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CHAP TER
WAVE
10 OPTICS
Wave Optics: Wave frontand Huygens'principle; reflection and refraction
F Syllabus of plane wave at a plane surface using wave fronts; proof of laws of
reflection and refraction using Huygens' principle.
Interference; Young's double slit experiment and expression for fringe width (No derivation final expresion
only); coherent sources and sustained interference of light; diffraction due to a single slit, width of central
maximum. (qualitative treatment only).

Wave Theory and Huygens' List of Topics

Topic-1: Wave Theory
Principle and Huygens' Principle
Page No. 188
Topic-1 Concepts Covered
principle, reflection and refraction
Wave front, Huygens'i
of plane wave at Topic-2 : Superposi
a plane surface using wave fronts, proof of laws ofi tion of Light Waves
reflection and refraction using Huygens' principle. (Interference and Dif
fraction) Page No. 192

Revision Notes
F According to the corpuscular theory, "sources of
light emit large number of tiny massless particles
known as corpuscles in a medium surrounding the
source. They are perfectly elastic, rigid and have
high speed".
This theory could explain reflection and refraction
of light but could not explain many other optical
phenomenon like interference and diffraction of
light.
Huygens proposed wave theory of light; According
to the theory, light travels in the form of longitudinal
waves with uniform speed in a homogenous
medium.
As longitudinal and mechanical waves need
medium to travel, he assumed a hypothetical
medium known as 'ether.
Michelson Morley experiment discarded the
existence of ether.
Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic waves and
Young's famous double slit experiment firmly
established the wave theory. Maxwell explained
that light is an electromagnetic wave which does not
need medium and its speed in vacuum is 3x10% /s.
Phenomenon of optical interference, diffraction and
polarisation can be explained with wave nature of
light.
Wave theory could not explain Photoelectric effect
and Compton effect.
Polarisation established that light is not a
longitudinal wave but a transverse wave.
 WAVE OPTICS 189

maxima
22
arethe difference
initial
phasesources = fringe)
if incoherent
called
are
constant
remains
withthey fringe) maxima
light
coherentbetweenotherwise
the
waves time, 2DA
centralwidth
Angular
of emitted
the
by source
light.
of (dark central +1);bright
sources of
be width maxima
to
nà (2n Level
amplitude.
resultant ~A,) T'wosaid = of
Linear Third
bsin Width bsin (for
=(A, Map
a
same
torm A MindLevel
+4,)
+-P(A,
I=(Vi "For
constructive
Interference,
interference, Second
to or slit the
lower
superimpose Diffraction
of single Trace
light
by
or
Source
Coherent Level

greater destructive First

A,
waves +
A,
of
wave = "For
Iwo A
Interference
ofLight
Optics

"For
bright
fringe fringe Wave
dark
AQ=ni Double
Young's
Slit
Experiment
For
"
Huygens'
Principle
spherical
For
wavefront
dark
betweennth slits
fringe interference
(271+1)2D
between on
Basedlight
of Fringe-width
central
2d
distance primary
and source
wavelets
Distance
fringe
1= thethe
secondary
on is
pointwavefront
phase
consecutive,bright
two
or
between Each a
D=distance
between of particles
some
fringe
and
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Distance
between
fringe
nh
bright SOurce
screen
and
nADd distance all in
dark
fringes. of vibrating
Locus
the
is "
It
190 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, PHYSICS, Class-XII

P Huygens' principle brings concept of formation of At any instant, a common tangential surface on all
new wave fronts and its propagation in forward these wavelets gives new wavefront in forward
direction. direction.

r Wavefront is locus of all points in which light waves Shapes of wavefronts:

are in same phase. Propagation of wave energy is Source Wavefronts
perpendicular to the wavefront. Point source Spherical wavefront
Huygens' Principle: Line source Cylindrical wavefront
Every point of a wavefront becomes secondary Plane sOurce Plane wavefront
sOurce of light. Scan to know Point source very far away|Plane wavefront
more about
F These secondary sources give their this topic Concave lens converts plane Scan to know
own light waves. Within small wavefront to convex wavefront more about
this topic
time, they produce their own wave and convex lens convert plane
called secondary wavelets. These wavefront to concave wavefront.
secondary wavelets have same Huygens Laws of reflection and refraction of
speed and wavelengths as waves Principle light can be proved by Huygen's Refraction of a
by primary sources.
principle. plane wave

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

into a rarer medium (2) is incident on the surface
Very Short Answer Type PP, separating the two media as shown in fig.
Questions (1 mark each) Using Huygens' principle, draw the secondary
wavelets and obtain the refracted wavefront in the
Q.1. What is the type of wavefront generated from diagram.
(i) Line source
B
(ii) Point source?
Ans. (i) Cylindrical wavefront is generated from a line
Source.

(ii) Spherical wavefront is generated from a near point

source. Plane wavefront is generated from a far P P
away point source.
Q.2. What is the phase difference between two points
on the same wavefront? AOECBSE DEL SET I, 2020]
Q.3. Can Huygens' theory explain the photoelectric Ans. Wavefront: Wavefront is an imaginary surface over
effect? which an optical wave has a constant phase. 1
Ans. No, Huygens' theory cannot explain the Secondary wavelets and waveform due to Refraction
photoelectric effect. 1
of light from denser medium to rarer medium:
Q.4. When a wave undergoes reflection at an interface Medium 1
from rarer to denser medium, what is the adhoc Denesr

change in its phase?

