Light – Reflection

and ­Refraction
Objective Section (1 mark each)
Q. 1. The laws of reflection hold true for: (C) appear to meet when they are
(a) plane mirrors only produced in the backward direction.
(b) concave mirrors only (D) appear to diverge from a point.
(c) convex mirrors only
Which of the above statements are
(d) all reflecting surfaces
correct?
[CBSE Delhi, Set 1, 2020]
(a) (A) and (D) (b) (B) and (D)
Ans. all reflecting surfaces
(d)  (c) (A) and (B) (d) (B) and (C)
Q. 2. When an object is kept within the focus [CBSE Delhi, Set 3, 2020]
of a concave mirror, an enlarged image Ans. (A) and (B)
(c) 
is formed behind the miror. This image
is: [CBSE Delhi, Set 1, 2020] Q. 4. Consider the following properties of
virtual images:
(a) real (A) cannot be projected on the screen
(b) inverted (B) are formed by both concave and con-
(c) virtual and inverted vex lens
(d) virtual and erect (C) are always erect
Ans. Virtual and erect
(d)  (D) are always inverted
Q. 3. A real image is formed by the light rays The correct properties are:
after reflection or refraction when they: (a) (A) and (D) (b) (A) and (B)
(A) actually meet or intersect with each (c) (A), (B) and (C) (d) (A), (B) and (D)
other. [CBSE Delhi, Set 3, 2020]
(B) actually converge at a point. Ans. (A), (B) and (C)
(c) 

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. Study the given ray diagrams and select the correct statement from the following:
X Y

Screen
Screen
20 cm 25 cm

(a) Device X is a concave mirror and respectively.

device Y is a convex lens, whose
focal lengths are 20 cm and 25 cm
respectively.
(b) Device X is a convex lens and
device Y is a concave mirror, whose
focal lengths are 10 cm and 25 cm
(c) 
Device X is a concave lens and
device Y is a convex mirror, whose
focal lengths are 20 cm and 25 cm
respectively.
(d) Device X is a convex lens and
device Y is a concave mirror, whose
 focal lengths are 20 cm and 25 cm
respectively.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. Device X is a convex lens and
(d) 
device Y is a concave mirror, whose
focal lengths are 20 cm and 25 cm
respectively.
Q. 2. Three students A, B and C focussed a
distant building on a screen with the
help of a concave mirror. To determine
focal length of the concave mirror they
measured the distances as given below:
Student A: From mirror to the screen
Student B: From building to the screen
Student C: From building to the mirror
Who measured the focal length correctly?
(a) Only A (b) Only B
(c) A and B (d) B and C
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (a) Only A
Q. 3. If you focus the image of a distant object,
whose shape is given below, on a screen
using a convex lens.
The shape of the image of this object on
the screen would be:
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (c)
Q. 4. A student obtains a blurred image of a
distant object on a screen using a convex
lens. To obtain a distinct image on the
screen he should move the lens
(a) away from the screen
(b) towards the screen
(c) to a position very far away from the
screen.
(d) 
either towards or away from the
screen depending upon the position
of the object.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (d) either towards or away from the
screen depending upon the position
of the object.
Q. 5. The correct sequencing of angle of
incidence, angle of emergence, angle
of refraction and lateral displacement
shown in the following diagram by digits
1, 2, 3 and 4 is:
(a) 2, 4, 1, 3 (b) 2, 1, 4, 3
(c) 1, 2, 1, 4, 3 (d) 2, 1, 3, 4
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (b) 2, 1, 4, 3
Q. 6. To determine the approximate value of
the focal length of a given concave mir-
ror, you focus the image of a distant
object formed by the mirror on a screen.
The image obtained on the screen, as
compared to the object is always:
(a) Laterally inverted and diminished
(b) Inverted and diminished
(c) Erect and diminished
(d) Erect and highly diminished
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. (b) Inverted and diminished
Q. 7. Suppose you have focused on a screen
the image of candle flame placed at
the farthest end of the laboratory table
using a convex lens. If your teacher sug-
gests you to focus the parallel rays of the
sun, reaching your laboratory table, on
the same screen, what you are expected
to do is to move the:
(a) lens slightly towards the screen
(b) lens slightly away from the screen
(c) lens slightly towards the sun
(d) lens and screen both towards the sun
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. (a) lens slightly towards the screen
Q. 8. A student obtained a sharp image of a Q. 11. A student obtains a sharp image of
candle flame placed at the distant end the distant window (W) of the school
of the laboratory table on a screen using laboratory on the screen (S) using the
a concave mirror to determine its focal given concave mirror (M) to determine
length. The teacher suggested him to focus its focal length. Which of the following
a distant building about 1 km far from distance should he measure to get the
the laboratory, for getting more correct focal length of the mirror?
value of the focal length. In order to focus W
the distant building on the same screen the M
S
student should slightly move the:
(a) mirror away from the screen
(b) screen away from the mirror
(c) screen towards the mirror
W S M
(d) screen towards the building
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016] (a) MW (b) MS
Ans. (c) screen towards the mirror (c) SW (d) MW – MS
Q. 9. To determine the approximate focal  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
length of the given convex lens by Ans. (b) MS
focussing a distant object (say, a sign
Q. 12. A student used a device (X) to obtain/
board), you try to focus the image of the
focus the image of a well illumina-
object on a screen. The image you obtain
ted distant building on a screen (S) as
on the screen is always:
shown below in the diagram. Select the
(a) erect and laterally inverted
correct statement about the device (X).
(b) erect and diminished
(c) inverted and diminished X
(d) virtual, inverted and diminished S
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. (c) inverted and diminished
Q. 10. Select from the following the best
experimental set-up for tracing the
path of a ray of light passing through a
rectangular glass slab: 8 cm

(a) This device is a concave lens of focal

length 8 cm.
(b)  This device is a convex mirror of
focal length 8 cm.
(c) This device is a convex lens of focal
length 4 cm.
P Q (d) This device is a convex lens of focal
length 8 cm.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. This device is a convex lens of focal
(d) 
length 8 cm.
Q. 13. List four characteristics of the images
formed by plane mirrors.
R S  [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
(a) P (b) Q Ans. The four characteristics of the images
(c) R (d) S formed by plane mirrors:
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016] (i) Virtual.
Ans. (d) S (ii) Erect.
 (iii) Same size as the object.
(iv) Same distance behind the mirror as
the object, in front of the mirror.
(v) Laterally inverted. (left-right reversed)
Q. 14. Study the following diagram and
select the correct statement about the
device ‘X’:
S
X these measurements of angles, his
12 cm
(a) Device ‘X’ is a concave mirror of
radius of curvature 12 cm.
(b) Device ‘X’ is a concave mirror of
focal length 6 cm.
(c) 
Device ‘X’ is a concave mirror of
focal length 12 cm.
(d) Device ‘X’ is a convex mirror of focal
length 12 cm.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. (c) Device ‘X’ is a concave mirror of focal
length 12 cm.
Q. 15. A student has obtained a point image of
a distant object using the given convex
lens. To find the focal length of the lens
he should measure the distance between
the:
(a) lens and the object only
(b) lens and the screen only
(c) object and the image only
(d) lens and the object and also bet-
ween the object and the image
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. (b) lens and the screen only
Q. 16. What is the magnification of the images
formed by plane mirrors and why?
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 2, 2015]
Ans. Magnification of the images formed by
plane mirrors is 1 because the size of
image is equal to the size of object.
Q. 17. What is meant by power of a lens?
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 2, 2015]
Ans. Power of a lens is the degree of convergence
or divergence of light rays achieved by the
lens. It can also be defined as the reciprocal
of the focal length of a lens in metres.
Q. 18. A student very cautiously traces the path
of a ray through a glass slab for different
values of the angle of incidence (∠i). He
then measures the corresponding values
of the angle of refraction (∠r) and the
angle of emergence (∠e) for every value
of the angle of incidence. On analysing
conclusion would be:
(a) ∠i > ∠r > ∠e
(b) ∠i = ∠e > ∠r
(c) ∠i < ∠r < ∠e
(d) ∠i = ∠e < ∠r
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (b) ∠i = ∠e > ∠r
Q. 19. Four students P, Q, R and S traced the
path of a ray of light passing through a
glass slab for an angle of incidence 40°
and measured the angle of refraction.
The values as measured them were 18°;
22°; 25° and 30° respectively. The student
who has performed the experiment
methodically is
(a) P (b) Q
(c) R (d) S
[CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. (c) R
Q. 20. In your laboratory you trace the path
of light rays through a glass slab for
different values of angle of incidence
(∠i) and in each case measure the values
of the corresponding angle of refraction
(∠r) and angle of emergence (∠e).
On the basis of your observations your
correct conclusion is:
(a) ∠i is more than ∠r, but nearly equal
to ∠e
(b) ∠i is less than ∠r, but nearly equal
to ∠e
∠i is more than ∠e, but nearly equal
(c) 
to ∠r
(d) ∠i is less than ∠e, but nearly equal
to ∠r
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. ∠i is more than ∠r, but nearly equal
(a) 
to ∠e
Q. 21. A student traces the path of a ray of light
through a rectangular glass slab for the
 different values of angle of incidence. (a) ∠i = ∠e < ∠r
He observes all possible precautions (b) ∠i < ∠e < ∠r
at each step of the experiment. At the (c) ∠i > ∠e < ∠r
end of the experiment, on analysing the (d) ∠i = ∠e > ∠r
measurements, which of the following [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
conclusions is he likely to draw? Ans. (d) ∠i = ∠e > ∠r

Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 marks each)

Q. 1. The absolute refractive index of Ruby is Ans. Given, P = + 5D
1.7. Find the speed of light in Ruby. The
We have,
speed of light in vacuum is 3 × 108 m/s. 1
 [CBSE OD, Set 1, 2019] Power, P =
f (in meter)
Ans. We know that,
1
+5=
Refractive index of ruby(u) f
Speed of light in air (or vacuum) 1
 = f= m
Speed of light in ruby 5
3 × 108 100
So, 1.70 = = = 20 cm
Speed of light in ruby 5
Focal length, f = 20 cm (or + 20 cm).
3 × 108
or Speed of light in ruby = ms − 1 Since, focal length of the lens is positive.
1.7
Therefore, the nature of lens is convex.
 = 1.76 × 108 ms–1
Same size and inverted image is formed
Thus, speed of light in ruby is when
1.76 × 108 ms–1.
Magnification, m = – 1
Q. 2. Draw the path of a ray of light when it
enters one of the faces of a glass slab at an v
Also, m=
angle of nearly 45°. Label on it (i) angle u
of refraction, (ii) angle of emergence v=–u
and (iii) lateral displacement.
From the lens formula,
[CBSE OD, Set 1, 2019]
Ans. 1 1 1
− =
v u f
1 1 1
− − =
u u f
−2 1
=
u f
u=–2f
u = – 2 × 20 [... f = 20 cm]
⇒ u = – 40 cm.
Q. 4. List four precautions which a student
should observe while determining the
Q. 3. The power of a lens in +5 diopters. What focal length of a given convex lens by
is the nature and focal length of this obtaining image of a distant object on a
lens? At what distance from this lens screen. [CBSE Delhi, Set 1, 2019]
should an object be placed so as to get
its inverted image of the same size? Ans. Precautions are as follows:
 [CBSE OD, Set 2, 2019] (i) Fix the lens vertically in lens holder.
 Base of lens and white screen shoule
(ii)  hi v
So, =
be in a line with measuring scale. ho u
There should not be any obstacle in
(iii)  hi 60
=
path of lens. 4 –30
Record the position of lens and screen
(iv)  ⇒ hi = – 8 cm
when sharp image is formed. Thus, the height or size of the image is
Q. 5. If the image formed by a spherical mir- 8 cm. The minus sign shows that this
ror for all positions of the object placed height is in the downward direction, that
in front of it is always erect and dimi- is, the image is formed below the axis.
nished, what type of mirror is it? Draw 8 2
Ratio of size of image to object = =
a labelled ray diagram to support your 4 1
=2:1
answer. [CBSE, 2018]
So image is enlarged beyond 2F2.
Ans. Convex mirror always forms erect and
diminished image.

Object between F1 and 2F1.

Image is formed beyond 2F2, real,
inverted.

In the above ray diagram, the image Q. 7. An object is placed at a distance of 30 cm

