
d 2
Where yn is the position of n th maximum from O. 3λ
fringe and similarly for S2 P - S1 P = second
The bright fringe corresponding to n = 0, is called 2
the zero - order fringe or central maximum. It means order dark fringe (n = 2) occurs and so on.
it is the fringe with zero path difference between
2 φ 
two waves on reaching the point P. From I = 4 I 0 cos  
The bright fringe corresponding to n = 1 is called 2
first order bright fringe i.e., if the path difference φ
between the two waves on reaching ‘P’ is λ . For minimum intensity cos =0
2
Similarly second order bright fringe n = 2 is located
φ π 3π 5π
where the path difference is 2λ and so on. i.e., = ± , ± , ± ......
2 2 2 2
2 φ 
From I = 4 I 0 cos   (or) φ = ±π , ± 3, ±5π ......
2
(or) φ = ±(2n −1)π with n = 1, 2, 3 ......
φ
For maximum intensity cos = 1 The corresponding path difference,
2 λ
φ ∆x = (2 n − 1)
i.e. = 0, ± ,π , ± 2π .......... 2
2 Hence I min = O
(or) Phase difference between the waves
φ = ±2 π n with n = 0, 1, 2, 3 ......... c) Fringe width ( β ):
The distance between two adjacent bright (or
The corresponding path difference, ∆x = nλ
dark) fringes is called the fringe width. It is
Hence I max = 4 I 0 . denoted by β .
b) Dark fringes : The n th order bright fringe occurs from the
Dark fringes occur whenever the waves from
nλ D
S1 and S2 interfere destructively. i.e., on central maximum at yn =
reaching ‘P’ one wave with its crest and another d
wave with its trough superimpose. Then the The ( n + 1) order bright fringe occurs from the
th

phase difference between the waves is π and ( n + 1) λ D

the waves are said to be in opposite phase. central maximum at yn+1 =
Destructive interference occurs at P, if S1 P and d
λ ∴ The fringe separation, β is given by
S2 P differ by a odd integral multiple of .
2 λD
β = y n+1 − yn =
Thus the condition for finding dark fringe at P is d
λ In a similar way, the same result will be obtained
that S2 P − S1P = (2n − 1) . for the dark fringes also.
2
Where n = ±1, ± 2, ± 3,........... , and n is called λD
∴ Fringe width, β =
order of dark fringe. Hence for nth order dark d

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Thus fringe width is same every where on the screen

If I1 = I2 = I0 then I min = 0
and the width of bright fringe is equal to the width
( )
of dark fringe. 2
I1 + ( A1 + A2 )
2
I max I2
λD = =
∴ βbright = βdark = β = ( ) ( A1 − A2 )2
2
I min I1 − I2
d
d) The locus of the point P lying in the xy-plane
2π
such that S2 P - S1 P = ( ∆x ) (path difference) is a iii) phase difference = (path difference).
λ
constant, is a hyperbola. If the distance D is very
2π
large compared to the fringe width, the fringes will φ= x
be very nearly straight lines. λ
Note: iv) Since βαλ , βRe d > βvoilet , as λred > λvoilet
Constructive Interference v) In YDSE, if blue light is used instead of red light
i) a) If the phase difference is φ = ( 2n ) π (even then β decreases (∴ λB < λR )
multiples of π ). Where n = 0, 1,2, 3,...... vi) If YDSE is conducted in vaccum instead of air,
i.e. when φ = 0,2π , 4π ........2nπ then β increases (∴ λvaccum > λair )
λ  vii) In certain field of view on the screen, if n1 fringes
b) If the path difference x = 2n   (even multiples
2 are formed when light of wavelength λ1 is used and
of half wavelength).
n2 fringes are formed when light of wavelength λ2
i.e when x = 0, λ , 2λ........nλ
is used, then
The amplitude and intensity are maximum.
nλ D
Amax = ( A1 + A2 ) y= = constant ⇒ nλ = constant
d
∴ n1λ2 = n2λ2 (or) n1β1 = n2β 2
( )
I max = I1 + I 2 = ( A1 + A2 )
2 2

viii) The distance of n th bright fringe from central

Note: If A1 = A2 = a then Amax = 2a nλ D
maximum is ( y n ) bri = = nβ
d
If I1 = I2 = I0 then I max = 4 I 0
The distance of m th dark fringe from central
Destructive Interference maximum is
ii) a) If the phase difference φ = ( 2n − 1) π (odd (2m − 1) λ D (2m − 1)
( y m ) dark = = β
multiples of π ) where n = 1, 2, 3..... 2 d 2
i.e. when φ = π , 3π , 5π ....... ( 2n − 1) π ∴ The distance between n th bright and m th dark
fringes is
b) If the path difference x = ( 2n −1) λ / 2 ( odd
(2m − 1)
multiples of λ / 2 ) ( y n ) bri − ( ym ) dark = nβ − β
2
λ 3λ 5λ ( 2n − 1) λ ix) When white light is used in YDSE the inteference
i.e. when x = , , ........ patterns due to different component colours of white
2 2 2 2
The ampitude and Intensity are minimum. light overlap (incoherently). The central bright fringes
for different colours are at the same position.
Amin = ( A1 − A2 ) Therefore, the central fringe is white. For a point
λ
( )
I min = I1 − I 2 = ( A1 − A2 ) S2 P − S1 P = b
2 2
P for whih where
2
λb ( ≈ 4000 A0 ) represents the wavelength for the
Note: If A1 = A2 = a then Amin = 0
blue colour, the blue component will be absent
and the fringe will appear red in colour.

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λr xiii) Missing wavelengths in front of one slit

Slightly farther away where S2Q − S1Q = where in YDSE:
2
λr ( ≈ 8000 A0 ) is the wavelength for the red colour,,
the fringe will be predominantly blue. S1 P
y
Thus, the fringe closest on either side of the central d
O
white fringe is red and fathest will appear blue. After
S2
a few fringes, no clear fringe pattern is seen.
x) To know maximum number of possible maxima on
the screen D

nλ Suppose P is a point of observation in front of slit

If d sin θ = nλ ( or )sinθ = S1 as shown in figure. Path difference between the
d two waves from S1 and S2 is
nλ d
As sin θ ≤ 1, ≤1 ∴n≤ ∆ x = S2 P − S1 P = D 2 + d 2 − D
d λ
1/2
Therefore the maximum number of complete  d2   d2  d2
= D 1 + 2  − D = D 1 + 2  − D =
maxima on the screen will be 2( n )+ 1  D   2D  2D
nλ n
Ex: If d = 3λ then sin θ = = As sin θ ≤ 1 ,
∴ ∆x =
d2
3λ 3 .........(1)
2D
n can take values −3, −2, −1,0,1,2,3 But for missing wavelengths, intensity will be zero.
∴ Maximum number of maxima is 7. i.e., the corresponding path difference,
xi) Fringe visibility (or) band visibility (V) : λ
It is the measure of contrast between the bright and ∆x = (2n − 1) ...... (2)
2
dark fringes From equations (1) and (2)
I max − I min
Fringe visibility, V = I + I d2 λ
= (2n − 1)
max min 2D 2
where I max = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 d2
∴ Missing wavelength, λ =
(2n −1) D
and I min = I1 + I 2 − 2 I1I 2
By putting n = 1,2,3,..., the wavelengths at P are
4 I1 I 2 2 I1I 2
∴ V= = d2 d2 d2
2( I1 + I 2 ) ( I 1 + I 2 ) λ= , , ,.......
D 3D 5D
V has no unit and no dimensional formula. In the above case, if bright fringes are to be
Generally, 0 < V < 1. formed exactly opposite to S 1 then
Fringe visibility is maximum, if I min = 0, then
d2 d2
V=1 = nλ ⇒ λ =
2D 2 Dn
For poor visibility , I max = I min , then V = 0 By putting n = 1, 2, 3 ,,, the possible wavelengths
i.e., if V = 1, then the fringes are very clear and at P are
contrast is maximum and if V = 0, then there will d2 d2 d2
be no fringes and there will be uniform illumination λ= , , ,....
2D 4D 6D
i.e., the contrast is poor.
xiv) Lateral displacement of fringes:
xii) When one slit is fully open and another one is To determine the thickness of a given thin sheet
partially open then the contrast between the of transparent material such as glass or mica,
fringes decreases. i.e., if the slit widths are that transparent sheet is introduced in the path of
unequal, the minima will not be completely dark. one of the two interfering beams. The fringe