AOUCBSE OD SET 1, 2020/ MODIFIED] A

Mediut 2
Ans. The adhoc change in its phase is . 1
sacandery
wavelets
Q.5. A plane wavefront is incident on a convex lens.
What will be the shape of the wave front emerging
from the lens ?

Ans. Emerging wavefront will be spherical. 1 1

Q.2. Based on Huygens' construction, draw the shape
(
Short Answer Type of a plane wavefront as it gets refracted on passing
Questions-I (2 marks each) through aconvex lens.U[Foreign Comptt. 2016]
Q.1. Define the term 'wavefront of light. A plane Q.3. Define the term wavefront. State Huygens'
front AB propagating from wave principle.
medium (1)
These questions are for practice ad their solutions ane atailable at the end of the chavter
 S Topper Answer, 2020

Aolelar lo îhe.

AO
20,

Alternatively,
medium
Short Answer Type Refractive index of medium 2 w.r.t.
Questions-II (3 marks each) sini
sinr
index' of a medium.
Q.1. Define the term, "refractive
plane
Verify Snell's law of refraction when a Alternatively,
medium 1
a rarer Refractive index of medium 2 w.r.t.
wavefront is propagating from a denser to
medium.
A0U+A velocity of light in medium 1
JCBSE DELHI SET 1, 2019] velocity of light in medium 2
 B
sini
AC AC
Medium 1 Incident,
wavefront
sinr= AE_D,!
AC AC

Medium 2 A C sini=l1
sinr v,
This is Snell's law of refraction.
Refraçted
E wavefront [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2019]
0.2. Define the term wavefront. Using Huygens' wav
The figure drawn here shows the refracted wave theory, verify the law of refraction.
front corresponding to the given incident wave OADU+A [CBSE DELHI SET I, 2018
front. Q.3. (i) Compare Maxwell's electromagnetic theory
It is seen that with Huygens' wave theory of light.
(ii) Define incident angle of a light wave. AO

Superposition of Light Waves (Interference nd

Topic-2 Diffraction)
Concepts Covrd " Interference, Young's double slit experiment, Coherent sources,
Diffraction
- - - due
- - -to
-a single
-- - - . slit.

Revision Notes
r Acording to superposition principle, "At a particular
point in the medium, the resultant displacement
if
produced by a number of waves is the vector sum of then
the displacements produced by each wave". a, = 2a
Two coherent waves are given by
I«a'
y = acOs ot and y, = acos ot.
Then due to superposition, resuftant displacement
at that point will be
4, =4a?
Condition for destructive interference:
y=y, t y, = 21cos ot. P Waves would be coherent in nature. The phase
Hence, the total intensity at that point is:
l= 4l, between the waves should be odd multiples of ,
i.e., 0, , ...217
where, I, a'; maximum intensity due to one wave. Path difference between waves at this phase difference
Interference A 32
- Constructive Interference: If the crest and trough . 2 n +1),Here, n = 1,2,3, 4..
of both waves reach at a point in the same instant, 2
constructive interference occurs. The resultant a, = a1 -
amplitude of the wave is the sum of individual if
amplitudes.
a = 4, t a, then a, =0
Destructive Interference: If the crest of one wave
and trough of other wave reach at a point in same
instant, then destructive interference occurs. The 1, =0
resultant amplitude of the wave is the difference of
wave is Young's double slit Experiment:
individual amplitudes.
Two independent sources can never be coherent.
We may create two coherent sources by deriving
them from one source.
Condition for constructive Interference:
Waves should be coherent in nature. Coherent
wave means that they should have equal frequency
dconstant phase difference (0, 2r, ..... 21).
Path difference between waves at this phase
difference = 0,, ...n2, Here, n = 0, 1, 2,3 .....
These questions are for pructice and their solutions are available at the end of the chapter
 WAVE OPTICS 193

Central maxima forms atat O. Here, Scan to kno

about hire
ath differeneee(S,P- S,P) =0 Elevation angle for first bright fringe, ®,n =20
At "P", which is at x distance from
O path difference Height of first dark fringe, XiD = 32D
Young's Double Slit
(S,P-S,P) = demonstration Elevation angle for first dark fringe, 0,p =
Condition for P to be a bright spot:
Width of the bright fringe = DA
D 0,À,2...n.
D
- Width of the dark fringe

2D.
where, n is number of bright fringes after central Width of the central fringe
fringe.
- Condition for P to be a dark spot: There is no gain or loss of energy in interference or
diffraction, which is consistent with the principle of
conservation of energy. Energy only redistributes in
_(2n +1)D; these phenomena.
Ipth dark 2
Here, n is the number of dark fringes after central
Ov Key Formulae
Condition for constructive interference fon
fringe. coherent waves:
D.
Width of the bright fringe (B) = -n-1j8 " Phase difference(0, 2r, 2nn)
" Path difference = 0, A..nÀ
Width of the dark fringe (B,) = X)-Xin-D= D Condition for destructive interference for coherent
waves:

- Width of the central fringe (B) = " Phase difference(0, I, ...... (21 + 1)n) with each
other at any time interval t.
- Hence, B, = B, =Be
Diffraction " Path difference- .. an +1)4
It is the bending of light around the corners of In Interference Pattern
an obstacle or aperture into the region where we
expect shadow of the obstacle. " Width of the bright fringe = DA

D
To P Width of the dark fringe =

" Width of the central fringe =

From S To C
In Diffraction Pattern:

" Angle of elevation of any point P on screen =

a

" Condition that P would dark point when

path difference = , 22
If width of the opening = a
e is the angle of elevation of point P from principal
" Condition that Pwould be bright point when
axis
path difference = 2n+1)
Path difference between ray from L and ray from
N= NQ= asin 9 DA
For first maxima " Width of the bright fringe :
asin =,
DÀ
" Width of the dark fringe =
a
(:: sin 9=0 for small value of 0)
2DÀ
It is observed that when path difference = , 20. " Width of the central fringe
a
Hà, P is a dark point.
3À " Height of first bright fringe X,=
When Path difference 9= .2+1.Pisa
bright point.
 194 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, PHYSICS, Class-XII

Mnemonics

Concept: Phase difference for constructive and destructive interference:

Mnemonics: Pranab Dhawan departed Otty by Chennai Express.
Even [Le. 2nr]
For Constructive interference
Interpretations:
Odd [ie. (2n+1)r]
for Destructive interference
Difference
Phase

SUBJECTIVE TYPE OUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Type Short Answer Type
Questions (1 mark each) Questions-I (2 marks each)
Q.1. In a Young's double-slit experiment, the source is Q.1. A Narrow slit is illuminated by a parallel bean
white light. One of the holes is covered by a red of monochromatic light of wavelength à equa
filter and another by a blue filter. 6000 Å and the angular width of the centra
maximum in the resulting diffraction pattern i:
What will be the change in interference fringes? measured. When the slit is next illuminated by
light of wavelength X, the angular width decrease:
Ans. For sustained interference, the source must by 30%. Calculate the value of the wavelength .
be coherent and should emit the light of same [CBSE SQP 2023
frequency. Ans. Angular width 2 = 2Nd
In this problem, one hole is covered with red and Given 2= 6000 ¢
other with blue, which has different frequency, so In case of new à (assumed ' here), angular widt
no interference takes place. 1
decreases by 30%
Q.2. Two coherent monochromatic light beams of New angular width = 0.70 (2 0)
intensities I and 4l superimpose. 2 2'/d = 0.70 X(2/d)
What will be the maximum and minimum 2 = 4200
intensities ? A
Q.2. Draw the graph showing intensity distributior
of fringes with phase angle due to diffractior
Ans. nas =, +4 +24I, xI, =91 through single slit. E|SQP 2020-21
I=, +I,-2/1, xl, =I Ans. Plot of Intensity distribution of diffraction with
proper labelling.
Q.3. The ratio of intensities of two waves is 1: 25, what max
is the ratio of their amplitudes? A
Q.4. Why does the intensity of the secondary maximum
become less as compared to the central maximum?

Ans. As the order increase only (where n is an odd

number) of the slit, will contribute in producing -/2

brightness at a point in the diffraction. So, the -3 -2T -Ê 0 2T 3r
higher order maxima are not so bright as the [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2021]
central.
OThis question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter
 WAVE OPTICS 195

Q.3. In a single slit diffraction experiment, width of

the slit is increased, How will the (a) size and
(b) intensity of central bright band be affected?
Towards P
Justify your answer.
UCBSE DELHI SET 1, 20201
Q.4. Draw the intensity pattern for single slit
diffraction and double slit interference. Hence,
state two differences between interference and
diffraction patterns.
A0UOD, Foreign 2017|
Short Answer Type The single slit is divided into two equal halves., For
Questions-11 (3 marks each) every point in one half has a corresponding point
Q.1. How can you differentiate whether a pattern is in the other half. The path difference between two
produced by a single slit or double slits? Derive waves arriving at point P is
the expression for the angular position of (i) bright
and (ii) dark fringes produced in a single slit 2sin , 2
diffraction. ICBSE Term-I I, 20221
This means the contributions are in opposite in
Ans. If all the bands are of equal width and intensity,
phase, so cancel each other and the intensity falls
then pattern is produced by double slit. Bands of to zero.
the pattern produced by single slit have the width
and intensity both varying. So, for 1" dark fringe, sin 8, =
(i) Derivation of expression for angular position of
bright fringe produced by single slit diffraction: Similarly for other dark fringes, sin 0, =
n
, =
Towards P
18, Q.2. Aslit of width 0.6 mm is illuminated by a beam of
a/3 light consisting of two wavelengths 600 nm and
a3 480 nm. The diffraction pattern is observed on a
a3 screen 1.0 m from the slit. Find:
(i) The distance of the second bright fringe from the
central maximum pertaining to light of 600 nm.
(ii) The least distance from the central maximum at
which bright fringes due to both the wavelengths
The single slit is now divided in three equal parts. coincide. |CBSE Term-11, 2022|
If waves from two parts of the slit cancel each Ans. (i) Distance of 2nd bright fringe from central
other, the wave from the third part will produce a maximum =
maxima at a point between two minima.
32 2x600x 10x1
So sin , =24 0.6x10
Similarly, if the slit is divided in five equal parts, = 20 x 10m
then another maxima will be produced at (iüi) If nh bright fringe due to 600 nm coincides with
52 (n+1)th bright fringe due to 480 nm, then
sin 0, = nà,D (n+1)2,D
(2n+1)».
Similarly, for other fringes, sin , =
20 Or nà,D = (n + 1),D
Or
(2n +1)2 Or.
0. = (n+1)
20

For central maxima, = 0 480

Or
(n+1) 600
(ii) Derivation of expression for angular position of
dark fringe produced by single slit diffraction: n=4

