CHAPTER

10 Wave optics

..Dutch
Dutci Dhysicist Christian Huygen put forward the wave theory of light. It said that light behaves as a wave.
the
1678,
In uld satisfactorily explain the phenomena of reflection and refraction but was not readily accepted at that
This t h e o r y c o u l d

Thomas Young performed his famous Interference experiment which firmly established that light indeed
time. In 1801,
.ac aS a wave. The wavelengn or ignt was measured to be very very small due to which we can sometimnes

be a ray. Inthis unit we will consider light to be a wave and study some properties related to it.
apprd
ximate it to

to be discussed in this chapter are:

The major topics

Wave front and Huygens' principle,

Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens' principle.

Superposition of waves: Interference,

width,
Young's double slit experiment and expression for fringe

Coherent sources and sustained interference of light.

Diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maximum.

and telescope
Resolving power of microscope
and Polaroids
of plane polarized light
plane polarized light;
uses
Polarization,

Brewster's law
Tt/2

wave has a definite

Each point on a
shown in the figure
value of phase as

21T

37t2

271

derstanding Phue:cc h Ahhishek Gupta

 WAVEFRONT
eront is defined as the locus of all the
phase and is draw points of the medium which have the same phase. It is a surface nt.
irawn by joining all the points which have the same phase. A wavefront ont is
is always
always perpendn
dir of propagation of the wave. It can be of different shapes like spherical., plane, cylindrical etc. perpendicular t
Types of Wavefront
Spherical wavefront Plane wavefront

Light coming from a point Light coming from a very

source like a bulb. WWe can see
distant object is taken to be
that the wavefront is parallel rays. In this case the
always
perpendicular to the rays wavefront will be plane in
shape.

HUYGENS PRINCIPLE
This principle is used to find out the shape/position of the wavefront. It states that:

1. Each point of the given wavefront acts as a source of a secondary disturbance and the wavelets emanatine f
these points spread out in all directions with the speed of the wave. These wavelets emanating from t
the
wavefront are usually referred to as secondary wavelets.
2. If we draw a common tangent to all these spheres ( in the forward direction ), we obtain the new position of th
of the
wavefront at a later time.

Consider a wavefront ABC at the instant t = 0. We now B

wish to find out its position at some later instant of time
(t=t). From Huygen's principle, each point on this
wavefront ( ABC ) will emit secondary wavelets in all
B
the directions ( in the form ofspheres).
We now draw a common tangent to all these spheres in
the forward direction. This gives us the new position of
the wavefront ( A'BC)

Propagation of Wavefront
Here we see what happens when a plane wavefront is incident on a (a) Prism (b) Convex lens () Concave mior. We
can see that the wavefront is always perpendicular to the light rays.
Incident W.F

Incident Ww.F Refracted W.F Incident W.F Refracted W.F (Plane)

(Plane) (Plane) (Spherical &
(Plane)
Converging)

A Reflected W.F
(Spherical&
Converging)
plane wavefront reflecting from
a
A plane wavefront remains as a A plane wavefront passing through a A
plane wavefront on passing convex lens becomes a
spherical concave mirror becomes a spherical
converging wavefront of radius equal the focal
through a prism wavefront of radius equal to
to the focal length of the lens
length of the mirror.
Similarly try out what happens when a plane wavefront falls on a concave lens, convex miror, glass slab & ri

Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta

2172
 BASIS OF WAVE THEORY
CTION ON THE
on the miror at
the points A and C.
REFL vs fall
ight
»
AB perpendicu cular to these incident
two
wavefront
Let
the
the
w a v e

as
s incident wavefront.
We
draw

This
is
called B
rays.
the mirror and we draw the
et
get
reflected from
reflect

w a v e s

efront EC perpendicul
ular to these reflected rays. Thiss is
hese

r e f l e c t e d w a v e f r o n t .
C
taken
en the wavefront to move
by fron
the time vt (distance = speed x time )
"be
BC=