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pattern gets displaced towards the beam in whose be introduced in one of the beams of interference,
path the sheet is introduced. This shift is known as then
lateral displacement or lateral shift. ( µ −1)tD
1) the lateral shift y = r
t d
P ( µ −1)t
S1
y 2) the number of fringes shifted n = r
λ
d θ O d) Due to the presence of transparent sheet, the phase
difference between the interfering waves at a given
S2
D 2π
point is given by = ( µ − 1)t .
T λ
The optical path from S1 to P = ( S1P − t ) + µ t . e) If YDSE is performed with two different colours of
light of wavelengths λ1 & λ2 but by placing the same
The optical path from S2 to P = S 2 P.
transparent sheet in the path of one of the interfering
To get central zero fringe at P, ∆ s1 p = ∆s2 p waves then n1λ1 = n2λ2 .
⇒ S1P − t + µ t = S 2 P where n1 and n2 are the number of fringes shifted
∴ S2 P − S1P = ( µ −1)t with wavelengths λ1 & λ2 .
Since µ > 1, this implies S2 P > S1 P hence the vi) When two different transperent sheets of thickness
fringe pattern must shift towards the beam from S1. t1, t 2 and refractive index µ1 , µ 2 are placed in the
y paths of two interfering waves in YDSE, if the central
But S2 P − S1P = d sin θ = d , where ‘y’ is the bright fringe position is not shifted, then
D
lateral shift. ( µ1 − 1)t 1 = (µ 2 − 1)t 2 .
y Important Concepts :
∴ ( µ − 1)t = d Ø Formation of colours in thin films :
D
a) Interference due to reflected light
D β
∴ Lateral shift ( y ) = ( µ −1)t = ( µ −1)t
d λ
(or) Thickness of sheet
yd yλ
t= =
( µ − 1) D ( µ − 1) β
From the above it is clear that
a) For a given colour, shift is independent of order of
the fringe i.e. shift in zero order maximum = shift in
9th minima (or) shift in 6th maxima = shift in 2nd
minima. Since the refractive index depends on
wavelength hence lateral shift is different for different Reflected system :
colours. Ø Path difference between the rays Qa and QRSb.
(PD) = QRS in medium - QN in air
lateralshift
b) The number of fringes shifted = fringewidth ∴P.D = 2µ t cos r This is the path lag
due to reflection on film additional path lag of λ / 2
y ( µ −1)t
∴n = = (or) nλ = ( µ −1)t exists. (stoke’s theorem)
β λ λ
Therefore, number of fringes shifted is more for Total path difference = 2µt cos r +
2
shorter wavelength.
c) If a transparent sheet of thickness ‘t’ and its Condition for maximum
λ
relative refractive index µr (w.r.t. surroundings) Ø 2 µt cos r + = nλ
2
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λ WE-3: Two slits are made one millimetre apart

OR 2 µ t cos r = ( 2 n − 1) For all values of n and the screen is placed one metre away. When
2 blue-green light of wavelength 500 nm is used,
is equal to 1, 2, 3............... n. the fringe separation is
Ø Condition for Minimum Dλ
λ λ Sol. Fringe separation, β =
2 µ t cos r + = ( 2n − 1) d
2 2
Given, D = 1m, λ = 500 nm = 5 ×10 −7 m and
2µ t cos r = nλ for values of n = 0,1,2,3... n
d = 1mm = 1× 10−3 m
= 0 gives the central minima.
For normal incident i = o = r 1× 5 ×10 −7
∴ Fringe separation, β = m
λ 1 ×10−3
2µ t = nλ for dark ; 2µ t = ( 2n − 1) for bright.
2
Transmitted system = 5 ×10−4 m = 0.5 mm
Ø Interference of two rays Rc and Td. By symmetry WE-4: In YDSE, the two slits are separated by
it can be concluded that the path difference between 0.1 mm and they are 0.5 m from the screen.
the rays in 2µ t cos r . The wavelengh of light used is 5000 Å . What
But there would not be any extra phase lag because is the distance between 7th maxima and 11 th
either of the two rays suffers reflection at denser minima on the screen?
surface. Sol. Here, d = 0.1 mm = 10-4 m,
Ø Condition for maxima : 2µ t cos r = nλ
D = 0.5 m , λ = 5000 Å = 5.0 ×10 −7 m
Ø Condition for minimum : ∴
λ
2µ t cos r = ( 2n −1) ∆ x = ( X 11 ) dark − ( X 7 )bright =
(2 ×11 − 1)λ D 7 λ D
−
2 2d d
If YDSE is conducted with white light, 7λ D 7 × 5 ×10 −7
Ø Central fringe is always achromatic (white) ∆x = =
Ø When path difference is small, then some coloured 2d 2 ×10 −4
fringes are obtained on two sides of the central = 8.75 ×10−3 m
fringe. The outer edge of the fringe is violet and = 8.75 mm
inner edge is red.
Ø The fringe width is different for different colours WE-5: In Young’s double slit experiment
Ø The number of fringes obtained is less than that with interference fringes 10 apart are produced on
monochromatic light source. the screen, the slit separation is ( λ = 589 nm )
WE-2: Light waves from two coherent sources
having intensity ratio 81 : 1 produce λD
interference. Then, the ratio of maxima and Sol. The fringe width, β = d
minima in the interference pattern will be The angualr separation of the fringes is given by
I1 A12 81 β λ
Sol. Given, = = θ= =
I 2 A22 1 D d
A1 9 π
∴ A = 1 or A1 = 9 A2 .... (1) Given, θ = 1 =
0
rad
2 180
I max ( A1 + A2 )2 λ = 589 nm
∴ =
I min ( A1 − A2 )2
λ 589 ×180 ×10−9
From Eq. (i), we get ∴ d= =
θ π
I max (9 A2 + A2 ) 2 (10) 2 25
= = = = 0.0337 mm
I min (9 A2 − A2 ) 2 (8) 2 16

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WE-6: In Young’s double slit experiment, the WE-10: In a Young’s experiment, one of the slits
wavelength of red light is 7800 Å and that of is covered with a transparent sheet of
blue light is 5200 Å. The value of n for which thickness 3.6 × 10−3 cm due to which position
nth bright band due to red light coincides with of central fringe shifts to a position orginally
(n + 1)th bright band due to blue light, is occupied by 30th fringe.If λ = 6000 Å, then
n λ D nλ D nR λB 5200 2 find the refractive index of the sheet.
Sol. R R = B B or n = λ = 7800 = 3 Sol. The position of 30th bright fringe,
d d B R
30λ D
Therefore 2 of red coincides with 3rd of blue.
nd y30 = Now position shift of central fringe is
d
WE-7: Young’s double slit experiment is made in 30λ D D
a liquid. The 10th bright fringe in liquid lies y0 = ; But we know, y0 = ( µ − 1)t
d d
where 6th dark fringe lies in vacuum. The
30λ D D
refractive index of the liquid is approximately = ( µ − 1)t
λD d d
Sol. Fringe width β = d . When the apparatus is 30λ 30 × (6000 × 10 − 1 0 )
⇒ ( µ − 1) = = = 0.5
immersed in a liquid, λ and hence β is reduced t (3.6 × 10 − 5 )
µ (refractive index) times. ∴ µ = 1.5
D λD WE-11: The maximum intensity in the case of n
10β ′ = (5.5) β or 10λ ′   = (5.5) identical incoherent waves each of intensity
d d
W W
2 2 is 32 2 the value of n is
λ 10 m m
or = = µ or µ = 1.8
λ ′ 5.5 Sol. I = n I0 , 32 = n 2, n = 16
WE-8: In Young’s double slit experiment, how WE-12: Compare the intensities of two points
many maximas can be obtained on a screen β β
located at respective distance and from
(including the central maximum) on both sides 4 3
of the central fringe if λ = 2000 Å and the central maxima in a interference of YDSE
d = 7000 Å? ( β is the fringe width)
Sol. For maximum intensity on the screen 2π 2π  d β  2π  d λ D 
Sol. ∆θ = ∆x =   =  
nλ ( n)(2000) n λ λ D 4 λ  D 4d 
d sinθ = nλ or sin θ = ; = =
d (7000) 3.5 2π π 2π 
∴ ∆θ = = ⇒ I = 4 I 0 cos  
maximum value of sin θ = 1 4 2 4
∴ n = −3, −2, −1,0,1,2,3 ; ∴ 7 maximas. 2π  2π 
Similarly ∆θ = ⇒ I = 4I0 cos2   = I0
WE-9: In a double slit experiment the angular 3  2× 3 
width of a fringe is found to be 0.20 on a
∴ required ratio = 2 : 1
screen placed I m away. The wavelength of
light used in 600 nm. What will be the angular WE-13: In Young’s double slit experiment
width of the fringe if the entire experimental intensity at a point is (1/4) of the maximum
intensity. Angular position of this points is
apparatus is immersed in water? Take
refractive index of water to be 4/3. 2φ  I 2 φ 
Sol: I = I max cos   ; ∴ max = I max cos  
Sol. Angular fringe separation, 2 4 2
λ λ λ′ φ 1 φ π
θ = ord = ; In water, d = cos = or =
d θ θ′ 2 2 2 3
λ λ ′ θ ′ λ′ 1 3 2 π  2π 
∴ = or = = = ∴φ = =  .∆x where ∆x = d sinθ
θ θ′ θ λ µ 4 3  λ 
λ λ −1  λ 
3 3 = d sin θ ,sin θ = , θ = sin  
or θ ′ = θ = × 0.2 = 0.15
0 0