These questions are for practice and their solutions are anailable at the end of the chapter
196 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, PHYSICS, Class-XII

So, the least distance from central maximum = (i) the fringe width
4x 600 x 10 x1z 4) x 10 m (ii) the distance of (a) third minimum and (b) fifth
maximum, from central maximum.
0.6x 10
[CBSE Term-IL, 20221
Q.3. How will the interference pattern in Young's
double-slit experiment be affected if Ans. (i) Fringe width = B= AD
(i) The screen is moved away from the plane of the
600 x10
slits.
0.8x 10-3
x1.612x 10 m
(ii) The source slit is moved away from the plane of
the slits.
(ii) (a) Distance of 3rd minimum from central maximum
(iii) The phase diference between the light waves
emanating from the two slits S, and S, changes -p-0x10
from 0 tot and remains constant.
[CBSE Term-II, 20221 (b) Distance of 5th maximum from central fringe =
5B = 60 x 10m
Ans. Fringe width =B=
d Q.6. (i) State two conditions for two light sources to be
coherent.
(i) As, D increases, the fringe width increases.
(ii) If the source slit is moved away from the plane of (ii) Give two points of difference between an
the slits, there will be no change in fringe width. interference pattern due to a double slit and a
(ii) If the phase difference becomes a, then the central diffraction pattern due to a single slit.
fringe will be a dark fringe, since
CBSE Term-II, 2022]
I= 4/, cos²02 Ans. (i) Condition of two light sources to be coherent:
" The two sources of light must be derived from a
single source.
" The source must be monochromatic in nature.
= 0
(i)Difference between an interference pattern due
Q.4. In a diffraction pattern due to a single slit, how to a double-slit and a diffraction pattern due to a
will the angular width of central maximum single slit:
change, if
Interference Diffraction pattern
(i) orange light is used in place of green light, pattern
the screen is moved closer to the slit.
Intensity same Intensity falls to successive
(iii) the slit width is decreased? for all maxima. maxima away from the
Justify your answer in each case. central.
|CBSE Term-II, 2022] Fringes areequally Fringes are not equally
Ans. The angular width of central maxima of single slit
|spaced. spaced.
diffraction patten is 26 = 0.7. (a) Define awavefront.
(b) In a single slit diffraction experiment, the width
(i) Angular width of central maxima o wavelength of the slit is made double the original width. How
of light used. Orange light has higher wavelength does this affect the size and intensity of the central
diffraction band ? Explain.
than that of green light. So, Angular width of (c) When a tiny circular obstacle is placed in the path
central maxima willbe more when orange light is
used instead of green light. light from
of light a distant source,
E a s Spot is seen
(ii) Angular width of central maxima is independent
tthe centre of the obstacle
at why.
of the distance between the slit and the screen. So, OA0 U+A||CBSE 2018]
if the screen is moved closer to slit there will be no
change in angular width of central maxima.
Long Answer Type
1
Questions (5 marks each)
(iüi) Angular width of central maxima «
Q.1. (a) Draw the graph showing intensity distribution
So, if the slit width is decreased, the angular width of fringes with phase angle due to diffraction
of the central maxima will increase
through a single slit. What is the width of the
Q.5. In a Young's double slit experiment using light of central maximum in comparison to that of a
wavelength 600 nm, the slit separation is 0.8 mm secondary maximum?
and the screen is kept 1.6 m from the plane of the (b) A ray PQ is incident normally on the face AB of a
slits. 5in triangular prism of refracting
Calculate figure. The prism is made angle 60° as shown
transparent
This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chayter
 WAVE OPTICS 197

Width of central maximum is twice that of any

material of refractive index
the ray as it passes through the prism. Calculate the
angle of emergence and the angle of deviation.
y60
Trace the path of secondary maximum 1
(b) Try yourself. Refer Q6 of Topic 2 of SATQ-II of
Chapter 9.
5
Q.2. (a) Write two points of difference between an
interference pattern and a diffraction patern.
(b) (i) A ray of light incident on face AB of an
equilateral glass prism, shows minimum deviation
of 30°. Calculate the speed of light through the
prism.

|CBSE SQP 2023|

Ans. (a) 1

Intensity () C
B

(iü) Find the angle of incidence at face AB so that the

32/a 22/a 2Na 3/a emergent ray grazes along the face AC.
Diffraction angle (0) |CBSE SQr, 2023]

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (1 mark each)

Q.4. Huygens' theory could not explain
A Multiple Choice Questions (A) photoelectric effect.
(B) reflection of light.
Q.1. Wavefront generated from a line source is () diffraction of light.
(A) cylindrical wavefront (D) interference of light.
(B) spherical wavefront Ans. Option (A) is correct.
(C) plane wavefront Explanation: Wave nature of light cannot explain
(D) either (A) or (B) the photoelectric effect. Particle nature of light can
Ans. Option (A) is correct. only explain it.
Q.2. Phase difference between any two points of a Q.5. Which of the following statement is true?
wavefront is
(A) According to both Maxwell's electromagnetic
(A) (B) /2
theory and Huygen's wave theory light
(C0 (D) /4 is treated as a wave in nature and require
Ans. Option (C) is correct. medium to travel.
Explanation: Wavefront is the locus of all points (B) According to both Maxwell's electromagnetic
those are in same phase.
theory and Huygen's wave theory light is
Q.3. In Huygens' theory, light waves treated as a particle in nature and require
(A) are transverse waves and require a medium to mediumn to travel.
travel.
(C) According to both Maxwell's electromagnetic
(B) are longitudinal waves and require a medium
to travel. theory and Huygen's wave theory light is
treated as a wave in nature and does not
(C) are transverse waves and require no medium require medium to travel.
to travel.
(D) According to Maxwell's electromagnetic theory
(D) are longitudinal waves and require no medium light is treated as a wave in nature and require
to travel.
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
no medium to travel. According to Huygens'
Explanation:
are l o n d n g to
Huygens, light waves theory
require8to travel.
is treated as a wave in nature and

waves and require a material Ans. Option (D) is correct.