formed is behind the mirror between from a concave lens of focal length 15 cm.
pole (P) and focus (F), virtual, erect and List four characteristics (nature, position,
diminished. etc.) of the image formed by the lens.
Q. 6. An object of height 4.0 cm is placed at  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
a distance of 30 cm from optical centre Ans. Given: u = – 30 cm, f = – 15 cm. (for con-
‘O’ of a convex lens of focal length cave lens)
20 cm. Draw a ray diagram to find the 1 1 1
position and size of the image formed. We know that, − =
v u f
Mark optical centre ‘O’ and principal
1 1 1
focus ‘F’ on the diagram. Also find the − =
approximate ratio of size of image to the v (−30) (−15)
size of object. [CBSE, 2018] 1 −1 1
= −
Ans. Given, f = + 20 cm, u = – 30 cm, v 15 30
1 −2−1 −3 −1
ho = 4 cm = = =
v 30 30 10
We know that,
⇒ v = – 10 cm
1 1 1
= – Characteristics of image:
f v u
1 1 1 The image is formed at a distance of
(i) 
= – 10 cm from the concave lens on the
20 v – 30
1 1 left side.
=
v 60 (ii) Image formed is virtual.
⇒ v = 60 cm (iii) Image formed is erect.
 The size of the image formed is
(iv) 
diminished.
Q. 8. A student focuses the image of a candle
flame, placed at about 2 m from a convex
lens of focal length 10 cm, on a screen.
After that he moves gradually the flame
towards the lens and each time focuses
its image on the screen.
(a) In which direction does he move the
lens to focus the flame on the screen?
(b) What happens to the size of the image
of the flame formed on the screen?
(c) What difference is seen in the inten-
sity (brightness) of the image of the
flame on the screen?
(d) What is seen on the screen when the
flame is very close (at about 5 cm) to
the lens?
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (a) He moves the lens away from the
screen to focus the image.
(b) Size of the image increases.
(c) The intensity of image decreases as
the flame moves towards the lens.
(d)  Nothing can be seen as the image
formed is virtual.
Q. 9. An object is placed at a distance of 15 cm
from a convex lens of focal length 20 cm.
List four characteristics (nature, position,
etc.) of the image formed by the lens.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 2, 2017]
Ans. Given, u = – 15 cm, f = 20 cm
1 1 1
f
= v−u
1 1 1
= +
20 v 15
1 1 1
= −
v 20 15
⇒ v = – 60 cm.
Four characteristics of the image formed
by the lens are:
1. Virtual, 2. Erect, 3. At a distance of
60 cm on the same side of the lens as the
object, 4. Enlarged or magnified image.
Q. 10. An object is placed at a distance of
30 cm in front of a convex mirror of focal
length 15 cm. Write four characteristics
of the image formed by the mirror.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Given: u = – 30 cm, f = 15 cm.
Ans.
1 1 1
We know that, + =
v u f
1 1 1 2+1 3
= + = =
v 15 30 30 30
⇒ v = 10 cm
Characteristics of image:
(i) Image formed is erect.
(ii) Image formed is small in size.
(iii) Image formed is virtual.
(iv) Image is formed at a distance of 10
cm behind the mirror between focus
and pole.
Q. 11. A student places a candle flame at a
distance of about 60 cm from a convex
lens of focal length 10 cm and focuses
the image of the flame on a screen.
After that he gradually moves the flame
towards the lens and each time focuses
the image on the screen.
(a) In which direction-toward or away
from the lens, does he move the
screen to focus the image?
(b)  How does the size of the image
change?
(c) How does the intensity of the image
change as the flame moves towards
the lens?
(d)  Approximately for what distance
between the flame and the lens, the
image formed on the screen is inver-
ted and of the same size?
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (a) He should move the screen away from
the convex lens to focus the image.
(b) The size of the image increases.
(c) The intensity of the image decreases
as the flame moves towards the lens.
(d) The flame should be placed at a dis-
tance of 20 cm from the convex lens.
(i.e., at radius of curvature, R = 2f)
Q. 12. An object is placed at a distance of 12 cm
in front of a concave mirror of radius of
curvature 30 cm. List four characteristics
of the image formed by the mirror.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 3, 2017]
Ans. The characteristics of the image formed
by the concave mirror will be virtual,
erect, enlarged and laterally inverted.
Q. 13. Name the type of mirrors used in the
design of solar furnaces. Explain how
high temperature is achieved by this
device. [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. Concave mirror. They are the only type
of mirror that reflects light towards a
single focal point. When a solar furnace
is placed at the focus of a large concave
mirror called reflectors, it focuses a parallel
beam of light coming from the sun on the
furnace.
Q. 14. An object of height 2.5 cm is placed at a
distance of 15 cm from the optical centre
‘O’ of a convex lens of focal length 10 cm.
Draw a ray diagram to find the position
and size of the image formed. Mark
optical centre ‘O’, principal focus F and
height of the image on the diagram.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. The required ray diagram is drawn as
follows:
A formed.
B Q. 18. A student focuses the image of a well
B'
A'
Q. 15. ‘‘The magnification produced by a
spherical mirror is – 3.’’ List four infor-
mations you obtain from this statement
about the mirror/image.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 2, 2016]
Ans. Real, inverted and magnified image is
formed beyond centre of curvature by a
concave mirror.
Q. 16. The refractive indices of glass and
water with respect to air are 3/2 and 4/3
respectively. If speed of light in glass
is 2 × 108 m/s, find the speed of light in
water. [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 3, 2016]
Ans. Refractive index of a medium
Speed of light in air
= Speed of light in the medium
For glass,
3 Speed of light in air
=
2 2 × 108
3
Speed of light in air = × 2 × 108
2
= 3 × 108 m/s.
For water,
4 Speed of light in air
=
3 Speed of light in water
Speed of light in water
3
= 3 × 108 × = 2.25 × 108 m/s
4
Q. 17. State two positions in which a concave
mirror produces a magnified image of
a given object. List two differences bet-
ween the two images.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. A concave mirror produces a magnified
image when the object is placed in the fol-
lowing positions:
(i) Between its pole and focus: Virtual
and erect image is formed.
(ii) Between the focus and centre of cur-
vature: Real and inverted image is
illuminated distant object on a screen
using a convex lens. After that he
gradually moves the object towards the
lens and each time focuses its image on
the screen by adjusting the lens.
(i) In which direction-towards the
screen or away from the screen, does
he move the lens?
(ii) What happens to the size of the
image-does it decrease or increase?
(iii) What happens to the image on the
screen when he moves the object
very close to the lens?
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. (i) The student moves the lens towards
the screen.
(ii) The size of image increases.
(iii) No image will be formed on screen.
Q. 19. A ray of light is incident on a convex
mirror as shown. Redraw the diagram
and complete the path of this ray after
reflection from the mirror. Mark angle of
incidence and angle of reflection on it.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 2, 2016]
 c 2.67 × 2 × 108
∴ vw = =
nw 3

P F C Speed of light in water

Ans. axis of convex lens. The distance of the
r
i
P F
Q. 20. What is meant by power of a lens? What
does its sign (+ve or –ve) indicate? State
its S.I. unit. How is this unit related to
focal length of a lens?
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 3, 2016]
Ans. The ability of lens to converge or diverge
the light rays is called its power.
The positive sign is for converging lens
or a convex lens. The negative sign is for
diverging lens or a concave lens. The S.I.
unit of power is dioptre.
1 r
Power =
Focal length (in metres)
= 1.78 × 108 m/s.
Q. 22. A 4 cm tall object is placed on the principal
object from the optical centre of the lens
is 12 cm and its sharp image is formed at
a distance of 24 cm from it on a screen on
the other side of the lens. If the object is
now moved a little away from the lens,
in which way (towards the lens or away
C from the lens) will he have to move the
screen to get a sharp image of the object
on it again? How will the magnification
of the image be affected?
[CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. Towards the lens.
Magnification decreases.
Q. 23. Draw a ray diagram to show the path
of the reflected ray corresponding to
an incident ray of light parallel to the
principal axis of a convex mirror and
show the angle of incidence and angle
of reflection on it.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 3, 2015]
Ans.
i