4 4 3 3d  3d 

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 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS
WE-14: In Young’s double slit experiment the y
co-ordinates of central maxima and 10th
maxima are 2 cm and 5 cm respectively. When
the YDSE apparatus is immersed in a liquid
of refractive index 1.5 the corresponding y co-
ordinates will be
Sol. Fringe width β ∝ λ . Therefore, λ and hence β First order maxima:
will decrease 1.5 times when immersed in liquid.
The distance between central maxima and 10th S2 P − S1P = λ ( or ) x 2 + 9λ 2 − x = λ
maxima is 3 cm in vacuum. When immersed in liquid or x 2 + 9λ 2 = x + λ Squaring both sides, we
it will reduce to 2 cm. Position of central maxima
will not change while 10th maxima will be obtained get x 2 + 9λ 2 = x 2 + λ 2 + 2x λ . Solving this,
at y = 4 cm. we get x = 4λ . Second order maxima:
WE-15: In YDSE, bi-cromatic light of
S2 P − S1 P = 2λ ; (or) x 2 + 9λ 2 − x = 2λ (or)
wavelengths 400 nm and 560 nm are used. The
distance between the slits is 0.1 mm and the x 2 + 9λ 2 = ( x + 2λ ) Squaring both sides, we get
distance between the plane of the slits and the
screen is 1m. The minimum distance between x 2 + 9 λ 2 = x 2 + 4 λ 2 + 4 xλ
two successive regions of complete darkness 5
is: Solving, we get x = λ = 1.25λ
4
Sol. Let nth minima of 400 nm coincides with mth minima Hence, the desired x coordinates are,
of 560nm, then
x = 1.25λ and x = 4λ .
 400   560 
(2n − 1)   = (2 m − 1)   or WE-17: Two coherent light sources A and B with
 2   2  separation 2λ are placed on the x-axis
2 n −1 7 14 symmetrically about the origin. They emit light
= = = ..... of wavelength λ . Obtain the positions of
2m − 1 5 10
i.e., 4th minima of 400 nm coincides with 3rd minima maxima on a circle of large radius, lying in
of 560 nm. Location of this minima is, the x-y plane and with centre at the origin.
(2 × 4 − 1)(1000)(400 ×10 −9 )
Y1 = = 14 mm
2 × 0.1 θ
Next 11th minima of 400 nm will coincide with 8th
minima of 560 nm. Sol:
Location of this minima is,
(2 ×11 − 1)(1000)(400 ×10−9 ) For P to have maximum intensity, d cos θ = nλ
Y2 = = 42 mm
2 × 0.1 n
∴ Required distance Y2 − Y1 = 28 mm . 2λ cos θ = nλ cos θ = where n is integer
2
WE-16: An interference is observed due to two For n = 0, θ = 90,270
0 0

coherent sources S1 placed at origin and S2

n = ±1, θ = 600 ,120 0, 240,300
0 0
placed at (0,3λ ,0) . Here λ is the wavelength
of the sources. A detector D is moved along n = ±2, θ = 00 ,1800
the positive x-axis. Find x-coordinates on the So, positions of maxima are at
x-axis (excluding x = 0 and x = ∞ ) where θ = 00 ,600 ,900 ,120 0 ,180 0,240,270
0 0
a n d
maximum intensity is observed.
Sol: At x = 0, path difference is 3λ . Hence, third 3000 ; i.e., 8 positions will be obtained.
order maxima will be obtained. At x = ∞ , path Short cut : In d = nλ then number of maximum
difference is zero. Hence, zero order maxima is on the circle is 4n.Note: For minima;
obtained. In between first and second order λ
maxima will be obtained. ∆x = (2 n − 1)
2
207
 WAVE OPTICS NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I

WE-18: Two coherent point sources S1 and S2 Sol: According to the question, Intensity of ray AB, I1 =
vibrating in phase emit light of wavelength I0
λ . The separation between the sources is 2λ . and Intensity of ray A′B′ ,
5
Consider a line passing through S2 and
perpendicular to the line S1S 2 . Find the
position of farthest and nearest minima
S2

2λ

S1
D P
λ
Sol: ∆xmin = (2 n − 1) The farthest minima has path
2 16 I 0 81
difference λ / 2 while nearest minima has path I2 = , I max = ( I1 + I 2 ) 2 = I0 ,
125 125
difference (3/2) λ . For the nearest minima.
I I
3 I min = ( I1 − I 2 ) 2 = 0 , max = 81 .
S1P − S2 P = λ ; [as maximum path difference is 2λ ] 125 I min
2 WE 20: In a YDSE experiment if a slab whose
2

λ ⇒ ( 2λ ) 2 + D 2 =  λ + D 
3 3 refractive index can be varied is placed in front
⇒ (2λ ) 2 + D 2 − D =
2 2  of one of the slits, then the variation of
resultant intensity at mid-point of screen with
9 2 3
⇒ 4λ 2 + D 2 = λ + D 2 × 2× λ × D ' µ ' will be best represented by ( µ ≥ 1).
4 2
[Assume slits of equal width and there is no
9λ 7λ 7
⇒ 3 D = 4λ − = ⇒ D= λ absorption by slab]
4 4 12
For the farthest minima,
I0 I0
λ
S1P − S2 P = (1) (2)
2
λ µ µ
⇒ 4λ 2 + D 2 − D = µ=1 µ=1
2
λ2 15λ
⇒ 4λ2+ D2 = + D2 +Dλ ⇒ D =4λ − λ / 4 = I0 I0
4 4 (4) (3)
WE 19: A ray of light of intensity I is incident
on a parallel glass slab at a point A as shown. µ µ
It undergoes partial reflection and refraction. µ=1 µ=1
At each reflection 20% of incident energy is
Sol. ∆x = ( µ − 1)t ; For µ = 1,∆ x = 0
reflected. The rays AB and A’ B’ undergo
interference. The ratio Imax / Imin is ∴ I = maximum = I0 ; As µ increases path
λ
B difference ∆x also increases.; For ∆x = 0 to ,
I B'
2
intensity will decrease from I0 to zero.
λ
A A'
Then for ∆x = to λ , intensity will increase from
2
zero to I 0 .
C Hence option 3 is correct

208
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS

WE 21: Consider the optical system shown in fig. Diffraction

The point source of light S is having Ø The bending of light around edges of an obstacle
wavelength equal to λ . The light is reaching on the enchroachment of light within geometrical
screen only after reflection. For point P to be shadow is known as “diffraction of light”
2nd maxima, the value of λ would be
Ø Diffraction is a characteristic wave property.
( D >> d & d >> λ ) Ø Diffraction is an effect exhibited by all electro-
magnetic waves, water waves and sound waves
Ø Diffraction takes place with very small moving
particles such as atoms, neutrons and electrons
which show wavelike properties.
Ø When light passes through a narrow aperture some
light is found to be enchroached into shadow
12d 2 6d 2 3d 2 24d 2
1) 2) 3) 4) regions.
D D D D Ø When slit width is larger, the enchroachment of light
(8d ) × 3d is small and negligible.
Sol: a. At P, ∆x = ;
D Ø When slit width is comparable to wavelength of light
24d 2 the enchroachment of light is more
For 2nd maxima, ∆x = 2λ ; ⇒ = 2λ Ø If the size of obstacle or aperture is comparable
D
S1
with the wavelength of light, light deviates from
2d rectilinear propagation near edges of obstacle or
P
aperture and enchroaches into geometrical shadow.
S
3d Ø Diffraction phenomenon is classified into two types,
θ
a) Fresnel diffraction b) Fraunhoffer diffraction
6d O
Central Fresnel Diffraction
maxima
Ø The source or screen or both are at finite distances
S2
from diffracting device (obstacle or aperture)
12d 2 Ø
⇒ λ= In Fresnel diffraction, the effect at any point on the
D screen is due to exposed wave front which may be
WE 22: Two coherent point sources S1 and S2 spherical or cylindrical in shape.
vibrating in phase emit light of wavelength Ø Fresnel diffraction does not require any lens to
λ . The separation between them is 2λ as modify the beam.
shown in figure. The first bright fringe is Ø Fresnel diffraction can be explained in terms of “half
formed at ‘P’ due to interference on a screen period zones or strips”
placed at distance ‘D’ from S1 ( D >> λ ), then Fraunhoffer Diffraction:
OP is
The source and the screen are at infinite distance
from diffracting device (aperture or obstacle).
Ø In Fraunhofer diffraction the wave front meeting the
obstacle is plane wave front.
Ø Fraunhofer diffraction requires lenses to modify the
beam.
1) 3 D 2) 1.5 D 2D 4)4) 2 D Diffraction Due to Single Slit
λ λ 1 Ø Diffraction is supposed to be due to interference of
Sol: ∆x = d cos θ = λ ; cos θ = = =
d 2λ 2 secondary wavelets from the exposed portion of
x wavefront from the slit.
θ = 600 tan60 = x = 3D
D

209
 WAVE OPTICS NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I

Whereas in interference, all bright fringes have same 1

intensity. In diffraction, bright bands are of decrease and becomes times. With while light,
decreasing intensity. µ
the central maximum is white and the rest of the
diffraction bands are coloured.
Ø Interference and diffraction bands
If N interference bands are contained by the width
of the central bright.