So
the
distance
cted wavefront
F o rt h e r e f l e c t e
moving from A to E, the distance AE is also equal to vt. This is because the speed of
So we can say that AE = BC
equal to v.
is also
this ray ABC and AEC.
triangles
Consider
the hypotenuse AC and the sides AE = BC.
angled and have
common
rioht EAC
Bothaa r
are c o n g r u e n t
so their corresponding angles are equal. Hence angle BAC =
angle
vo triangles

angle r and this proves that the angle of incidence is equal to angle of reflection.
Hencea
angle i =

THE BASIS OF WAVE THEORY

REERACTION ON
Snell's law
-
Rarer to Denser
Derivation of interface AE. The refractive
media separated by an
Consider two is denser)
and u2. (2 rarer
indexesareHi fall on the interface at the points A
and E. We
Let two light rays to these incident rays. This
wavefront AB perpendicular
draw the
incident wavefront.
is called as
medium and we draw the
refracted into the other
These waves get This is
to these refracted rays.
wavefront EC perpendicular
refracted wavefront.

medium will be different.

The speed of light in both denser

and in medium 2 is V2
=

in medium 1 is given by Vi =

Thespeed of light
speed is V2 so this distance will
to C. This distance
is in medium 2 where the
De stance traveled by ray 1 is from A
begiven by AC = V2t and
is in medium 1 where the speed of light is Vi
2 is from B to E. This distance
dy,thee distance traveled by ray
hence BE= V,t
NOW consider the triangles ABE and ACE
equations and substitute Vi and V2 to get
Now divide the two
sini=BEt
AE AE
and sin r =
-
AE AE

=
Sinr
V2
to
law is applicable for
rarer

NeSget ysini =
CDSer as well H2sinr."
This is the law of refraction,
also called as Snells' law. The same

as denser to
rarer.
273
Inderstanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
SUPERPOSITION OFLIGHT( INTERFERENCE
on the
nenever light rays from two different sounves are incident can same point, they superimpose over
they either add up or subtract. each other to
t ngnt wave. Depending upon their orientation $1
lom
falls over the crest ofthe other or when the
e the crest of one wave the resultant
o n e falls on the trough of the other, they get added and
wave is bigger. This is called constructive interference

they try
other, to
nenever the crest of one wave falls over the trough of theis called destructive $2
This

AAAAAA
Cancel out each other and the resultant wave is smaller.
interference.
Whether the two waves will undergo constructive interference or destructive interterence depends upon their s
difference or phase difference.
ath ditference (x): It is the difference in the path length covered by the two waves

Phase difference ( ) : t is the diference in the phase ofthe two waves when they meet at that point.
27t
These two are related by the formula X Phasedifference Path difference

Consider light rays from S and S falling on the point P. For simplicity we consider the equations as below
Acos(01) and y, =Acos(0t+o) Where is the phase difference b/w the 2 waves.
According to the superposition principle, the equation of the resultant wave will be y = y + y2

y= A cos( @t) + A cos( @r + ó) = 2A cos cOs using identity for

2 Cos A+Cos B

The amplitude of resultant wave is given by | A = 2A cos

(Amplitude is the term not containing "T")
The intensity is given by Intensity =K(Amplitude) and hence Intensity of resultant wave is I K4A* cos
2
We can see that the resultant amplitude/Intensity of the wave will depend upon the value of phase difference (O).
Depending upon the value of , the waves will either add up ( Constructive ) or subtract with each other ( Destructve

CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE
DESTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE
The resultant amplitude will be maximum if The resultant
amplitude will be minimum ( zero )if
= 1 or-1
cos
This will happen =0, 27, 4t.. 2n This will happen for O = n, 3n, 5n . .
(2n-1)T
When phase difference is an even multiple ofn When phase difference is an odd multiple
In this case, the 2 waves will add of
up and the resultant In this case, the 2 waves will cancelout each otherand
wave will be bigger. The
brightness at the point will the resultant wave will be zero. he brightness at this
be more. This is called a MAXIMA or a
bright fringe point will be less. This is called MINIMA or dark

Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta 74

 will add up or
subtract will
Whether t h e

waves
w a v e s

and these points depend upon

will become the
intertere.
be relatively
will be
will
rel
darker. brighter. phase difference. At
At some some
these
points
points points, constructive
destructive interference
derivation was done while assuming that the will occur and
dies
above

w a v e s
have
have different:
amplitudes "a" and "D" amplitude
then the
of both the
waves is same
and
i n t e r t e r i n g

resultant amplitude and equal to "a". If the two

the
mplitude of first source be "a". intensity are given by:
of second be "b" so its
Let a m p l i t u d e .
source
intensity will be L= ka'.
etthe sultant
amplitude of the waves in this case is
so its
intensity will be Ia = kb".
given The resultant intensity
+b+2abcoso of the wave in this
b yA g = a 4
case is
by Aya by I= given
ve Dut coso = +1 and for minima we
+1,+2|/11, Jcos ¢
F o rmaximna
put coso =
-1.
(Conditions for coso and not
maxima the amplitude will be AMax =
(a + b)
cos)
At
At the
the minima the amplitude will be AMin = (a -b). maxima the Intensity is IMax =I+I,
Atthe
at minima the
+2NL and

= K (Amplitude)? Intensity is IMin= I +I2-2/1,2

Remember Intensity
vample: Two
Solved Example:
Two llight Sources nave amplitude in the ratio 1:3.
These waves superimpose. Find the Ratio of
plitude at the maxima tothe amplitude at the minima
amplit

L e t the amplitude of first source be "a" and of second source be "3a"

At the maxima the plitude will be AMax = (a+b) and hence AMax 4a
At the minima the amplitude will be AMin=(a-b) and hence AMin 2a
2: 1
taking magnitude only)
Hence Ratio of AMax to AMin

YOUNG'S DOUBLE SLIT EXPERIMENT

slits Sj and S2 separated by a distance "d" are
In this experiment, two
distance away. Light is now made to
taken and a screen placed "D"
is
fall from these slits. When these light waves fall onto the screen they

superimpose over each other.

A t certain points we get constructive interference and the

called maxima
$1
kT
brightness at these points is high (They are as

or bright fringe).
and the s2
At certain points destructive interference occurs
are called as minima or
brightness at these points is low ( They
dark fringe).
called as central
On the screen weobserve a maxima at the center (
minima on either side. The sCREEN
naxima ) and then alternate maxima and
vanaton of intensity on the screen is as shown.
with position. The pattern is equally
intensity on the screen
n the the variation of The below right figure
shows the
DElow left figure, we can see
consecutive maxima/minima is the same.
that the
Spa between any two It is important to note
d t h e distance the dark and bright fringes.
You can clearly see
h ern seen on the screen.
othe fringe pattern is hyperbolic. be straight lines.
the fringes appear to
een is placed at a very large distance,
Intensity

AA
nderstanding Phuginn
Central
Maxima

hihek Gunta
Position on
the screen

275
 LIGHT
INTERFERENCE OF
SUSTAINED and minima.
CONDITIONS FOR
stable l clear and
in which the position or
maximas
inimas
has a gooe des
An interterence pattern which is
For obtaining
a sustained pattern that
od contrastnot change
is called a sustained interference pattern. and is wwtt
ame
visible are: This means that they
must
be coherent.
The 2 sources of light must same wavelength
and having a

emit light of the same frequency,

constant phase difference.
bulbs in place of SI
and $2. They will not
We cannot use two separate
coming from them
is not S
interference pattern as the light both the
produce this problem is to generate
coherent. The best way to solve and "S"
is the size of this
source
from the same source. If "s"
sOurces interference to be
be its distance from the double slits
then for a good
seen, s/S < Nd.
2 The separation (d) b/w the 2 coherent
sources should be very
small and the screen should he
ould be located at a
width is large enough to be clearly visible lar gen
distance away. This would ensure that the fringe
be same. This would ensure that
of the two sources should nearly
3. The amplitude or Intensity
contrast b/w the maxima and minima.
there is go
narrow,
4. The two sources should ideally be point sized or very
INTERFERENCE AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
Question ??? If due to interference we are obtaining a maxima, where does this extra energy come from? and mt
e
obtain a minima, what happens to the light energy. We know that energy
can neither be created not be destro
how do we account for the formation of maxima and minima?
So