Q. 21. The absolute refractive indices of glass P F C

and water are 4/3 and 3/2 respectively.
If the speed of light in glass is 2 × 108
m/s, calculate the speed of light in (i)
vacuum, (ii) water. Q. 24. To find the image-distance for varying
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015] object-distances in case of a convex lens,
4 3 a student obtains on a screen a sharp
Ans. (i) Given: ng = , nw = , vg = 2 × 108 m/s image of a bright object placed very far
3 2
We know that for glass, from the lens. After that he gradually
c moves the object towards the lens and
ng = each time focuses its image on the
vg
∴ Speed of light in air or vacuum, screen.
(a) In which direction-towards or away
c = ngvg from the lens, does he move the
4 screen to focus the object?
= × 2 × 108 = 2.67 × 108 m/s
3 (b) What happens to the size of image-
(ii) Also in water, does it increase or decrease?
c (c) What happen when he moves the
nw = object very close to the lens?
vw
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. (a) Away from the lens.
(b) Size of the image increases.
No clear image is formed on the
(c) 
screen.
Q. 25. List four specific characteristics of the
images of the objects formed by convex
mirrors.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 3, 2015]
Short Answer Type Questions-II
Q. 1. The diagram given below shows an
object O and its image I.
Without actually drawing the ray dia-
gram, state the following :
(i) Type of lens (Converging/Diverging)
(ii) Name two optical instruments where
such an image is obtained.
(iii) List three characteristics of the image
formed if this lens is replaced by a
concave mirror of focal length ‘f’ and
an object is placed at a distance ‘f/2’
in front of the mirror.
[CBSE OD, Set 1, 2020]
Ans. (i) Converging.
(ii) (1) Simple Microscope.
(2) Magnifying Glass
(iii) The image formed will be behind the
mirror, enlarged, virtual and eract.
Q. 2.
(a) Water has refractive index 1.33
and alcohol has refractive index
1.36. Which of the two medium is
optically denser? Give reason for
your answer.
(b) Draw a ray diagram to show the path
of a ray of light passing obliquely
from water to alcohol.
(c) State the relationship between angle
of incidence and angle of refraction
in the above case.
[CBSE OD, Set 2, 2020]
Ans. The specific characteristics of the images
of the objects formed by the convex
mirrors are:
(i) Virtual
(ii) Erect
(iii) Diminished
(iv) Object distance more than image
distance.
(3 marks each)
Ans. Refractive index of alcohol > refrac-
(a) 
tive index of water. So, alcohol is
optically denser than water. When
a ray of light enters from water to
alcohol, it bends towards the normal.
Greater the refractive index denser
the liquid or material.
(b)
Angle of incidence > Angle of
(c) 
refraction.
sin i
=C
sin r
Q. 3. (a) State Snell’s law of refraction of
light.
(b) When a ray of light travelling in
air enters obliquely into a glass
slab, it is observed that the light ray
emerges parallel to the incident ray
but it is shifted sideways slightly.
Draw a labelled ray diagram to illus-
trate it. [CBSE OD, Set 2, 2020]
Ans. (a)  The ratio of sine of angle of incidence
to the sine of angle of refraction is a
constant, for the light of a given col-
our and for the given pair of media.
This law is also known as Snell’s law
of refraction. If i is the angle of inci-
dence and r is the angle of refraction,
then
 sin i glass prism, it get refracted and
= constant deviates from its original path.
sin r
This constant value is called the (ii) (a) When a narrow beam of white
refractive index of the second medium light passes through a glass slab,
with respect to the first. refraction occurs at the first face
In case of a rectangular glass slab, the
(c)  and light get dispersed into its
refraction takes place at both air-glass constituent colours. When the con-
interface and glass-air interface. The stituent colours strike the second
emergent ray is parallel to the direc- face, they recombine and emerges
tion of incident ray. out as a white light.
When a narrow beam of white
(b) 
light passes through a glass prism,
it gets refracted and split into its
constituent colours.
Q. 5. A student holding a mirror in his hand,
directed the reflecting surface of the
mirror towards the Sun. He then direc-
ted the reflected light on to a sheet of
paper held close to the mirror.
(a) 
What should he do to burn the
paper?
(b) Which type of mirror does he have?
(c) 
Will he be able to determine the
Q. 4. Differentiate between a glass slab and a
approximate value of focal length of
glass prism. What happens when a narrow
beam of (i) a monochromatic light, and this mirror from this activity? Give
(ii) white light passes through (a) glass reason and draw ray diagram to jus-
slab and (b) glass prism? tify your answer in this case.
[CBSE Delhi, Set 1, 2020]  [CBSE OD, Set 1, 2019]
Ans. Differentiation between a glass slab and Ans. (a) He should place the sheet of paper
a glass prism at the focus of the mirror to burn the
Glass slab Glass prism paper.
Emergent ray is Emergent ray (b) He has a concave mirror.
parallel to the bends at an angle (c) Yes, the sheet of paper will start burn-
incident ray. to the direction of ing at the focus of the mirror which
incident ray. will give approximate value of focal
The ratio of sin i/sin r As the angle length, i.e., the distance between mir-
remains constant. of incidence is ror and the focal point where the
Hence, the graph increased, the sheet of paper starts burning.
between them is a angle of deviation
straight line. first decreases
passing through
minimum and
then increases.
(i) (a) 
When a narrow beam of mono-
chromatic light passes through
a glass slab, it get refracted and
displaced from its original path.
(b) When a narrow beam of mono-
chromatic light passes through a
 A concave mirror forms a real image of h2 v
the sun. Magnification, m = =
h1 u
Q. 6. A 10 cm tall object is placed perpendicu- v
h2 = ×h
lar to the principal axis of a convex lens u 1
of focal length 12 cm. The distance of the 36
h2 = × 10 cm
object from the lens is 18 cm. Find the −18
nature, position and size of the image ⇒ h2 = −20 cm
formed. [CBSE OD, Set 1, 2019] The position of image formed is at
distance of 36 cm from convex lens.
Ans. Given: Height of object, h1 = + 10 cm.
Focal length, f = + 12 cm. Since the value of magnification is more
than 1 (it is 2), the image formed is larger
Object distance, u = – 18 cm.
than object.
1 1 1
From the lens fomula, − = The minus sign of magnification shows
v u f
1 1 1 that image is formed below the principal
− =
v − 18 12 axis. Hence, the image formed is real and
1 1 1 inverted.
+ =
v 18 12
Q. 7. A concave mirror has a focal length of
1 1 1 20 cm. At what distance from the mirror
= −
v 12 18 should a 4 cm tall object be placed so that
1 3−2 1 it forms as image at a distance of 30 cm
= =
v 36 36 from the mirror? Also calculate the size of
v = 36 cm the image formed. [CBSE, 2019]

Topper’s Answers
Q. 8. State the laws of refraction of light.
Explain the term ‘absolute refractive index
of a medium’ and write an expression to
relate it with the speed of light in vacuum.
[CBSE, 2018]
Ans. The two laws of refraction are:
(i) The Incident ray, the refracted ray
and the normal at the point of inci-
dence, all lie in the same plane.
(ii) The ratio of the sine of angle of inci-
dence (i) to the sine of angle of refrac-
tion (r) at a point in a medium is
Topper’s Answers
sin i
constant. i.e., = Constant
sin r
Absolute refractive index: It is the ratio of
speed of light in vacuum (or air) to the
speed of light in the given medium.
Refractive index (n)
Speed of light in vacuum or air (c)
 =
Speed of light in medium (v)
Q. 9. What is meant by power of a lens? Write
its SI unit. A student uses a lens of focal
length 40 cm and another of –20 cm.
Write the nature and power of each lens.
[CBSE, 2018]
Ans. The power of a lens is a measure of the So, lens having focal length 40 cm is c­ onvex.
degree of convergence or divergence of
Focal length of a concave lens is

light rays falling on it. It is also defined
­negative.
as the reciprocal of its focal length in –20
metres. Fconcave = –20 cm = m
100
The S.I. unit of power is dioptre (D). 1 1
So, Power = =
Focal length –20
Focal length of a convex lens is positive. 100
40 –100
So, Fconvex = 40 cm = m = =–5D
100 20
1 1 So, lens having focal length –20 cm is
Power = = 40
Focal length ­concave.
100
Q. 10. If the image formed by a lens for all
100
= = +2.5 D positions of an object placed in front
40
of it is always erect and diminished,
 what is the nature of this lens? Draw a
ray diagram to justify your answer. If
the numerical value of the power of this
lens is 10 D, what is its focal length in
the Cartesian system?
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. It is a concave lens (diverging lens).

L
A C
Q. 12. “A lens can form a magnified erect
image as well as magnified inverted
A′ image of an object placed in front of it.”
State the nature of this lens and draw
B F B′ O F′ ray diagrams to justify the above state-
ment. Mark the positions of O, F and 2F
in the diagram.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 3, 2017]
Ans. Convex/Converging lens.
Power of a lens is given by the relation
1 Two ray diagrams are drawn to show it–
P= (a) When object is placed between O and
f (in metre)
F1, the image formed is magnified,
∵ P = 10 D
Virtual and erect.
1 1
∴ f= = = 0.1 m
P 10
or – 10 cm, as lens is concave lens.
Q. 11. Draw ray diagrams to show the
formation of three times magnified (a)
real, and (b) virtual image of an object
by a converging lens. Mark the positions
of O, F and 2F in each diagram.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 2, 2017]
Ans. (a) For real image: To get three times When object is placed between F and
(b) 
magnified image, the object is placed 2F, the image formed is magnified
between F1 & 2F1 and inverted.