width = N β = N  Dλ  ; ∴ 2 Dλ = NDλ
 d  a d
2d
i) Condition for minimum intensity is therefore width of the slit a=
N
a sinθ = nλ ( n = 1,2,3,.....) WE-23: A parallel beam of light of wavelength
Where ‘a’ is the width of the slit, θ is the angle of 500 nm falls on a narrow slit and the resulting
diffraction pattern is observed on screen 1 m
diffraction
away. It is observed that the first minimum is
ii) Condition for maximum intensity
at a distance of 2.5 mm from the centre of the
λ screen. Find the width of the slit.
a sinθ = (2n +1) ( n = 1,2,3,.....)
2 y 2.5 ×10−3
The intensity decreases as we go to successive Sol: θ = , θ = radian
D 1
maxima away from the centre, on either side. The Now, a sin θ = nλ
width of central maxima is twice as that of secondary
Since θ is very small, therefore sinθ = θ .
maxima.
nλ 1× 500 × 10−9
or a = = m
θ 2.5 ×10−3
= 2 × 10−4 m = 0.2 mm
y WE-24: A screen is placed 50 cm from a single
O θ
P slit, which is illuminated with 6000 Å light,
If distance between the first and third minima
D in the diffraction pattern is 3.00 mm, what is
the width of the slit?
Sol: In case of diffraction at single slit, the position
T of minima is given by a sin θ = nλ . Where d is
For first minia a sin θ = λ the aperture size and for small θ :
y λD sin θ = θ = ( y / D )
a = λ (∴ sin θ ≈ tan θ ) ∴ y =
D a  y D
∴ a   = nλ , i. e., y = ( nλ )
2λ D D a
Width of central maxima w = 2 y =
a D D
Note: If lens is placed close to the slit, then D = f. So that, y3 − y1 = (3λ − λ ) = (2λ) and
a a
Hence ‘f’ be the focal length of lens, then width
2fλ 0.50 × (2 × 6 ×10−7 )
of the central maximum w = . hence, a = −3
= 2 × 10−4 m
a 3 × 10
Note: If this experiment is performed in liquid other = 0.2 mm
than air, width of diffraction maxima will

210
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS

WE-25: In a single slit diffraction experiment secondary minimum is called half angular width of
the central maximum and it is given by
first minimum for λ1 = 660 nm coincides
λ
with first maxima for wavelength λ2 . θ = (provided θ is small)
a
Calculate λ2 . If the screen is placed at a distance D from the slit,
then the linear spread of the central maximum is
Sol: Position of minima in diffraction pattern is given
given by
by; a sin θ = nλ
Dλ
For first minima of λ1, we have y = Dθ =
a
λ1 It is, in fact, the distance of first secondary
a sin θ1 = (1)λ1 or sin θ1 = .....(i) minimum from the centre of the screen. It follows
a
The first maxima approximately lies between first that as the screen is moved away (D is
increased), the linear size of the central maximum
and second minima. For wavelength λ2 its
i.e., spread distance, when D = Z F ,
position will be
y = a (size of the slit)
3 3λ Setting this condition in the above equation, we
a sin θ 2 = λ 2 ∴ sin θ 2 = 2 ...... (ii)
2 2a have
The two will coincide if,
ZFλ a2
θ1 = θ 2 or sin θ1 = sinθ 2 a= or Z =
λ
F
a
λ1 3λ2 It follows that if screen is placed at a distance
∴ = or
a 2a beyond Z F , the spreading of light due to
2 2 diffraction will be quite large as compared to
λ2 = λ1 = × 660 nm = 440 nm the size of the slit. The above equation shows
3 3
that the ray -optics is valid in the limit of
WE-26: Two slits are made one millimeter apart wavelength tending to zero.
and the screen is placed one meter away. WE-27: For what distance is ray optics a good
What should the width of each slit be to approximation when the aperture is 3 mm
obtain 10 maxima of the double slit pattern wide and the wavelength is 500 nm?
within the central maximum of the single
slit pattern. Sol: For distance Z ≤ Z F ,
ray optics is the good appropriate
λ
Sol: We have aθ = λ (or) θ = a2 (3 ×10−3 ) 2
a Fresnel distance ZF = = = 18 m
(a = width of each slit) λ 5 ×10−7
λ λ Limit of resolution:
10 = 2 Ø The smallest linear or angular separation
d a
between two point objects at which they can be
d 1 just separately seen or resolved by an optical
∴ a = = = 0.2 mm
5 5 instrument is called the limit of resolution of
The Validity of Ray Optics: the instrument.
The distance of the screen from the slit, so that Resolving Power:
spreading of light due to diffraction from the Ø The resolving power of an optical instrument is
centre of screen is just equal to size of the slit, reciprocal of the smallest linear or angular
is called Fresnel distance. It is denoted by ZF. separation between two point objects, whose
The diffraction pattern of a slit consists of images can be just resolved by the instrument.
secondary maximum and minima on the two 1
sides of the central maximum. Therefore, one Resolving power = Limit of resolution
can say that on diffraction from a slit, light The resolving power of an optical instument is
spreads on the screen in the form of central inversely propotional to the wavelength of light
maximum. The angular position of first used.

211
 WAVE OPTICS NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I

Diffraction as a limit on resolving power: POLARIZATION

Ø All optical instuments like lens, telescope, Ø The properties of light, like interference and
microscope, etc, act as apertures. Light on passing diffraction demonstrate the wave nature of light.
through them undergoes diffraction. This puts the Ø Both longitudinal and transverse waves can exhibit
limit on their resolving power. interference and diffraction effects.
Rayleigh’s criterion for resolution: Ø The properties like polarization can be exhibited
only by transverse waves.
Ø The images of two point objects are resolved when Ø The peculiar feature of polarized light is that human
the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of eye cannot distinguish between polarised and
one falls over the first minimum of the diffraction unpolarised light.
pattern of the other. Ø As light is an electromagnetic wave, among its
Resolving Power of a Microscope: electric and magnetic vectors only electric vector is
Ø T he resolving power of a microscope is defined as mainly responsible for optical effects.
the reciprocal of the smallest distance d between Ø The electric vector of wave can be identified as a
two point objects at which they can be just resolved “light vector”
when seen in the microscope. Ø Ordinary light is unpolarised light in which electric
vector is oriented randomly in all directions
1 2 µ sinθ perpendicular to the direction of propagation of
Ø Resolving power of microscope = =
d 1.22λ light.
Clearly, the resolving power of a microscope Ø The phenomena of confining the vibrations of electric
depends on: vector to a particular direction perpendcular to the
i) the wave length ( λ ) of the light used direction of propagation of light is called
“Polarization”. Such polarised light is called linearly
ii) Half the angle (θ ) of the cone of light from each polarised or plane polarised light.
point object. Ø The plane in which vibrations are present is called
“plane of polarization.”
iii) the refractive index ( µ ) of the medium between
the object and the objective of the microscope (a)
Resolving Power of a Telescope:
Ø The resolving power of a telescope is defined as
(b)
the reciprocal of the smallest angular separation
' dθ ' between two distant objects whose images
can be just resolved by it. Polarized light
1 D
Ø Resolving power of telescope =
dθ 1.22 λ
Clearly, the resolving power of telescope depends
on : (i) the diameter (D) of the telescope objective
(ii) The wavelength ( λ ) of the light used.
WE- 28: Assume that light of wavelength 6000 Å
is coming from a star. What is the limit of
resolution of a telescope whose objective has
a diameter of 100 inch?
Sol: A 100 inch telescope implies that
a = 100 inch = 254 cm. Thus if,
λ ≈ 6000 Å = 6 × 10−5 cm then,
1.22λ
∆θ = ≈ 2.9 ×10−7 radians
a