medium to travel. For this reason Huygens
assumed the existence of a hypothetical medium
called luminiferous aether.
This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of thechapter
Q.6. In a Young's double-slit experiment the source is
white light. One of the holes is covered by a red
filter and another by a blue filter. In this case,
 198 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, PHYSICS, Class-XII

(A) there shall be alternate interference patterns of Q.1. Assertion (A): According to Huygen's theory no
red and blue. backwardd wavefront is possible.
(B) there shall be an interference pattern for red Reason (R): Amplitude of secondary wavelets is
distinct from that for blue. proportional to (1 + cos 0), where is the angle
(C) there shall be no interference fringes. between the ray at the point of consideration and
(D) there shall be an interference pattern for red direction of secondary wavelet.
mixing with one for blue. A Ans. Option (A) is correct.
Ans. Option ((C) isis correct. Explanation: According to Huygen's theory each
Explanation: For sustained interference, the source and every point on a wavefront is the source of
must be coherent and should emit the light of same secondary wavelets. Secondary wavelets do not
frequency. proceed backward. So, the assertion is true.
In this problem, one hole is covered with red and Kirchhoff explained that amplitude of secondary
wavelets is proportional to (1+ cos ), where
other with blue, which has different frequency, so
no interference takes place. 0 is the angle between the ray at the point of
Q.7. In Young's double slit experiment, the distance consideration and direction of secondary wavelets.
between the slits is reduced to half and the In the backward direction 0 = 180°; so 1 + cos
distance between the slits and the screen is = 0; so, the secondary wavelets do not proceed
doubled. The fringe width backward.
(A) will be double. (B) will be half. Hence, assertion and reason both are true and the
(C) will remain same. (D) will be four times. U reason properly explains the assertion.
Q.8. A Young's double slit experiment is performed Q.2. Assertion (A): Wavefront emitted by a point source
with blue (wavelength 460 nm) and green light of light in an isotropic mediunm is spherical.
(wavelength 550 nm) respectively. If y is the Reason (R): Isotropic medium has same refractive
nce of 4th maximum from the central fringe
distance index in all directions. A
then Ans. Option (A) is correct.
(A) y, = yG (B) Y, > M: Explanation: If a medium has same refractive index
(D) yv, = 550/460 U at every point in all directions, then the wavefront
Ans. Option (C) is correct. obtained from a point source in such a medium is
Explanation: y, = nÀD/d spherical since wave travels in all direction with
So. same speed. Such a medium is known as isotropic
Since, medium. So, the assertion and reason both are true
and the reason explains the assertion properly.
Q.9. Angular width of central maxima of a single slit Q.3. Assertion (A): When a light wave travels from
difYraction pattern is independent of rarer to denser medium, its speed decreases. Due
(A) slit width to this reduction of speed the energy carried by the
(B) frequency of the light used light wave reduces.
(C) wavelength of the light used Reason (R): Energy of wave is proportional to the
(D) distance between slit and screen frequency. A
Ans. Option (D) is correct. Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Angular width = 2sin 'Wd Explanation: When a light wave travels from
So, it is independent of D (distance between slit rarer to denser medium, its speed decreases. But
and screen). this reduction of speed does not imply the loss of
Q. 10. The main condition for diffraction to be observed is energy carried by ihe light wave. So, the assertion
(A) size of obstacle should be comparable to the is false.
wavelength of the wave Energy of wave is proportional to the frequency
(B) size of obstacle should be much larger than the of the wave which remains same in very medium.
wavelength of the wave Hence there is no loss of energy. So, the reason is
(C) size of obstacle should be much smaller than true.
the wavelength of the wave Q.4. Assertion (A): No interference pattern is detected
(D) for any size of obstacle when two coherent sources are too cdose to each other.
Ans. Option (A) is correct. Reason (R): The fringe width is inversely
proportional to the distance between the two slits.
BAssertion &Reason
Q.5. Assertion (A): Diffraction takes place with all types
Directions: In the following questions, a statement of of waves.
Assertion (A) is followed by astatement of Reason (R). Reason (R): Diffraction is perceptible when the
Mark the correct choice as: wavelength of the wave is comparable the
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct dimension of the diffracting device.
explanation of (A). Ans. Option (B) is correct.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct Explanation: Diffraction is spreading of waves
explanation of (A). around obstacle. It takes place with all types of
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false. waves (mechanical, non-mechanical, transverse,
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true. longitudinal) and with very small moving particles
OThese questions are for practice and their solutions are railableat the end of the chapter