Q. 13. An object 4 cm in height, is placed at 15

For virtual image: To get three
(b)  cm in front of a concave mirror of focal
times magnified image, the object is length 10 cm. At what distance from
placed between the F1 and optical the mirror should a screen be placed to
centre O. obtain a sharp image of the object. Cal-
culate the height of the image.
[CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. Given: u = – 15 cm, f = – 10 cm, ho = 4 cm –36
m=– =–2
Using the mirror formula –18
h2
1 1 1 or –2=
+ = 3
v u f ⇒ h2 = – 6 cm
1 1 −1
− = Q. 15. The image of an object formed by a
v 15 10
­mirror is real, inverted and is of magni-
1 −1 1 fication – 1 If the image is at a distance
= +
v 10 15 of 40 cm from the mirror, where is the
1 −15 + 10 −5 object placed? Where would the image
= = be if the object is moved 20 cm towards
v 150 150
the mirror? State reason and also draw
v = – 30 cm
ray diagram for the new position of the
Thus, to obtain a sharp image of the object to justify your answer.
object, the screen should be placed in  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
front of the mirror at a distance of 30 cm.
Ans. Magnification is –1, it means distance
−v height of image of the image from the mirror is same as
Now, m= =
u height of object distance of object from the mirror and it
−30 happens only when the object is placed at
m=− ⇒ m = −2 centre of curvature of the mirror.
−15
hi ∴ Object position is At C (centre of
or –2= ⇒ hi = – 8 cm ­curvature)
4
∴ Height of the image is 8 cm. (inverted) Object distance = 40 cm.
Q. 14. A 3 cm tall object is placed 18 cm in front If the object is moved 20 cm towards the
of a concave mirror of focal length 12 cm. mirror then its new position would be at
At what distance from the mirror should the focus of the mirror.
a screen be placed to see a sharp image
∴ Position of the image will be at infinity,
of the object on the screen. Also calcu-
late the height of the image formed.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 2, 2017]
Ans. Using mirror equation:
u = – 18 cm, f = – 12cm, v =?, h1 = + 3cm,
h2 =?
1 1 1
+ =
v u f
1 1 1
⇒ − =−
v 18 12
1 1 1
=− + Q. 16. The image of an object formed by a
v 12 18 lens is of magnification – 1. If the dis-
1 −3 + 2 −1 tance between the object and its image
⇒ = =
v 36 36 is 60 cm, what is the focal length of
the lens? If the object is moved 20 cm
⇒ v = – 36 cm
towards the lens, where would the
Thus, to obtain a sharp image of the object,
image be formed? State reason and also
the screen should be placed at a distance of
draw a ray diagram in support of your
36 cm, in front of the mirror.
answer.
−v h2  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 2, 2016]
Now, m= =
u h1
Ans. Magnification = –1 i.e., image is inverted
and of same size. It means, object is at 2F
and image is also at 2F.
Therefore, distance between u and v = 4F
= 60 cm.
∴ F = 60/4 = 15 cm
convex mirror, on your answer sheet.
Show the path of this ray, after reflec-
tion, in each case.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
ll
l

ll
lll
Object will be at = 2F = 30 cm.

lllllll
F
If the object is shifted towards the lens by F

ll
20 cm, the new object distance will be at

l
ll
    
l
10 cm from the lens. This distance is less
than the focal length, so the image formed
in this case would be virtual, erect and on
the same side.
F
A'
    
A Ans.
B' O
B F2 2F2
2F1 F1 (i)

F
Q. 17. The image formed by a spherical mirror
is real, inverted and is of magnification
–2. If the image is at a distance of 30 cm
from the mirror, where is the object
placed? Find the focal length of the (ii)
mirror. List two characteristics of the
image formed if the object is moved 10
cm towards the mirror.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 3, 2016]
Ans. Given, m = – 2, v = – 30 cm
−v (iii)
We know that, m=
u
30 F
–2=
u
u = – 15 cm
uv Q. 19. (a) Draw a ray diagram to show the
Now,  f = refraction of light through a glass
u+v
(−15) × (−30) 450 slab and mark angle of refraction
= (−15 − 30) = − 45 = −10 cm. and the lateral shift suffered by the
ray of light while passing through
If the object is shifted 10 cm towards the the slab.
mirror then, u = – 5 cm, i.e., object is between (b) If the refractive index of glass for
pole and focus, thus image formed will be light going from air to glass is 3/2,
virtual, erect and magnified. find the refractive index of air for
light going from glass to air.
Q. 18. Draw the following diagram, in which
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 3, 2016]
a ray of light is incident on a concave/
Ans. (a) distance of the object from the optical
A Normal centre of the lens is 20 cm, determine the
N position, nature and size of the image
In
cid
en
formed using the lens formula.
tr
ay i  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 3, 2015]
AIR O
P Q Ans. Given: h1 = + 5 cm, f = – 10 cm, u = – 20 cm
Rectangular We know that,
glass slab
1 1 1
Re

= −
fra

GLASS N' N1 f v u
cte

1 1 1
d

Direction of or = +
ray

S B originalray v f u
AIR R
e 1 1 –3
D = – =
Em –10 20 20
er Lateral
ra gen 20
y t displacement
N1' C ⇒ Image distance, v = − cm.
Normal 3
The nature of the image is virtual and erect.
3 h2 v
(b) Given: a ng = Now, magnification, m = =
2 h1 u
1 1 2 v −20 1 +5
\ gna = = = ⇒ h2 = × h1 = × ×5 = cm
n
a g
3 3 u 3 −20 3
2 ∴ The size of the image is 1.67 cm.
Q. 20. If the image formed by a mirror for all Q. 22. To construct a ray diagram we use two
positions of the object placed in front of rays of light which are so chosen that
it is always erect and diminished, what it is easy to determine their directions
type of mirror is it? Draw a ray diagram after reflection from the mirror. Choose
to justify your answer. Where and why these two rays and state the path of
do we generally use this type of mirror? these rays after reflection from a concave
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015] mirror. Use these two rays to find the
nature and position of the image of an
Ans. The image formed by a convex mirror for object placed at a distance of 15 cm from
all positions of the object placed in front a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm.
of it is always erect and diminished.  [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
Ans. (i) A ray parallel to the principal axis,
A after reflection will pass through the
principal focus of a concave mirror.
A'
(ii) A ray passing through the centre of
B B' F C curvature of a concave mirror, after
Object Image
reflection is reflected back along the
same path.

Uses of convex mirror:

Convex mirrors are used as rear-view
mirrors in vehicles and as shop security
mirrors in malls and airports because the
image formed in these mirrors is much
smaller than the object due to which a
convex mirror gives a wide field of view.
Q. 21. An object of height 5 cm is placed The nature of the image is real and
perpendicular to the principal axis of a inverted and the position of the image is
concave lens of focal length 10 cm. If the beyond C.
Q. 23. To construct ray diagrams, two rays of (iii) A ray passing through the centre of
light are generally so chosen that it is curvature of a concave mirror after
easy to determine their directions after reflection is reflected back along the
reflection from a mirror. Choose two same path.
such rays and state the path/direction of (iv) A ray incident obliquely to the princi-
these rays after reflection from a concave pal axis towards the pole of a concave
mirror. Use these two rays to find the mirror is reflected obliquely, making
position and nature of the image of an equal angles with the principal axis.
object placed at a distance of 8 cm from  (Any two)
a concave mirror of focal length 12 cm.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 3, 2015]
Ans. The candidate may choose any two of the
following rays:
(i) A ray parallel to the principal axis,
after reflection, will pass through
the principal focus of a concave
mirror.
(ii) A ray passing through the princi-
pal focus of a concave mirror after
reflection will emerge parallel to the Position of image is behind the mirror,
principal axis. image is virtual, erect and magnified.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)