212
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS
Ø Plane polarised light can be produced by different WE-29: When light of a certain wavelength is
methods like incident on a plane surface of a material at a
i. Reflection ii. Refraction glancing angle 300 , the reflected light is found
iii. Double refraction iv. Polaroids. to be completely plane polarized determine.
Polarization by Reflection a) refractive index of given material and
b) angle of refraction.
Ø The ordinary light beam is incident on transparent Sol: a) Angle of incident light with the surface is 300 .
surface like glass or water. Both reflected and The angle of incidence = 900 - 300 = 600 . Since
refracted beams get partially polarised. reflected light is completely polarized, therefore
Ø The degree of polarization changes with angle of incidence takes place at polarizing angle of
incidence. incidence θ p .
Ø At a particular angle of incidence called “polarising
angle” the reflected beam gets completely plane ∴ θ p = 600
polarised. The reflected beam has vibrations of Using Brewster’s law
electric vector perpendicular to the plane of paper.
Ø The polarising angle depends on the nature of µ = tan θ p = tan600 µ = 3
reflecting surface. b) From Snell’s law
Brewster’s Law: When angle of incidence is sin i sin600
µ= ∴ 3=
equal to “polarising angle” the reflected and sin r sin r
refracted rays will be perpendicular to each other.
3 1 1
Ø Brewster’s law states that “ The refractive index of or sin r = × = ,
3 2 r = 30
0.
a medium is equal to the tangent of polarising angle 2
θ p ”. Polarisation by Refraction
Ordinary
Ø The unpolarised light when incident on a glass
light i = θp Plane plate at an angle of incidence equal to the
polarized light polarising angle, the reflected light is completely
plane polarised, but the refracted light is partially
air
i polarised.
Ø The refracted light gets completely plane
glass polarised if incident light is allowed to pass
through number of thin glass plates arranged
parallel to each other. Such an arrangement of
Partially
polarized light glass plates is called “pile of plates”.
Ø The refractive index of the medium changes with Polarisation by Double Refraction
wavelength of incident light and so polarising (Additional)
angle will be different for different wavelengths. Ø Bartholinus discovered that when light is incident
Ø The complete polarization is possible when incident on a calcite crystal two refracted rays are
light is monochromatic. produced. It is called “double refraction” or
“birefringence”
sinθ p = sin θ p sin θ p Ø An ink dot made on the paper when viewed
µ= = = tan θ p
sin r sin(90 − θ p ) cos θ p
0 through calcite crystal two images are seen due
to double refraction. On rotating the crystal one
Ø From Brewster’s law, µ = tan θ p . image remains stationary and the other image
rotates around the stationary image.
Ø If i= θ p , the reflected light is completely polarised Ø The rotating image revolves round the stationary
and the refracted light is partially polarised. image in circular path.
Ø If i< θ p or i> θ p , both reflected and refracted rays Ø The stationary image is formed due to ordinary
get partially polarised. ray and revolving image is formed by
extraordinary ray.
Ø For glass θ p = tan-1(1.5) ≈ 570 Ø A plane which contains the optic axis and is
perpendicular to the two opposite faces is called
For water θ p = tan (1.33) ≈ 53
-1 0
the principal section of crystal.
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 WAVE OPTICS
Ø The ordinary ray emerging from the calcite crystal
obey the laws of refraction and vibrations are
perpendicular to the principal section of the crystal.
Ø The extra ordinary ray does not obey the laws of
refraction and the vibrations are in the plane of
principal section of crystal.
Ø Both ordinary and extraordinary rays are plane
polarised.
Polaroid : Polaroid is an optical device used to
produce plane polarised light making use of the
phenomenon of “selective absorption”.
Ø More recent type of polaroids are H-polaroids.
Ø H-polaroids are prepared by stretching a film of
polyvinyl alcohol three to eight times to original
length.
Effect of polarizer on natural light:
If one of waves of an unpolarized light of
intensity I 0 is incident on a polaroid and its
vibration amplitude A0 makes an angle θ with
the transmission axis, then the component of
vibration parallel to transmission axis will be
A0 cos θ while perpendicular to it A0 sin θ . Now
as polaroid will pass only those vibrations which
are parallel to its transmission axis, the intensity
I of emergent light wave will be
Transmission axis
A 0 sin θ
A 0 cos θ
I = KA02 cos 2 θ (or)
I = I 0 cos 2 θ [ asI 0 = KA02 ] In unpolarized light, all
values of θ starting from 0 to 2π are equally
probable, therefore
I0 2π 2 I
I = I 0 < cos θ >⇒ I = ∫ cos θ dθ = 0
2
2π 0 2 rotated with respect to analiser then there is no
I0
∴I=
2
Thus, if unpolarized light of intensity I 0 is incident
on a polarizer, the intensity of light transmitted
I of P2 and P3 . Then the intensity of emerging light
through the polarizer is 0 . The amplitude of
2
A0
polarized light is . 2
2
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NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
Effect of Analyser on plane polarized light:
When unpolarized light is incident on a polarizer,
the transmitted light is linearly polarized. If this light
further passes through analyser, the intensity varies
with the angle between the transmission axes of
polarizer and analyser.
Malus states that “the intensity of the polarized light
transmitted through the analyser is proportional to
cosine square of the angle between the plane of
transmission of analyser and the plane of
transmission of polarizer.” This is known as Malus
law.
A0
Therefore the intensity of polarized light after
I0
passing through analyser is I= COS 2θ
2
Where I 0 is the intensity of unpolarized light. The
amplitude of polarized light after passing through
A
analyser is A = 0 cos θ .
2
I
Case (i) : If θ = 0 0 axes are parallel then I = 0
2
Case (ii): If θ = 90 axes are perpendicular, then
0
I = 0.
I
Case (iii):If θ = 180 0 axes are parallel then I = 0
2
Case (iv): If θ = 2700 axes are perpendicular then
I = 0 Thus for linearly polarized light we obtain
two positions of maximum intensity and two
positions of minimum (zero) intensity, when we
rotate the axis of analyser w.r.t to polarizer by an
angle 2π . In the above cases if the polariser is
change in the outcoming intensity.
Note: In case of three polarizers P1 , P2 and P3 : If
θ1 is the angle between transmission axes of P1
and P2 , θ 2 is the angle between transmission axes
from P3 is
I
I = 0 cos 2 θ1 cos2 θ 2 .
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
WE-30: Unplarized light falls on two polarizing
sheets placed one on top of the other. What
must be the angle between the characteristic
directions of the sheets if the intensity of the
tramsitted light is one third of intensity of the
incident beam?
Sol: Intensity of the light transmitted through the first
polarizer I1 = I 0 /2, where I0 is the intensity of the
incident unpolarized light.
Intensity of the light transmitted through the second
polarizer is I 2 = I1 cos 2 θ where θ is the angle
between the characteristic directions of the
polarizer sheets.
But I 2 = I 0 / 3 (given)
I0 I and P3 will be (π / 2 − θ ). Hence the intensity
∴ I 2 = I1 cos θ = cos 2 θ = 0
2
2 3
2
∴ cos 2 θ = 2 / 3 ⇒ θ = cos −1
3
WE-31: Unpolarized light of intensity 32 Wm-2
passes through three polarizers such that the
transmission axis of the last polarizer is
crossed with the first. If the intensity of the
emerging light is 3 Wm-2, what is the angle
between the transmission axes of the first two
polarizers? At what angle will the transmitted
intensity be maximum?
Sol: If θ is the angle between the transmission axes
of first polaroid P1 and second P2 while φ
between the transmission axes of second 2.
polaroid P2 and third P3 , then according to given
problem.
θ + φ = 90 0 or φ = (900 − θ ).....(1)
Now if I 0 is the intensity of unpolarized light
incident on polaroid P1 , the intensity of light
transmitted through it,
1 1 W
I1 = I 0 = (32) = 16 2 ......(2)
2 2 m 1) phase is same for all points
Now as angle between transmission axes of
polaroids P1 and P2 is θ , in a accordance with
Malus law, intensity of light transmitted through
P2 will be
I 2 = I1 cos 2 θ = 16cos 2 θ ..........(3)
And as angle between transmission axes of P2
and P3 is φ , light transmitted through P3 will be
I 3 = I 2 cos 2 φ = 16cos2 θ cos2 φ .........(4)
WAVE OPTICS
According to given problem, I 3 = 3W / m 2
So, 4(sin2θ )2 = 3 i. e., sin2θ = ( 3 / 2 ) or
2θ = 600 , i.e., θ = 300 .
WE-32: Discuss the intensity of transmitted light
when a polaroid sheet is rotated between two
crossed polaroids?
Sol: Let I0 be the intensity of polarised light after passing
through the first polariser P1 . Then the intensity of
light after passing through second polariser P2 will
be
I = I 0 cos 2 θ , where θ is the angle between
pass axes of P1 and P2 . Since P1 and P2 are
crossed the angle between the pass axes of P2
of light emerging from P 3 will be
2π 
I = I 0 cos θ cos  − θ 
2
2 
= I 0 cos 2 θ sin 2 θ = ( I 0 /4)sin 2 2θ
Therefore, the transmitted intensity will be
maximum when θ = π / 4 .
C. U . Q
INTERFERENCE
1. A plane wave front falls on a convex lens. The
emergent wave front is
1) Plane 2) Cylindrical
3) Spherical diverging 4)Spherical converging
When two light waves meet at a place
1) their displacements add up
2) their intensities add up
3) both will add up 4) Energy becomes zero
3. The following phenomena which is not
explained by Huygens’ construction of wave
front is
1) refraction 2) reflection
3) diffraction 4) origin of spectra
4. A wavefront is an imaginary surface
where
2) phase changes at constant rate at all points along
the surface.
3) constant phase difference continuously changes
between the points
4) phase changes all over the surface
5. Huygen’s wave theory is used
1) to determine the velocity of light
2) to find the position of the wave front
3) to determine the wavelength of light
4) to find the focal length of a lens.
215
 WAVE OPTICS NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I