(atom, neutron, electron etc.) which show wave
like property. So, the assertion is true.
Diffraction is perceptible when the wavelength of
COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS
O Case based MCOs (4marks each)
Read the below text and answer any four of the
questions that follow:
I. In one of his experiments on interference, August
Jean Fresnel used a biprism to induce interference
between two beams. He splitted a diverging beam
of light into two parts by using the biprism to refract
them. This resulted in two split beams which acted
as if they were from two coherent sources and
which therefore interfered with each other.
A Fresnel Biprism is a thin double prism placed
base to base and have very small refracting angle
(0.5). This is equivalent to a single prism with one
of its angle nearly 179° and other two of 0.5° each.
179°
0.5° 0.5°
In Young's Double Slits experiment, a single source
is split in two coherent sources. For the experiment,
we must approximate that the slits act as point
sources. This however is not the case, since the
slits have finite width. In this way, it gives rise to
unwanted diffraction effects that causes errors.
The Fresnel Biprism experiment overcomes this
problem.
A Fresnel biprism is a variation of Young's Slits
experiment. When monochromatic light through a
narrow slit falls on biprism that divides it into two
components. One of these component is refracted
from upper portion of biprism and the other one
refracted from lower portion. Two virtual coherent
sources formed from the original source. this
case, two virtual coherent sources are point sources
and replace slits in Young's experiment.
Q.1. The Fresnel biprism is
(A) A combination of two prisms with their bases in
contact.
WAVE OPTICS 199
the wave is Scomparable to the dimension of the
diffracting device. The reason is also true. But it
does not explain the assertion.
(B) A combination of two prisms with their
refracting surfaces in contact.
(C) Single prism
(D) Not a prism actually.
Ans. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: A Fresnel Biprism is a thin double
prism placed base to base.
Q.2. Base angles of Fresnel biprism are
(A) 179° (B) 90°
(C) 0.50° (D) None of these
Ans. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: A Fresnel Biprism is a thin double
prism placed base to base and have very small
refracting angle (0.5").
Q.3. Fresnel Biprism produces
(A) Two real coherent sources
(B) Two virtual coherent sources
(C) A number of real coherent sources
(D) A number of virtual coherent sources
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: When monochromatic light through
a narrow slit falls on Fresnel Biprism that divides
it into two components. One of these component
is refracted from upper portion of biprism and the
other one refracted from lower portion. Thus, two
virtual coherent sources formed from the original
source.
Q.4. What is the difference between the coherent
sources produced by Young's Double Slit
arrangement and Fresnel Biprism?
(A) Young's Double Slit arrangement produces
virtual coherent sources whereas Fresnel
Biprism produces real coherent sources
(B) Young's double slit arrangement produces
coherent point sources whereas Fresnel biprism
produces coherent sources which are not point
sOurces
(C) Both Young's Double Slit arrangement and
Fresnel Biprism produce similar coherent
SOurces
(D) Fresnel Biprism produces virtual coherent
point sources whereas Young's Double Slit
arrangement produces real coherent sources
which are not point sources. 1
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: In Young's Double Slits experiment, a
single source is split in two coherent sources. Both
are real. Both the slits have finite width. Fresnel
Biprism divides the beam of monochromatic light
incident on it into two components. One of these
component is refracted from upper portion of
biprism and the other one refracted from lower
200 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, PHYSICS, Class-XII
POtto nus tWo virtual coherent sources are
from the original source.
Q.5. Which problem of Young's Double Slit experiment
is overcome by Fresnel Biprism?
(A) Young's Double Slit arrangement gives rise to
irregular interference fringe pattern which is
overcome by Fresnel Biprism which produces
coherent sources by refraction in a prism
(B) Finite width of slits in Young's Double Slit
experiment gives rise to unwanted diffraction
effects that causes errors. This is overcome by
Fresnel Biprism by producing virtual coherent
point sources.
(C) Young's Double Slit arrangement produces
interference fringe pattern low intensity
which is overcome by Fresnel Biprism.
(D) All of the above
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: In Young's double Slits experiment, a
single source is split in two coherent sources. For
the experiment, we must approximate that the slits
act as point sources. This however is not the case,
since the slits have finite width. In this way, it gives
rise to unwanted diffraction effects causes
errors.
The Fresnel biprism experiment overcomes this
problem.
When monochromatic light through a narrow slit
falls on biprism that divides it into two components.
One of these component is refracted from upper
portion of biprism and the other one refracted from
lower portion. Two virtual coherent point sources
are formed from the original source.
II. Based on the above text and answer any four of
the following questions. Each question carries 1
mark.
Diffraction in a hall: A and B went to purchase a
ticket of a music programme. But unfortunately
only one ticket was left. They purchased the single
ticket and decided that A would be in the hall
during the 1" half and Bduring the 2nd half.
Both of them reached the hall together. A entered
the hall and found that the seat was behind a pillar
which created an obstacle. He was disappointed.
He thought that he would not be able to hear the
programme properly.
B was waiting outside the closed door. The door
was not fully closed. There was a little opening. But
surprisingly, Acould hear the music programme.
This happened due to diffraction of sound.
The fact we hear sounds around corners and
around barriers involves both diffraction and
reflection of sound.
Diffraction in such cases helps the sound to "bend
around" the obstacles.
In fact, diffraction is more pronounced with
longer wavelengths implies that we can hear low
frequencies around obstacles better than high
frequencies.
B was outside the door. He could also hear the
programme. But he noticed that when the door
opening is comparatively less he could hear the
programme even better. This is because when the
width of the opening is larger than the wavelength
of the wave passing through the gap then it does
not spread out much on the other side. But when
the opening is smaller than the wavelength more
diffraction occurs and the waves spread out greatly
-with semicircular wavefront. The opening in this
case functions as a localized source of sound.
Sound
waves
Performer
Pill
Q.1. A and B could hear the music programme due to
phenomnenon named
(B) Scattering
(A) Interference
(C) Diffraction (D) Dispersion.
Ans. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The fact we hear sounds around
corners and around barriers involves both
diffraction and reflection of sound.
Q.2. Diffraction is more pronounced with
wavelengths.
(A) Longer (B) Shorter
() Auctuating (D) all
Ans. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: In fact, diffraction is more pronounced
with longer wavelengths
Q.3. The minimum and maximum frequencies in the
musical programme were 550 kH, and 10 kHz.
Which frequency was better audible around the
pillar obstacle?
(A) 10 kHz
(B) 550 kHz
(C) Mid frequency
(D) The complete frequency range
Ans. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: In fact, diffraction is more pronounced
with longer wavelengths implies that you can hear
low frequencies around obstacles better than high
frequencies.
Q.4. Diffraction of sound takes place more when:
(A) sound is diffracted through an opening having
width equal to the wavelength of the sound.
(B) sound is diffracted through an opening having
width more than the wavelength of the sound.
(C) sound is diffracted through an opening having
width less than the wavelength of the sound.
(D) diffraction of sound does not depend on the width
of the opening.
Ans. Option (C) is correct.
 hase
same differenceis zero.
wavefront between twO points on the let t = time
Short
Ans,2:Answer Type from Bto C. taken by the wave front to
Questions-I BC = ut
advance
Let CE
represent
the point the
E to the tangent plane drawn from
as its centre. sphere of radius'vt having A
Incident
wavefront
Plane Wavefront Reflecte
wavefron
Iront
Wavefront