Q. 1.
(a) A security mirror used in a big R 5
showroom has radius of curvature Focal length, f = = +
2 2
5 m. If a customer is standing at
a distance of 20 m from the cash 1 1 1
Since, + =
counter, find the position, nature v u f
and size of the image formed in the 1 2
security mirror. =
f 5
(b) Neha visited a dentist in his clinic.
She observed that the dentist was 1 1 1
or = −
holding an instrument fitted with v f u
a mirror. State the nature of this
mirror and reason for its use in the 2 1
= +
instrument used by dentist. 5 20
[CBSE OD, Set 1, 2020] 8+1 9
= =
Ans. We know that convex mirror is used
(a)  20 20
in security mirrors and a customer is 1 9
standing at a distance of 20 m (object ⇒ =
v 20
distance ) and radius of curvature of
mirror is 5 m 20
⇒ v= = + 2.22 m
Given, 9
Radius of curvature, R = + 5 m The image is 2.22 m at the back of minor
Object distance, u = – 20 m h’ v
Magnification, m = = −
Image distance, v = ? h u
Height of image, h’ = ?
 2.22 1 −1
= − = + 0.11 ⇒ =
−20 v 10
The image is virtual, erect of smaller in v = – 10 cm
size by a factor of 0.11. The image is formed 10 cm away from
(b) C  oncave mirrors are commonly used the lens on the same side of the object
in torches, search-lights and vehicles and would be enlarged, virtual and
headlights to get powerful parallel erect.
beams of light. The dentists use con- hi v −10
m= = = =2
cave mirrors to see large images of h0 u −5
the teeth of patients.
... size of image is 2 times larger than
Q. 2. Rishi went to a palmist to show his the size of object.
palm. The palmist used a special lens
Q. 3. Draw a ray diagram in each of the
for this purpose.
following cases to show the formation of
(i) State the nature of the lens and rea- image, when the object is placed:
son for its use.
(i) b etween optical centre and principal
(ii) Where should the palmist place/ focus of a convex lens.
hold the lens so as to have a real and
(ii) anywhere in front of a concave lens.
magnified image of an object ?
(iii) at 2F of a convex lens.
(iii) If the focal length of this lens is 10
cm and the lens is held at a distance State the signs and values of magnifica-
of 5 cm from the palm, use lens for- tions in the above mentioned cases (i) and
mula to find the position and size of (ii).
the image. [CBSE OD, Set 1, 2020] Ans. (i)
Ans. The nature of lens used for this pur-
(i) 
pose is convex lens because it pro-
duces a magnified image of the palm.
There are two cases for which a real
(ii) 
and magnified image of object is
obtained in convex lens :
(a) When the object is placed at focus
of the lens. Sign of magnification = Positive
(b) When the object is placed between Value of magnification = Greater than 1
focus and centre of curvature of (ii)
the lens.
(iii) Given, f = 10 cm
u = – 5 cm
1 1 1
We know, = −
f v u
1 1 1
⇒ = −
10 v −5 Sign of magnification = Positive
1 1 1 Value of magnification = Less than 1
⇒ = + (iii)
10 v 5
1 1 1
⇒ = −
v 10 5
1 1− 2
⇒ =
v 10
Q. 4. An object 4.0 cm in size, is placed 25.0 cm (iii)
infront of a concave mirror of focal length
15.0 cm.
(i) At what distance from the mirror
should a screen be placed in order to
obtain a sharp image?
(ii) Find the size of the image.
(iii) Draw a ray diagram to show the
formation of image in this case.
Given, size of object, Ho = 4 cm
Ans.
Object distance, u = – 25 cm
Focal length of concave mirror, f = – 15 cm
Q. 5. A 6 cm tall object is placed perpendicular
(i) As per formula, to the principal axis of a concave mirror
1 1 1 of focal length 30 cm. The distance
= +
f v u of the object from the mirror is 45 cm.
1 1 1 Use mirror formula to determine the
⇒ = + position, nature and size of the image
−15 v −25
formed. Also draw labelled ray diagram
1 1 1 1 1 to show the image formation in this
⇒ = − = +
v −15 −25 −15 25 case.
(−25 + 15) (−10) [CBSE OD, Set 3, 2019]
=
=
375 375
Ans. Given, Height of the object, h0 = 6 cm
1 Focal length, f = – 30 cm
= −37.5
Object distance, u = – 45 cm
1 Image distance, v =?
1
⇒ = − 37.5 Height of image, hi =?
v
We have,
⇒ v = – 37.5 cm
1 1 1
Image is formed on object side at 37.5 = +
f v u
cm from pole of concave mirror.
1 1 1
(ii) The formula for the size of an image = +
− 30 v − 45
v
Hi/HO = – −1 1 1
u + = .
30 45 v
Where Hi is the size of image. 1 −3+ 2
Now, =
v 90
Hi −(−37.5 cm )
= v = – 90 cm
4 cm (−25 cm )
Also, we have
−4 × 37.5 hi − v
Hi = = – 6 cm m= =
25 cm ho u
hi − (− 90)
\ Size of image = 6 cm =
6 − 45
Hence, screen should place 37.5 cm hi
left side of mirror and size of image = –2
6
is 6 cm. It is inverted and larger than hi = – 12
object's size.
Image is real and inverted.
 75.5 × 6
hi =
50
= −9.06 cm
6 cm
Hence, image formed is virtual, erect and
12 cm
magnified.
Q. 7. An object is placed at a distance of 60 cm
from a concave lens of focal length 30 cm.
(i) Use lens formula to find the distance
Fig. (i) of the image from the lens.
Q. 6. An object 6 cm in size is placed at 50 cm in (ii) List four characteristics of the image
front of a convex lens of focal length 30 cm. (nature, position, size, erect/inver-
ted) formed by the lens in this case.
At what distance from the lens should a
(iii) Draw ray diagram to justify your
screen be placed in order to obtain a sharp
answer of part (ii).
image of the object? Find the nature and size
 [CBSE Delhi, Set 1, 2019]
of the image. Also draw labelled ray diagram
to show the image formation in this case. 1 1 1
Ans. = − 
(i) [lens formula]
 [CBSE OD, Set 3, 2019] f v u
1 1 1
Ans. Height of object ho = + 6 cm ⇒ + =
f u v
Object distance, u = – 50 cm
u = – 60
Focal length, f = + 30 cm
f = – 30 (In case of Concave lens)
Hence, putting the values in formula,
we get
1 1 1
+ =
− 30 − 60 v
−2 −1 1
=
60 v
Fig. (ii) −3 1
=
Formation of image by a convex lens 60 v
when the object is placed between its 1 −1
=
optical centre (C) and focus (F’). v 20
∴ v = – 20 cm
   Using lens formula,
1 1 1 v − 20
= − ⇒ m= = = 0.33
f v u u − 60
1 1 1 (ii) So, the image formed will be virtual,
= +
v f u erect, small in size and image will be
1 1 1 formed 20 cm from lens on the same
= − side as the object.
v 30 50
5−3
=
150
2
=
150
∴ Image distance, v = + 75.5 cm
(iii)
hi v
=
ho u
hi 75.5
=
6 − 50
Q. 8. A concave lens of focal length 60 cm is used to form an image of an object of length 9 cm
kept at a distance of 30 cm from it. Use lens formula to determine the nature, position and
length of the image formed. Also draw labelled ray diagram to show the image formation
in the above case. [CBSE, 2019]

Topper’s Answers
Q. 9. Analyse the following observation table (c)
showing variation of image-distance (v)
with object-distance (u) in case of a con-
vex lens and answer the questions that
follow without doing any calculations:

S. Object-Distance Image-Distance
No. u (cm) v (cm)
1. – 100 + 25 v + 30 cm
Magnification = = = – 0.5
2. – 60 + 30 u − 60 cm
3. – 40 + 40 Q. 10. (a) If the image formed by a mirror for
4. – 30 + 60 all positions of the object placed
in front of it is always diminished,
5. – 25 + 100
erect and virtual, state the type of the
6. – 15 + 120 mirror and also draw a ray diagram
to justify your answer. Write one use
(a)  What is the focal length of the such mirrors are put to and why.
convex lens? Give reason to justify (b) Define the radius of curvature of
your answer. spherical mirrors. Find the nature
(b)  Write the serial number of the and focal length of a spherical mirror
observation which is not correct. On whose radius of curvature is + 24 cm.
what basis have you arrived at this  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
conclusion?
(c) Select an appropriate scale and draw Ans. The type of the mirror is convex
(a) 
a ray diagram for the observation at ­mirror. (diverging mirror)
S. No. 2. Also find the approximate The ray diagram is shown below:
value of magnification.
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (a) From the observation 3, the radius
of curvature of the lens is 40 cm as
distance of object and the distance of
the image is same.
R 40
  ∴ Focal length, f = = = 20 cm.
2 2
(b) S. No. 6 is not correct, as for this obser-
vation the object distance is between
focus and pole and in such cases, the
image formed is always virtual, but  se of convex mirror: Convex mirror
U
in this case real image is forming as is used as rear view mirror in vehicles
the image distance is positive. hence, as it always produces virtual, erect
v should be negative and diminished image of an object.
 So, images of vehicles over a wide
area can be seen easily in it.
(b) Radius of curvature: The distance
between the centre of curvature and
pole of a spherical mirror is called
radius of curvature.
Given: R = + 24 cm
R 24
f = = = + 12 cm
2 2
The mirror is convex mirror.
Q. 11. Analyse the following observation table
showing variation of image distance (v)
with object distance (u) in case of a con-
vex lens and answer the questions that
follow, without doing any calculations:
S. Object Image
No. distance u (cm) distance v (cm)
1. − 90 + 18
2. − 60 + 20
3. − 30 + 30
4. − 20 + 60
5. − 18 + 90
6. − 10 + 100
(a)  What is the focal length of the
convex lens? Give reason in support
of your answer.
(b) Write the serial number of that obser-
vation which is not correct. How did
you arrive at this conclusion?
(c) Take an appropriate scale to draw
ray diagram for the observation at
S. No. 4 and find the approximate
value of magnification.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (a) From S. No. 3, we can say that the
radius of curvature is 30 cm because
when an object is placed at the cen-
tre of curvature of a convex lens, its
image is formed on the other side of
the lens at the same distance from the
lens. And, we also know that focal
length is half of the radius of curva-
ture. Therefore, focal length of the
lens is + 15 cm.
(b) S. No. 6 is not correct as the object
distance is between focus and optical
centre, and in such cases, the image
formed is always virtual. But in this
case, a real image is formed as the
image distance is positive. Therefore,
v should be negative.
(c) Approximate value of magnification
for object distance – 20 cm and image
distance + 60 cm is – 3.
Q. 12. (a) To construct a ray diagram we use
two rays which are so chosen that
it is easy to know their directions
after reflection from the mirror.
List two such rays and state the
path of these rays after reflection in
case of concave mirrors. Use these
two rays and draw ray diagram to
locate the image of an object pla-
ced between pole and focus of a
concave mirror.
(b) A concave mirror produces three
times magnified image on a screen.
If the object is placed 20 cm in front
of the mirror, how far is the screen
from the object?
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2017]
Ans. (a) The following rays of light are usu-
ally used to locate the images formed
by a concave mirror:
The incident ray passess through the
centre of curvature: In this case, light
after reflecting from the concave mir-
ror moves back along the same path.
The ray incident obliquely to the prin-
cipal axis: In this case, the incident ray
will be reflected back by the reflect-
ing surface of the concave mirror
obliquely, making equal angles with
the principal axis.
 Ans. (i) The range of distance should be 0 cm
to less than 12 cm from the mirror.
(ii) The image will be larger than the
object.
A'

 hen the object is placed between

W C F B P B'

pole and focus of the concave mirror,

image is formed behind the mirror
12 cm
which is virtual, erect and magnified.

(iii) Image will be formed at a distance

of 24 cm in front of the mirror of the
same size and inverted.

(b) Given: m = – 3 (As image is real)

u = – 20 cm
v =?
v
We have, m=− Q. 14. (a) Define optical centre of a spherical
u
lens.
v
− 3 =− ⇒ v = − 60 cm (b) A divergent lens has a focal length
−20
of 20 cm. At what distance should
The image is located at a distance of an object of height 4 cm from the
60 cm in front of the mirror. optical centre of the lens be placed
= – 60 cm – (– 20 cm) so that its image is formed 10 cm
= – 40 cm away from the lens. Find the size of
Thus, distance between the object and the image also.
the screen is 40 cm (c) Draw a ray diagram to show the for-
mation of image in above situation.
Q. 13. It is desired to obtain an erect image of
an object, using concave mirror of focal  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
length of 12 cm. Ans. (a) Optical centre is a point on a lens
(i) What should be the range of dis- through which ray of light passes
tance of an object placed in front of undeviated, without suffering any
the mirror? refraction.
(ii) Will the image be smaller or larger than (b) Given: f = – 20 cm, ho = 4 cm, v =
the object. Draw ray diagram to show – 10 cm
the formation of image in this case.
(iii) Where will the image of this object We know that,
be, if it is placed 24 cm in front of the 1 1 1
mirror? Draw ray diagram for this f
= −
v u
situation also to justify your answer. 1 1 1
Show the positions of pole, principal – =− −
20 10 u
focus and the centre of curvature in the
above ray diagrams. 1 1 1
u
=− +
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2016] 10 20
 1 −2 + 1 −1 −15 × − 30
= = = = − 30 cm.
u 20 20 −30 + 15
u = – 20 cm v h
Now, m= = i
u h0
h v
Now, m= i = v −15
ho u ⇒ hi = × h0 = × 5 = 2.5 cm.
u −30
hi −10
= (c)
4 −20
2 hi = 4
⇒ hi = 2 cm
(c)

Q. 16. (a) Define focal length of a divergent

10
lens.
(b) A divergent lens of focal length
30 cm forms the image of an object
of size 6 cm on the same side as the
Q. 15. (a)  Define focal length of a spherical object at a distance of 15 cm from its
lens. optical centre. Use lens formula to
determine the distance of the object
(b) A divergent lens has a focal length
from the lens and the size of the
of 30 cm. At what distance should
image formed.
an object of height 5 cm from the
(c) 
Draw a ray diagram to show the
optical centre of the lens be placed
formation of image in the above
so that its image is formed 15 cm
situation.
away from the lens? Find the size of
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 3, 2016]
the image also.
(c) 
Draw a ray diagram to show the Ans. The point from which ray of light
(a) 
formation of image in the above parallel to principal axis after
­situation. refraction, appear to diverge is called
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 2, 2016] principal focus of a divergent lens
Ans. (a)  The distance between the optical and the distance between optical
centre and focus of a spherical lens is centre and this focus is called focal
called focal length. length of a divergent lens.
(b) Given: f = – 30 cm, ho = 5 cm, hi =?, (b) Given, f = –30 cm, u =?, v = –15 cm,
ho = 6 cm, hi =?
v = –15 cm, u =?
We know that,
We know that,
1 1 1
1 1 1 = −
= – f v u
f v u
1 1 1
1 1 1 or = −
or = – u v f
u v f vf (−15) × (−30)
vf ⇒ u= =
⇒ u= f −v −30 + 15
f −v
 450 reflection, either converge to or
= = – 30 cm. appear to diverge from a fixed
−15
hi v point on the principal axis cal-
Now, m= =
ho u led principal focus of a spherical
v –15 mirror.
⇒ hi = × ho = × 6 = 3 cm.
u –30 (b) (i)
(c)