6. In a Laser beam the photons emitted are 15. The necessary condition for an interference
1) same wavelength 2) coherent by two sources of light is that:
3) of same velocity 4) All the above 1) two light sources must have the same wavelength
7. The amplitudes of two interfering waves are 4 2) two point sources should have the same
cm and 3 cm respectively. If the resultant amplitude and same wavelength
amplitude is 1 cm then the interference 3) two sources should have the same wavelength,
becomes nearly the same amplitude and have a constant
1) constructive phase angle difference
2) Destructive 4) the two point sources should have a randomly
3) Both constructive and destructive varying phase difference
16. For the sustained interference of light, the
4) given data is insufficient
necessary condition is that the two sources
8. Two coherent waves are represented by should
y1 =a1 cos ω t and y2 =a2 sin ω t. The resultant 1) have constant phase difference only
intensity due to interference will be 2) be narrow
( )
1) a 12 − a 22 ( )
2) a 12 + a 22 3) be close to each other
3)(a1 – a2 ) 4)(a1 + a2 ) 4) of same amplitude with constant phase
9. Two light waves are represented by difference
y1 = a sin ω t and y 2 = a sin(ωt + δ ) . The phase
17. When interference of light takes place
1) Energy is created in the region of maximum
of the resultant wave is intensity
δ δ δ 2) Energy is destroyed in the region of maximum
1) 2δ 2) 3) 3 4) intensity
2 4
10. Laser light is considered to be coherent 3) Conservation of energy holds good and
because it consists of energy is redistributed
1) many wavelengths 4) Conservation of energy doesn’t hold good
2) uncoordinated wavelengths 18. Which of the following is conserved when light
3) coordinated waves of exactly the same waves interfere
wavelength 1) momentum 2) amplitude
4) divergent beams 3) energy 4) intensity
19. The path difference between two interfering
11. Two waves having the same wave length and
waves at a point on screen is 70.5 times the
amplitude but having a constant phase
wave length. The point is
difference with time are known as 1) Dark 2) Bright
1) identical waves 2) incoherent waves 3) Not possible 4) Green in colour
3) coherent waves 4) collateral waves 20. Interference is produced with two coherent
12. Light waves spreading from two sources sources of same intensity. If one of the
produce steady interference only if they have sources is covered with a thin film so as to
1) congruence 2) coherence reduce the intensity of light coming out of it to
3) same intensity 4) same amplitude half, then
13. Four different independent waves are 1) Bright fringes will be less bright and dark fringes
represented by will be less dark
a) y1 =a1 sin ω 1 t b) y2 =a2 sin ω 2 t 2) Bright fringes will be more bright and the dark
π fringes will be more dark
c) y3 =a3 sin ω 3 t d) y4 =a4 sin( ω4 t+ 3 ) 3) Brightness of both types of the fringes will remain
the same
The sustained interference is possible due to
4) Dark region will spread completely
1) a & c 2) a & d 3) c & d
21. For constructive interference between two
4)not possible with any combination waves of equal wavelength, the phase angle
14. Interference fringes in Young’s double slit δ should be such that
experiment with monochromatic light are
δ δ
1) always equispaced 1) cos 2 = −1 2) cos 2 = 0
2) always unequally spaced 2 2
3) both equally and unequally spaced δ δ
3) cos 2 = 1 4) cos 2 = infinite
4) formed by a portion of the wave front. 2 2
216
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS
22. Two coherent waves each of amplitude ‘a’ 30. In young’s double slit experiment the slits are
traveling with a phase difference δ when of different length and widths. The amplitude
superpose with each other the resultant of the light waves is directly proportional to
intensity at a given point on the screen is the
1) a 2 (1 + cos δ) 2) 4a 2 (1 + cos δ) 1) length of the slit 2) distance between the slits
3) area of the slits 4) width of slits
3) 2a 2 (1 + cos δ) 4) (1 + cos δ) 31. In a double slit experiment, instead of taking
23. In the set up shown, the two slits S1 and S2 slits of equal widths, one slit is made twice as
are not equidistant from the slit S. wide as the other. Then, in the interference
pattern.
1S 1) The intensities of both the maxima and the minima
S O
increase
2) The intensity of the maxima increases and the
2S minima has zero intensity.
3) The intensity of the maxima decreases and that
The central fringe at O is then of the minima increases.
1) always bright 2) always dark 4) The intensity of the maxima decreases and the
3) either dark or bright depending on the position minima has zero intensity.
of S. 4) neither dark nor bright 32. When the width of slit aperture is increased
24. In young’s experiment of double slit, the by keeping ‘d’ as constant in Young’s
number of times the intensity of the central experiment
bright band greater than the individual 1) Fringe width will increase
intensity of the interfering waves 2)Fringe width will decrease and then increase
1) 2 2) 4 3) 6 4) 16 3)Fringe width first increases then decreases
25. A young’s double slit experiment uses a
monochromatic source. The shape of the 33. 4) Gradually the fringes will be merge
When viewed in white light, soap bubble show
interference fringes formed on the screen is
a colours because of
1) straight line 2) parabola 1) Interference 2) Scattering
3) hyperbola 4) circle 3) Diffraction 4) Dispersion
26. The contrast in the fringes in any interference 34. When petrol drops from a vehicle fall over
pattern depends on : rain water on road surface colours are seen
1) fringe width 2) wave length because of
3) intensity ratio of the sources 1) Dispersion of light 2) Interference of light
4) distance between the sources. 3) Scattering of light 4) Absorption of light
27. If monochromatic red light is replaced by 35. Coherent light is incident on two fine parallel
green light the fringe width becomes slits S1 and S2 as shown in fig. If a dark fringe
1) increase 2) remain same occurs at P, which of the following gives
3) we cannot say 4) decrease possible phase differences for the light waves
28. Interference was observed in interference arriving at P from S1 and S2 ?
chamber, when air was present. Now the
chamber is evacuated, and if the same light S
1
is used, a careful observer will see P
1) no interference
2) interference with central bright band S
2