SATO-I.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016] 2.
Ans.3: Wave front: Try it
yourself Similar to Q. 1, of
MTN
then
it follows that
AE = BC = vt 1

AEAC = ABAC
Huygens' Principle:
is the source Each point of the
1 Hence,
of a secondary
disturbancewavefront :. Angle of
incidence = angle of reflection
wavelets and the
out in all emanating fromn these points spread [CBSE
velocity asdirections. These travel
that of the original with the same Ans.3: (i) Both theories treat Marking Scheme, 2019]
light as a wave in
Short Answer Type wavefront. However, as per the nature.
Questions-Il
Ans.2: Definition of the electromagnetic
does not need any medium theory,
to propagate whilelight
Verification
wavefront
of the law of 1 Huygens' wave theory, a medium is must. Thatforis
reflection why, he assumed a
through which light hypothetical
Wave Front: Try it Yourself. See Q. No. 2
1 of SATQ-I. medium 'ether
(ii) Angle between wave travels in vacuum. 2
Consider a plane wave AB incident at an
'on a reflecting surface MN angle face is called theincident
incident
wavefront with the inter
of angle light wave. 1

Solutions for Practice Questions (Topic-2)

Very Short Answer Type
Questions Ans.4:
Ans. 3. 1:5
Short Answer Type Questions-I Intensity
Brigh
Ans.3: The width of the central bright band = Brieht Bright Bright Brivh
2Dx Brigh Bright
d
Dark Dark Dark Dark
Hight
where d= width of the slit. Intensity pattern. D
Uark Dark Dark
(a) As the width of the slit is doubled, the size
of the
central diffraction band will be half. Intensity
Bright Bright Brighi Bright Bright
(b) Intensity of central bright band is Beight Bnght Beight
. proportional to
So, the intensity will get quadrupled. 1
Dark Dark Dark Dark
Intensity pattern- Interference
 Intensity increases.
This is because the amount of light, entering the
Interference Diffraction
slit, has increased and the area, over which it falls,
All maxima have equal Maxima have different decreases.
intensity (rapidly decreasing) (Also accept if the student just writes that the
intensities intensity becomes four fold)
|All fringes have equal AII fringes have (c) This is because of diffraction of light.
width different (changing) [Alternatively: Light gets diffracted by the tiny
circular obstacle and reaches the centre of the
width shadow of the obstacle.]
[Alternatively: There is a maxima, at the centre of
Superposition of two Superposition of the obstacle, in the diffraction pattern produced by
wavefronts wavelets from the same it.
|wavefront
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]
h+(Any two) Long Answer Type Questions
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017] Ans. 2. (a) (i) The interference pattern has a number
Short Answer Type Questions-ll
of equally spaced bright and dark bands. The
diffraction pattern has a central bright maximum
Ans.7: (a) Definition of wavefront which is twice as wide as the other maximna. The
(b) Explanation of the effect on the size and intensity intensity falls as we go to successive maxima
of central maxima 1+1 away from the centre, on either side. 1
(iü) We calculate the interference pattern by
(c) Explanation of the bright spot the shadow of
the obstacle superposing two waves originating from the
two narrow slits. The diffraction pattern is a
(a) Try yourself. See Q. No. 1of SATQ-I of Topic 1.2% superposition of a continuous family of waves
(b) Size of central maxima reduces to half,
originating from each point on a single slit.
( Size of central maxima = AD (b) Try yourself. Refer Q7 of SATQ-II of Topic-Il of
2a Chapter 9.

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (1 mark each)

Multiple Choice Questions Assertion & Reason
Ans. 7.Option (D) is correct. Ans. 4. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Fringe width = B= ADld Explanation: No interference pattern is detected
when two coherent sources are too close to each
Initially, B= ADJd
Finally. B Ax2D other. The assertion is true.
d/2
-= 4x.AD 4ß Fringe width is proportional to Vd. When d
becomes too small, the fringe width becomes too
large. So no pattern will be visible. So, the reason
is also true. Reason also explains the assertion.