(ii)
Q. 17. (a) Define the following terms in the
context of spherical mirrors:
(i) Pole
(ii) Centre of curvature
(iii) Principal axis
(iv) Principal focus
(b) Draw ray diagrams to show the C
F
principal focus of a:
(i) Concave mirror
(ii) Convex mirror
(c) 
Consider the following diagram
in which M is a mirror and P is an
object and Q is its magnified image
(c) M is a concave mirror and the image
formed by the mirror.
is virtual.
M Q
P Q. 18. (a) Draw a ray diagram to show the
O formation of image by a convex lens
C F when an object is placed in front of
the lens between its optical centre
and principal focus.
State the type of the mirror M and one (b) In the above ray diagram mark the
characteristic property of the image Q. object-distance (u) and the image-
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016] distance (v) with their proper signs
Ans. (a) (i) Pole is the centre of the reflecting (+ve or – ve as per the new Cartesian
surface of the mirror. sign convention) and state how
(ii) Centre of curvature is the centre these distances are related to the
of the hollow sphere of which the focal length (f) of the convex lens in
reflecting surface of mirror is a part. this case.
(iii) Principal axis is the straight line (c) 
Find the power of a convex lens
passing through the pole and the which forms a real, and inverted
centre of curvature of a spherical image of magnification –1 of an
mirror. object placed at a distance of 20 cm
(iv)  Principal focus: Incident rays from its optical centre.
parallel to principal axis, after [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2016]
Ans. (a) Ans. (a)

(b) The object distance and image

distance are marked in the diagram
of part (a). The object distance (u) and image
(b) 
distance (v) are marked in the

The relation between v, u and f is
diagram of part (a).
given by the formula,
1 1 1
1 1 1 Relation: = −
= – f v u
f v u
(c) As, m = –1; hence, the lens is convex
(c) Given, m = – 1; u = – 20 cm; v =?, f =?
v
v Now, m =
We know that, m= u
u ∴ v=–u
v
–1= Thus, object is at 2f.
−20
∴ v = + 20 cm ∵ v = 40 cm (Given)
Thus, object is at 2F. ∴ 2f = 40 cm
i.e., 2f = 20 cm f = 20 cm = 0.2 m.
20 1 1
∴ f= = 10 cm = 0.1 m P= = = + 5 D (convex lens)
2 f 0.2
1 1
P= = = +10 D Q. 20. What is meant by power of a lens?
f 0.1
Define its S.I. unit.
The power of convex lens is + 10 D. You have two lenses A and B of focal
Q. 19. (a) Draw a ray diagram to show the for- lengths +10 cm and –10 cm respectively.
mation of image by a concave lens State the nature and power of each lens.
when an object is placed in front Which of the two lenses will form a
of it. virtual and magnified image of an object
(b) In the above diagram mark the placed 8 cm from the lens? Draw a ray
object-distance (u) and the image- diagram to justify your answer.
distance (v) with their proper signs  [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
(+ve or –ve as per the new Cartesian Ans. Power of a lens is defined as the ability
sign convention) and state how these of lens to converge or to diverge a beam
distances are related to the focal length of light. It is also defined as reciprocal of
(f) of the concave lens in this case. focal length in metres.
(c) 
Find the nature and power of a For lens A:
lens which forms a real and inver- fA = + 10 cm = 0.1 m
ted image of magnification – 1 at a
distance of 40 cm from its optical Since the focal length is positive, it is a
centre. convex lens.
1 1
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 2, 2016] Now, PA = = = +10 D.
fA 0.1
 For lens B: Image will be virtual, erect and placed in
fA = – 10 cm = – 0.1 m the direction of the object.
h2 v
Since the focal length is negative, it is a Now, Magnification, m = =
h1 u
concave lens.
v − 60
1 1 h2 = × h1 =
× 4 = +16 cm.
PB = = = −10 D. u −15
f B −0.1
The size of the image is 16 cm.
In case of a convex lens, image is virtual
and magnified if object is placed between Q. 22. (a) State the laws of refraction of light.
focus and optical centre. Explain the term absolute refractive
index of a medium and write an
expression to relate it with the speed
of light in vacuum.
(b) The absolute refractive indices
of two media ‘A’ and ‘B’ are 2.0 and
1.5 respectively. If the speed of light
in medium ‘B’ is 2 ×108 m/s, calcu-
late the speed of light in:
(i) vacuum,
(ii) medium ‘A’.
Q. 21. One half of a convex lens of focal length  [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015]
10 cm is covered with a black paper. Ans. (a) Laws of refraction of light:
Can such a lens produce an image of a
complete object placed at a distance of (i) Incident ray travelling from one
30 cm from the lens? Draw a ray diagram medium to another, bend in
to justify your answer. such a way that the incident ray,
refracted ray and the normal ray,
A 4 cm tall object is placed perpendicu- at the point of incidence, all lie in
lar to the principal axis of a convex lens the same plane.
of focal length 20 cm. The distance of the The ratio of sine of angle of
(ii) 
object from the lens is 15 cm. Find the incidence (i) to the sine of angle
nature, position and size of the image. of refraction (r) is constant for a
 [CBSE OD, Term 2, Set 1, 2015] given pair of media.
Ans. Yes, it can produce an image of a com- sin i
i.e. = constant
plete object placed at a distance of 30 cm sin r
from the lens. Absolute refractive index of a
medium is the ratio of sin i to sin r.
Absolute refractive index
Speed of light in vacuum
=
Speed of light in medium
(b) Given: nA = 2.0, nB = 1.5, speed of
light in medium B(vB) = 2 × 108 m/s,
speed of light in medium vA =?
Given: h1 = 4 cm, f = + 20 cm, u = –15 cm c
(i) nB =
Speed of light in a medium (vB )
We know that, c
=
1 1 1 vB
= − c = nB × vB = 1.5 × 2 × 108 = 3 × 108 m/s.
f v u
1 1 1 1 1 3 – 4 –1 c
= + = – = = (ii) nA =
v f u 20 15 60 60 vA
c 3 × 108
∴ Image distance, v = – 60 cm. vA = = = 1.5 × 108 m/s
nA 2
Q. 23. “A convex lens can form a magnified 1 1 1
erect as well as magnified inverted = −
f v u
image of an object placed in front of it.” 1 1 1
Draw ray diagram to justify this state- or = +
v f u
ment stating the position of the object 1 1 1
with respect to the lens in each case. =− −
v 10 20
An object of height 4 cm is placed at a 1 −2 − 1 −3
= =
distance of 20 cm from a concave lens v 20 20
of focal length 10 cm. Use lens formula −20
∴ v= cm.
to determine the position of the image 3
formed. Q. 24. The image of a candle flame placed at a
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 1, 2015] distance of 30 cm from a spherical lens
Ans. (i) Image formed is magnified and erect is formed on a screen placed on the
when object is placed between opti- other side of the lens at a distance of
cal centre and focus of a convex lens. 60 cm from the optical centre of the
lens. Identify the type of lens and
calculate its focal length. If the height
of the flame is 3 cm, find the height of
its image.
 [CBSE Delhi, Term 2, Set 2, 2015]
Ans. Given: h1 = + 3cm, u = – 30 cm
v = + 60 cm, f =?, h’ =?
1 1 1
= −
f v u
1 1
Image formed is magnified and
(ii)  = −
60 − 30
inverted when the object is placed
between F and 2F of a convex lens. 1 +3
=
f 60

A
∴ f = + 20 cm
Therefore, the lens is convex.
B' v
2F 1 B F1 F2 2F 2 h’ = ×h
u
+ 60 cm
= × 3 cm
− 30 cm
⇒ h’ = – 6 cm
A'
Here, negative sign indicates that the
Given: u = – 20 cm, f = – 10 cm, v =? image formed is inverted. Therefore,
We know that, height of image of candle flame is 6 cm.