3) interference with central dark band

4) interference in which breadth of the fringe 1) 2π, 4π, 6π … 2) 1/2π, 5/2π, 9/2π …
will be slightly increased. 3) π, 3π, 5π ….. 4) 1/2π, 3/2π, 5/2π ….
29. In young’s experiment with white light central 36. In young’s double slit experiment, the distance
fringe is white. If now a transparent film is of the n-th dark fringe from the centre is
introduced in the upper beam coming from the
top slit, the white fringe  λD   2d 
1) n  2 d  2) n  
1) moves down ward 2) moves upward    λD 
3) remains at the same place λD 4d
4) totally disappears 3) ( 2n −1) 4) ( 2n −1)
2d λD
217
 WAVE OPTICS
37. When a thin film of thickness t is placed in the
path of light wave emerging out of the slit, then
increase in the length of optical path will be
µ 1) Polarisation
1) ( µ − 1) t 2) ( µ + 1) t 3) µt 4)
t
38. If the Young’s double slit experiment is
performed with white light, then
1) the central maximum will be dark
2) there will not be completely dark fringe
3) the fringe next to the central will be red
4) the fringe next to the central will be violet
39. Which of the following decides about the
contrast between bright and dark fringes in an
interference experiment?
1) wavelength
2) distance between two coherent sources
3) fringe width 4) intensity ratio
40. If torch is used in place of monochromatic light
in Young’s experiment, what will happen?
1) Fringe will occur as from monochromatic source
2) Fringe will appear for a moment and then it will
disappear
3) No fringes will appear
4) Only bright fringe will appear
41. At a finite distance from the source, a point
source of light produces
1) spherical wave front
2) plane wavefront
3) cylindrical wavefront
4) both spherical and plane wavefronts
42. Nature of wave front depends on
1) shape of source 2) distance of source
3) both 1 and 2 4) none of these
43 If Young’s double slit apparatus is shifted from
air to water, then
1) Fringe width decreases
2) Fringe width increases
3) Fringe width remains same
4) Fringe system disappears
44. In Young’s double slit experiment the phase
difference between the waves reaching the
central fringe and fourth bright fringe will be
1) zero 2) 4π 3) 6π 4) 8π
45. Instead of using two slits as in young’s
experiment, if we use two separate but identical
sodium lamps, which of the following occur
a) uniform illumination is observed
b) widely separate interference
c) very bright maximum
d) very minimum
1) a only 2) a, b only 3) c, d only 4) b, d only
218
NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
46. Alternate bright and dark fringes appear in
Young’s double slit experiment due to the
phenomenon of
2) Diffraction
3) Interference 4) Dispersion
DIFRACTION OF LIGHT
47. The bending of light about corners of an
obstacle is called
1) Dispersion 2) Refraction
3) Deviation 4) Diffraction
48. To observe diffraction, the size of an obstacle
1) Should be of the same order as wave length
2) Should be much larger than the wave length
3) Has no relation to wave length
4) May be greater or smaller than the wave length
49. In diffraction pattern
1) The fringe widths are equal
2) The fringe widths are not equal
3) The fringes can not be produced
4) The fringe width may or may not be equal
50. Sun light filtering through a tree leaves often
makes circular patches on the ground because
1) The sun is round
2) The space through which light penetrates is
round
3) Light is transverse in nature
4) Of diffraction effects
51. In studying diffraction pattern of different
obstacles, the effect of
1) full wave front is studied
2) portion of a wave front is studied
3) waves from two coherent sources is studied
4) waves from one of the coherent source is
studied.
52. Both light and sound waves produce
diffraction. It is more difficult to observe the
diffraction with light waves because.
1) Light wave do not require medium
2) Wavelength of light waves is far smaller
3) Light waves are transverse
4) Speed of light is far greater
53. In Young’s double slit experiment
1) only interference occurs
2) only diffraction occurs
3) both interference and diffraction occurs
4) polarisation occurs
54. Light travels in a straight line because
1) it is not absorbed by atmosphere
2) its velocity is very high
3) diffraction effect is negligible
4) due to interference
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
55. One of the following statements is correct. Pick
out the one
1) Diffraction can not take place without
interference
2) Interference will not take place with out
diffraction.
3) Interference and diffraction are the result of
polarization
4) The fringe width in Young’s double slit
experiment does not depends on the wave length.
56. Diffraction of light is
1) the bending of light at the surface of separation
when it travels from rarer medium of denser medium
2) the bending of light at the surface of
separation when it travels from denser medium to
rarer medium
3) encroachment of light into the geometrical
shadow of the obstacle placed in its path
4) emergence of a light ray grazing the surface
of separation when it travels from denser to rarer
medium
57. Pick out the correct statements
1) diffraction is exhibited by all electromagnetic
waves but not by mechanical waves
2) diffraction cannot be observed with a plane
polarized light
3) the limit of resolution of a microscope decreases
with increase in the wavelength of light used
4) the width of central maximum in the diffraction
pattern due to single slit increases as wavelength 66. The resolving power of human eye is
increases
58. A lens of focal length f gives diffraction pattern
of Fraunhoffer type of a slit having width a. If 67. Resolving power of a telescope increases with
wavelength of light is λ, the distance of first
dark band and next bright band from axis is
given by
a λ λ 4) Increase in aperture of objective
1) λ f 2) a f 3) af 4) aλf 68. To increase both the resolving power and
59. The class of diffraction in which incident and
diffracted wave fronts are planar is called
1) Fresnel diffraction
2) Fraunhoffer diffraction
3) Huygen’s diffraction
4) Newton’s diffraction
60. Neutron diffraction pattern is used to
determine
1) Density of solids
2) Atomic number of elements 69. Waves that cannot be polarised are
3) Crystal structure of solid
4) Refractive index of liquid
61. Geometrical shadow is formed due to the 70. Human eye
phenomenon of
1) Diffraction of light 2) Polarisation of light
3) Interference of light
4) Rectilinear propagation of light
WAVE OPTICS
62. The surface of crystals can be studied using
1) diffraction of visible light
2) diffraction of x-rays
3) interference of sound waves
4) refraction of radio waves
63. The diffraction bands observed in the case of
straight edge producing diffraction effects are
1) equally spaced like the interference bands
but with less contrast
2) unequally spaced with increasing width as we
move away from the edge of geometric shadow
3) unequally spaced with decreasing width as we
move away from the edge of geometric shadow
4) equally spaced like the interference bands but
with more contrast
64. A we move away from the edge into the
geometrical shadow of a straight edge, the
intensity of illumination
1) Decreases 2) Increases
3) Remains unchanged
4) Increase and then decreases
65. In Fresnel’s diffraction, wavefront must be
1) spherical 2) cylindrical
3) plane 4) both 1 and 2
RESOLVING POWER
1) ≈ 1' 2) ≈ 10 3) ≈ 10' 4) ≈ 5'
1) Increase in focal length of eye piece
2) Increase in focal length of objective
3) Increase in aperture of eye piece
magnifying power of a telecscope
1) Both the focal length and aperture of the objec
tive has to be increased
2) The focal length of the objective has to be in
creased
3) The aperture of the objective has to be increased
4) The wavelength of light has to be decreased
POLARISATION
1) Longitudinal 2) Transverse
3) Electromagnetic 4) Light
1) Can detect polarised light
2) Can not detect polarisation of light
3) Can detect only circularly polarised light
4) Can detect only linearly polarised light
219
 WAVE OPTICS
71. Polarisation of light was first successfully
explained by
1) Corpuscular theory
2) Huygens’ wave theory
3) Electromagnetic wave theory
4) Planck’s theory
72. Plane of polarisation is
1) The plane in which vibrations of the electric
vector takes place
2) A plane perpendicular to the plane in which
vibrations of the electric vector takes place
3) Is perpendicular to the plane of vibration
4) Horizontal plane
73. In the propagation of polarised light waves, the
angle between the plane of vibration and the
plane of polarization is
1) 00 2) 900 3) 450 4) 1800
74. Transverse wave nature is established by
1) Interference 2) Diffraction
3) Polarization 4) All the above
75. Choose the correct statement.
1) the Brewster’s angle is independent of
wavelength of light.
2) the Brewster’s angle is independent of the nature
of reflecting surface
3) the Brewster’s angle is different for different
wavelengths
4) Brewster’s angle depends on wavelength but not
on the nature of reflecting surface.
76. The polarising angle for glass is
1) same for different kinds of glass
2) different for different kinds of glass
3) same for lights of all colours
4) varies with time
77. When an unpolarised light is polarized, then
the intensity of light of the polarized wave
1) remains same 2) doubled 3) halved
4) depends on the colour of the light.
78. Unpolarising light falls on two polarizing sheets
so oriented that no light is transmitted. If a
third polarizing sheet is placed between them;
not parallel to either of the above two sheets
in question
1) no light is transmitted
2) some light is transmitted
3) light may or may not be transmitted
4) certainly 50% light is transmitted.
79. When light falls on two polaroid sheets, one
observes complex brightness then the two
polaroids axes are
1) Mutually perpendicular 2) Mutually parallel
3) Angle between their two axes is 450
4) None of the above
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NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
80. Polaroid are used
1) to eliminate head light glare in automobile
2) in production of 3-D motion pictures
3) in sun glasses 4) all the above
81. A diffraction pattern is obtained using a beam
of redlight. What happens if the red light is
replaced by blue light
1) no change
2) diffraction bands become narrower and crowded
together
3) bands beome broader and farther apart
4) bands disappear
82. In a diffraction pattern the width of any fringe
is
1) directly proportional to slit width
2) inversely proportional to slit width
3) Independent of the slit width
4) None of the above
83. Yellow light is used in a single slit of diffraction
experiment with slit width 0.6 mm. If yellow
light is replaced by X-rays then the observed
pattern will reveal
1) that the central maximum is narrower
2) more number of fringes
3)less number of firnges 4)no diffraction patterns
84. A beam of light AO is incident on a glass slab
(µ = 1.54) in the direction shown. The reflected
ray OB is passed through a Nicol prism. On
viewing through a Nicol prism, we find on
rotating the prism that
A B
33 0 O 33 0
Glass slab
1) the intensity is reduced down to zero and remains
zero
2) the intensity reduces down somewhat and rises
again
3) there is no change in intensity
4) the intensity gradually reduces to zero and then
again increases
85. A star is going away from the earth. An
observer on the earth will see the wavelength
of light coming from the star
1) decreased
2) increased
3) neither decreased nor increased
4) decreased or increased depending upon the
velocity of the star
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
86. Red shift is an illustration of
1) low temperature emission
2) high frequency absorption
3) Doppler effect
4) unknown phenomenon
87. If the shift of wavelength of light emitted by a
star is towards violet, then this shows that star
is
1) stationary
2) moving towards earth
3) moving away from earth
4) Information is incomplete
88. When there is a relative motion of an observer
from a source of light, the apparent change in
its wavelength is termed as
1) Raman effect 2) Seebeck effect
3) Doppler’s effect 4) Gravitational effect
89. In the context of Doppler effect in light, the
term red shift signifies
1) decrease in frequency
2) increase in frequency
3) decrease in intensity
4) increase in intensity
90. As we change the colour of light from Red to
Blue, which of the following is correct for the
polarizing angle and critical angle of glass?
1) the former increases, the latter decreases
2) the former decreases, the latter increases
3) the former increases, the latter increases
4) the former decreases, the latter decreases
91. Atmospheric refraction is due to
1) changing pressure in the atmosphere
2) varying density of atmosphere
3) varying temperature of the atmosphere
4) both (2) and (3).
92. Which of the following phenomenon is not
common to sound and light waves
1) Interferenec 2) Diffraction
3) Polarisation 4) Reflection
93. Polarisation can be produced by
1) Reflection 2) Refraction
3) Scattering 4) All of the above
94. An unpolarised light is incident on a surface
separating two transparent media of different
optical densities at the polarizing angle. Then
the reflected ray and refracted ray are
1) parallel to each other
2) perpendicular to each other
3) inclined to each other making an angle 450
4) none of the above
WAVE OPTICS
95. The intensity of the polarized light transmitted
through the analyzer is given by
1) Brewster’s law 2) Malus Law
3) Fresnel’s assumptions 4) law of superposition
96. Statement A: In the interference pattern the
intensity is same at all points in a brightband
Statement B: In Young’s double slit
experiment, as we move away from the central
maximum, the third maximum always comes
before the third minimum.
1) Both A and B are true 2) Both A and B are false
3) A is true but B is false4) A is false and B is true
97. A light of wavelength λ is incident on an object
of size b. If a screen is at a distance D from
the object. Identify the correct condition for
the observation of different phenomenon
a) if b 2 = Dλ , Fresnel diffraction is observed
b) if b 2 >> Dλ , Fraunhoffer diffraction is
observed
c) b 2 << Dλ , Fraunhoffer diffraction is
observed
d) b 2 >> Dλ , the approximation of geometrical
optics is applicable
1) a, b and d are true 2) a,c and d are true
3) a and c are true 4) a and d are true
DIRECTIONS Q.NO: 98 TO 127
In each of the following questions, a statement
of Assertion (A) is given followed by a
corresponding statement of reason (R) just
below it. Of the statement mark the correct
answer.
1) Both ‘A’ and ‘R’ are true and ‘R’ is the
correct explanation of ‘A’
2) Both ‘A’ and ‘R’ are true and ‘R’ is not the
correct explanation of ‘A’
3) ‘A’ is true and ‘R’ is false
4) A’ is false and ‘R’ is true
98. Assertion (A) : In Young’s double slit
experiment the band width for red colour is
more
Reason (R) : Wavelength of red is small
99. Assertion (A) : Thin films such as soap bubble
or a thin layer of oil on water show beautiful
colours when illuminated by sunlight
Reason (R) : The colours are obtained by
dispersion of light only
100. Assertion (A) : When tiny circular obstacle is
placed in the path of light from some distance,
a bright spot is seen at the centre of the shadow
of the obstacle.
Reason (R) : Destructive interference occurs
at the centre of the shadow.
221
 WAVE OPTICS
101. Assertion (A) : Coloured spectrum is seen
when we look through a fine cotton cloth
Reason (R) :It is due to the diffraction of white
light on passing through fine slits.
102. Assertion (A) : Diffraction is common in sound
but not common in light waves
Reason (R) : Wavelength of light is more than
the wavelength of sound
103. Assertion (A) : We cannot observe diffraction
pattern from a wide slit illuminated by
monochromatic light
Reason (R) : In diffraction pattern, all the
bright bands are not of the same intensity.
104. Assertion (A) : Transverse wave nature of
light is proved by polarisation
Reason (R) : According to Maxwell, light is
an electromagnetic wave but not mechanical
wave
105. Assertion (A) : Coloured spectrum is seen when
we look through a cloth
Reason (R) : Diffraction of light takes place
when light is travelling through the pores of
cloth
106. Assertion (A) : Young’s double slit experiment
can be performed using a source of white light.
Reason (R) : The wavelength of red light is
less than the wavelength of other colors in white
light.
107. (A) : The unpolarised light and polarized light
can be distinguished from each other by using
Polaroid.
(R) : A Polaroid is capable of producing plane
polarized beams of light.
108. Assertion (A) : Illumination of the sun at noon
is maximum because
Reason (R): The sun rays are incident almost
normally
109. Assertion (A): The phase difference between
any two points on a wave front is zero
Reason (R): Light from the source reaches
every point of the wave front at the same time
110. Assertion (A) : In Young’s double slit
experiment white light is used and slits are
covered with red and blue filters respectively.
The phase difference at any point on the screen
will continuously change and uniform
illumination is produced on the screen
Reason (R): Two independent sources of light
would no longer act as coherent sources
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NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I
111. Assertion (A) : In interference pattern intensity
of successive fringes due to achromatic light
is not same
Reason (R): In interference, only redistribution
of energy takes place
112. Assertion (A): Light from two coherent sources
is reaching the screen. If the path difference
at a point on the screen for yellow light is
3λ / 2 , then the fringe at the point will be
coloured.
Reason (R): Two coherent sources always
have constant phase relationship
113. Assertion (A): No interference pattern is
detected when two coherent sources are very
close to each other. (i.e separation almost zero)
Reason (R): The fringe width is inversely
proportional to the distance between the two
slits
114. Assertion (A): In Young’s double slit
experiment interference pattern disapperars
when one of the slits is closed
Reason (R): Interference occurs due to
superimposition of light wave from two
coherent sources
115. Assertion (A): The maximum intensity in
interference pattern is four times the intensity
due to each slit of equal width.
Reason (R): Intensity is directly proportional
to square of amplitude.
116. Assertion (A): The fringe obtained at the
centre of the screen is known as zeroth order
fringe, or the central fringe
Reason (R): Path difference between the
waves from S1 and S 2 , reaching the central
fringe (or zero order fringe) is zero
117. Assertion (A) : If the phase difference between
the light waves emerging from the
slits of the Young’s experiment is π -radian,
the central fringe will be dark
Reason (R) : Phase difference is equal to
( 2π / λ ) times the path difference.
118. Assertion (A) : At sunrise or at sunset the sun
appears to be reddish while at mid-day the sun
looks white
Reason (R) : Scattering due to dust particles
and air molecules
 NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I WAVE OPTICS
119. Assertion (A) : If the whole apparatus of 127. (A) : In Young’s double slit experiment the
Young’s experiment is immersed in liquid, the fringes become indistinct if one of the slits is
fringe width will decrease. converd with cellophane paper.
(R) : The cellophane paper decreases the
Reason (R) : The wavelength of light in water wavelength of light.
is more than that in air MATCHING TYPE QUESTIONS
120. Assertion (A) : The soap film in sun light is 128. Match list A and list B accurately
colourful LIST - A LIST - B
Reason(R):Thin films produce interference of a) spherical wave e) linear source
light front
b) plane wave front f) point light source
121. Assertion (A): Coloured spectrum is seen
when we look through a cloth c) cylindrical wave g) at infinite
front distance
Reason (R): Diffraction of light takes place 1) ( a, f ); ( b, g); ( c, e) 2) ( a, f ); ( b, e); ( c, g)
when light is travelling through the pores of 3) ( a, g ); ( b, f); ( c, e) 4) ( a, e ); ( b, g); ( c, f)
cloth 129. Match the following
122. Assertion (A) : Radio waves diffract PART-A PART-B
pronouncedly around the sharp edges of the λD
buildings than visible light waves. a) achromatic light d)
d
Reason (R) : Wave length of radio waves is b) monochromatic e) distance between
comparable to the dimension of the edges of light two successive
the building. bright bands
c) fringe width f) distance between
123. Assertion (A) : When an unpolarised light is two successive dark
incident on a glass plate at Brewster angle, bands
the reflected ray and refracted ray are g) central fringe is
mutually perpendicular always bright
Reason (R) :The refractive index of glass is h) central fringe is
equal to sine of the angle of polarisation. always achromatic
1) a → g b → e , f , g , c → e , f , g
124. Assertion (A) : If two waves of same amplitude
produce a resultant wave of same amplitude, 2) a → g, h b → h , g c → d, e, f
then the phase difference between them may 3) a → e , f , g b → g c → e , f , g
be 120° . 4) a → e b → h, c → g , h
Reason (R) : The resultant amplitude of two 130. Match the following
waves is equal to algebraic sum of amplitude PART-A PART-B
of two waves. a) Polarisation e) All types of waves
125. Assertion (A) : Although the surfaces of a b) interference f) longitudinal waves
goggle lens are curved, it does not have any c) diffraction g) transverse waves
power. d) reflection h)only with
transverse waves
Reason (R) : In case of goggles, both the
curved surfaces have equal radii of curvature. i) stationary waves
produced in
126. (A) : For best contrast between maxima and stretched strings
minima in the interference pattern of Young’s 1) a → g b → e, f , g, i c → e, f , g d → e, f , g
double slit experiment, the intensity of light
emerging out of the two slits should be equal 2) a → h, g b → f , g c → g d → h
3) a → e, f , g b → g c → e, f , g d → g
(R) : The intensity of interference pattern is
proportional to square of amplitude. 4) a → e b → h, i c → g , h d → e