Interference obeys conservation of energy. If the energy at maxima is higher, the energy at the minima is lower. Th
amount by which energy decreases at minima is same as the amount by which it increases on maxima. Interference
The
nce is
just the redistribution of light energy. We can say that some energy has been transferred from region 1 to region 2 As a
result, energy at region I reduces ( it becomes minima) and energy at region 2 increases ( it becomes a maxima

The average intensity on thescreen would remain same whether interference takes place or not.
Consider the case of two "in-coherent" sources. Consider the case of two coherent sources

Let the amplitude of first source be "a" so its intensity Let the amplitude of first source be "a" its
will be I = ka". will be I = ka.
so
intensity
Let the amplitude of second source be "b" so its intensity | Let the amplitude of second source be "b" so its intensity
will be l =kb. will be l = kbi.

Since the sources are "in-coherent" there will be no Since the sources are "coherent"", there will be
interference and the intensity at all points on the screen interference and intensity will be different.
would be same and equal to I I +Ih
= = ka* + kb°.
The amplitude at the maxima will be a + b
There will be no formation of maxima and minima and
intensity at maxima will be IMax k(a+b) =

since the intensity at all points is the same, we can The amplitude at the minima would be a b and
that the average intensity would be
say hence -

the intensity at the mininma would be lMIN =k (a-b

The average
IAvG = I+ la = ka + kb?. intensitywould be bygiven
AvG=MAX +lMINk(a +b)* + k (a-b
2 2
IAvG = ka +kb?

Hence we see that the average

intensity on the screen is same whether interference takes
"In place or no
interference, light energy is redistributed. If it
it increases in another reduces in one
region, producing a
bright region, producing a dark fringe
which is consistent with the fringe. There is no gain or loss of
energy,
principle of conservation of
energy."
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
piFFRACTION
henomena of bend hending
of a wave around
the comers
of a narrow of an
i s thn wave
emerges out obstacle in its
aperture, it bends outwards
region
shadow,GeOmetrical
Th
of itS geotnetncal shadow. The and enters
bending is more if the size
pat close
t o the wavelength of the wave. of the
a p e r t u r ei s c h
nto
re
is

S I N G L ES L I T T
D
IT DIFFRACTION EXPERIMENT
DI F F R

ww
e take a
e tak single slit of
width "a" and
distance "D" away from thelight is made to fall
periment,
this
is
is kept at a
In
A
s c r e e n

slits. When
on
it.
from the slit, it bends outwards. As a result
the waves light
ges otherforming maxima:and minima ( similar to YDSE ). superimposee
The basic difference from YDSE is that in YDSE, waves from two different
Over

sources ( slits ts )Superimpose while in this case, waves from different

part of the
) superimpose.
s o u r c e
( slit
ame
hcerved is somewhat similar to YDSE but
The pattem there are some
also which we will study later. Let us first derive an
differences

of and minimas.
maximas
expression for
the position

MAXIMAS AND MINIMASs

POSITION OF
Consider waves undergoing diffraction from the slit AA' and
hending by an angle 6. These waves will go towards the point P
towards P
onthe screen and superimpose over each other to form a maxima
or a minima.

The path difference between these waves will be given by the

distance A'B in the figure.
A -
Path difference x = A'B

A'B B
In the triangle AA'B > sin6 =

A'A
So the path difference x = a sin6

2T
f angles are small, we can write path difference x = a 0 and hence the phase difference is p =
x= a
will appear to be different from YDSE.
IS important to note the conditions for maxima and minima in this experiment
in the next section, we will explain why there is a difference.