? REFLECTIONS

After learning this chapter, are you now clear with Are you now clear with the various shapes of
differences between interference and diffraction? wavefronts produced by different-different sources?
 SELF ASSESSMENT PAPER-6

Maximum Time: 1 hour MM: 30

I. Multiple Choice Questions [1 x4 = 4]

1. A short pulse of white light is incident from air to a glass slab at normal incidence. After travelling through the
slab, the first colour to emerge is
(A) blue (B) green
(C) violet (D) red
2. Magnifying power of a microscope depends on
(A) colour of light.
(B) focal length of objective and colour of light.
(C) focal length of eyepiece and colour of light.
(D) focal length of both eyepiece and objective.
3. Phase difference between any two points of a wavefront is

(A) (B)

(C) 0 (D)

4. Angular width of central maxima of a single slit diffraction pattern is independent of

(A) slit width
(B) frequency of the light used
(C) wavelength of the light used
(D) distance between slit and screen
II. Assertion and Reason [1 x 2 = 2]
In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the
correct choice as:

Alternatives:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
1. Assertion (A): No interference pattern is detected when two coherent sources are too close to each other.
Reason (R): The fringe width is inversely proportional to the distance between the two slits.
2. Assertion (A): Wavefront emitted by a point source of light in an isotropic medium is spherical.
Reason (R): Isotropic medium has same refractive index in all directions.
II. Competency Based Questions [1 x4 = 4]
Read the following text and answer any 4 of the following questions on the basis of the same:
1. Optical fibre works on the principle of total internal reflection. Light rays can be used to transmit a huge amount
of data, but there is a problem here - the light rays travel in straight lines. So unless we have a long straight wire
without any bends at all, harnessing this advantage will be very tedious. Instead, the optical cables are designed
such that they bend all the light rays inwards (using TIR). Light rays travel continuously, bouncing off the optical
fibre walls and transmitting end to end data. It is usually made of plastic or glass.
204 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, PHYSICS, Class-XII

Modes of transmission: Single-mode fibre is used for long-distance transmission, while multi-mode fibre is used
for shorter distances. The outer cladding of these fibres needs better protection than metal wires. Although light
signals do degrade over progressing distances due to absorption and scattering. Then, optical Regenerator system
is necessary to boost the signal. Types of Optical Fibres: The types of optical fibres depend on the refractive index,
materials used, and mode of propagation of light. The classification based on the refractive index is as follows:
. Step Index Fibres: It consists of a core surrounded by the cladding, which has a single uniform index of
refraction.
" Graded Index Fibres: The refractive index of the optical fibre decreases as the radial distance from the fibre
axis increases.

(i) Optical fibre works on the principle of

(A) scattering of light. (B) diffraction of light.
(C) total internal reflection of light. (D) dispersion of light.
(ii) For long-distance transmission
(A) single mode fibre is used.
(B) multi-mode fibre is used.
(C) both single mode and multi-mode are used.
(D) any one of single mode or multi-mode may be used
(ii) Optical fibre is made of
(A) copper (B) semiconductor

(C) plastic or glass (D) superconductors

(iv) In graded index optical fibre
(A) the refractive index of the optical fibre increases as the radial distance from the fibre axis increases.
(B) the refractive index of the optical fibre decreases as the radial distance from the fibre axis increases.
(C) the refractive index of the optical fibre remains same throughout.
(D) inner side of cladding is mirrored to ensure reflection
(v) Light signal through optical fibre may degrade due to
(A) refraction. (B) refraction and reflection.
(C) diffraction and scattering (D) scattering and absorption.
IV. Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 x 3 = 3]
1. What is the type of wavefront generated from (a) Line source (b) Point source?
2. In a Young's double-slit experiment, the source is white light. One of the holes is covered by a red filter and
another by a blue filter. What will be the changein interference fringes?
3. A biconvex lens of focal length fis cut into two identical plano-convex lenses. What will be the focal length of each
part?
V. Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 x 3 = 6]
1. An equilateral glass prism has a refractive index 1.6 in air. Calculate the angle of the minimum deviation of the
prism, when kept in a medium of refractive index tv2
5

2. A 4.5 cm needle is placed 12 cm away from a convex mirror of focal length 15 cm. Find the location and size of the
image and the magnification.
3. A narrow slit is iluminated by a parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength equals to 6000 and
the angular width of the central maxima in the resulting diffraction pattern is measured. When the slit is next
illuminated by light of wavelengthà', the angular width decreases by 30%. Calculate the value of the wavelength
 SELF ASSESSMENT PAPER 205

VI. Short Answer Type Questions-II (3 x 2= 6]

1. (a) Compare Maxwell's electromagnetic theory with Huygerns wave theory of light.
(b) Define incident angle of a light wave.
2. An optical instrument uses an objective lens of power 100 D and an eyepiece of power 40 D. The final image is
formed at near point of distinct vision when the tube length of the instrument is kept at 20 cm.
(a) ldentify the optical instrument.
(b) Calculate the magnification produced by the instrument.
VII. Long Answer Type Questions (5 x 1= 5]
19. Calculate the angle of emergence (e) of the ray of light incident normally on the face AC ofa glass prism ABC of
refractive index V3. How will the angle of emergence change qualitatively, if the ray of light emerges from the
prism into a liquid of refractive index 1.3 instead of air?

60
B

DO

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