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 WAVE OPTICS NEET-PHYSICS-VOL-I

131. Match the following : 134. In Young’s double slit experiment, what will be
List-I List-II the effects of the following
a) Silver lining of e) polarization by
mountains refraction Column-I Column-II
b) Rectilinear f) transverse nature (A) A thin translucent (p) Fringe width changes.
plate is inserted in
propagation light of light front of one of the
c) Polarization g) diffraction slits.
d) Pile of plates h) ray optics (B) A thin transparent (q) Fringe width remains
glass plate is inserted unaltered.
1) a − h, b − g , c − f , d − e in front of one of the
slits.
2) a − g , b − h, c − e, d − f
(C) The entire set up is (r) Brightness of fringe
3) a − f , b− h, c − h, d − e immersed in water. changes.
4) a − g , b − h ,c − f , d − e (D) Both slits are covered (s) Brightness of fringe
with translucent paper. remains unaltered.
132. Match the following
(t) Fringe width and
List-I List-II brightness are directly
a) coherent, e) Malus law related.
monochromatic
1) A – q,r, B – q, s, C – p, r, D – q, r
highly unidirectionally 2) A – q,r, B – q, s, C – p, s, D – q, r
b) I = I 0 cos 2 θ f) Polariod 3) A – p,r, B – q, s, C – p, s, D – q, r
4) A – q,s, B – q, t, C – p, s, D – q, r
c) Selective g) Spherical wave
absorption is front C.U.Q - KEY
exhibited by 1) 4 2) 2 3) 4 4) 1 5) 2 6) 4 7) 2
d) Fresnel diffraction h) LASER 8) 2 9) 2 10) 3 11) 3 12) 2 13) 4 14) 1
1) a − h, b − e, c − f , d − g 15) 3 16) 4 17) 3 18) 3 19) 1 20) 1 21) 3
22) 3 23) 3 24) 2 25) 3 26) 3 27) 4 28) 2
2) a − g , b − h, c − e, d − f
29) 2 30) 3 31) 1 32) 2 33) 1 34) 2 35) 3
3) a − h, b − g , c − e, d − f 36) 3 37) 1 38) 3 39) 4 40) 3 41) 1 42) 3
4) a − g , b − h ,c − f , d − e 43) 1 44) 4 45) 1 46) 3 47) 4 48) 1 49) 2
50) 4 51) 2 52) 2 53) 3 54) 3 55) 1 56) 3
133. Match the following
57) 4 58) 2 59) 2 60) 3 61) 4 62) 2 63) 3
List-I List-II
64) 1 65) 4 66) 1 67) 4 68) 4 69) 1 70) 2
a) Interference e) Thamos young
71) 3 72) 1 73) 2 74) 3 75) 3 76) 2 77) 3
b) Polarisation by f) Bartholinus
reflection 78) 2 79) 2 80) 4 81) 2 82) 2 83) 4 84) 4
c) Diffraction g) Grimaldi 85) 2 86) 3 87) 2 88) 3 89) 1 90) 1 91) 4
92) 3 93) 4 94) 2 95) 2 96) 1 97) 2 98) 3
d) Polarisation by h) Malus
99) 3 100)3 101)1 102)3 103)2 104)2 105)1
refraction
106)3 107)1 108)1 109)1 110)1 111)1 112)4
1) a − e, b − g , c − f , d − h 113)1 114)1 115)2 116)1 117)2 118)1 119)3
2) a − h, b − f , c −g , d − e 120)1 121)1 122)1 123)3 124)3 125)1 126)2
127)3 128)1 129) 2130)1 131)4 132)1 133)3
3) a − e, b − h, c − g , d − f
134) 2
4) a − h, b − g , c − f , d − e

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