Dark Bands ( Minima)

Bright bands ( Maxima)
Minima occurs when path difference = 2 nz
2XIma occurs when phase difference = (2n +1)T
27
a8 (2n +1)T a 2 nt
of minima > 6MIN=
n
ular position of maxima > (2n Angular position
6,MAX =
+1) a

YmiN =n-
2D
on of maxima YMAX = (2n+1) Position of minima a
2a

Understat Physics by Abhishek Gupta 279

 The variation of ransy
niensity on the screen is as shown
in the
graph, We can nee that the central maxima is
very bright and has maximum width. The
and width of
brightness
succeNNiVe maximas goes on reducing

WIDTH (OF CENTRAL MAXIMA

The central maxima is formed between the first
minima on either side
of the central
of the center. Hence, the width
maxima is twice the position of the
first minima.
The position of the first minima above the centre is
AD
y Similarly a first minima is formed at the same First Minima

distance below the center. So the width of the central

Central
maxima 2AD Maxima
is given by 2 y, Hence WCM and the
a

22 First Minima
D
angular width of the central maxima is CM =
a

Solved Example: Blue light of wavelength 400nm is falling on a single slit of lmm. The screen is placed Sm away
Find the width and angular width of the central maxima.
(b) How would these be affected if the screen is moved away to 10m
(c) What would happen if this experiment is performed with white light?

Answer: The width of central maxima is given by WCM 2AD =2x(400 x 10°)x5 =4 x 10m =4mm
10
2 2x(400 x 10")
Theangular width of is given by 6. 10
= 8 x 10radian.

(b) If the screen is moved to 1Om then the width of central maxima would double but there would
be no effect on the angular width ( from the formula, angular width does not depend on D).
(c) The central maximas of all colors will coincide so the central maxima would be white in
color. The subsequent maximas for various colors will not coincide so there will be a
colored pattern in cither side of the central maxima.

Solved Example: Draw a figure to show the diffraction phenomenon on the basis of
Huygens theory of wavefronts.
Answer: Consider a plane wavefront incident on a single slit. We use Huygen's
principle to construct the next wavefronts. The adjacent figure shows that as the
Plane Spherical
wavefront passes through the slit, it becomes spherical and diverging.
WF divergig

Solved Example: Explain why the central maxima is very bright.

Answer: If we consider the slit to be divided into two equal halves AB and BC. consider
the first wave from part AB while consider the last wave from BC. We can see that there
is no path difference b/w them. Hence the phase difference is zero and they will undergo
constructive interference. In this way, all waves coming from the first half undergoes
constructive interference with the corresponding waves from the second half. As a result
each wave from the first part contributes in phase with the second part. Constructive
superposition is taking place multiple times & due to it the central maxima is very bright.

Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta

 ved Example: Explain why the first
minima is formed
aswer:Consider thes to be
divided into two equal at 6=Ua
wave coming from AB and halves AB and
N o wc o n s i d e r

the BC each of
size
equal toso coresponding
on b/w these points will be 2
wave from
the BC.

iference will be>xsine =a6 corresponding path

of the
first minima is given
The angle by the formula
=<,
so a a6=A and
difference betwe the waves hence the
ath becomes x ==

The
Hence the
will beout of 180 phase difference will becorresponding
x
waves

the correspondin no next wave from BC phase and they

would cancel out z =

would also cancel each other.

with the corresponding waves
waves of the second out. This
means that the Similarly the next wave from AB
first minimna this angle. part and we get zero waves from first and
half of the slit cancel
intensity at this point. That is why we obtain the
the same basis we can show that the
intensity will be for all
zero
MIN =n-
a

Solved Example: Explain why the maxima are formed at MAX (2n+1) and explain why the relative
intensity goes on reducing for the maximas.

Answer: Consider the formation of the first

maxima at ( n =
l1) at the angle given by 6 31
Since there is number "3*" in the
a
numerator, let is Consider the slit to be divided
into three equal parts AB, BC and CD.
Now consider the first wave coming
from AB and the
coresponding wave coming
from BC. The separation b/w
a
these points will beso the corresponding path difference will be

xsinß =3
Thee angle of t h e first maxima is given by the formula O
31 a and

Ce the path difference between the waves becomes x =

The
corresponding phase difference will be =X = 7

Hence the waves will

the corresponding nextbe 180° ou out of phase and they
would cancel out each
other. Similarly
of the slit
the next wave from AB and
waves from first "one third"
also cancel out. This means that the
from BC would
On AB) out with the corresponding waves ofthe second "one third" (BC).
Only the remaining would contribute to
the intensity at this point.
Hence this first maximna
will be one third" of the slit ( CD )
contribution at 2
maxima will be due to from just 1/5 part

ofthe slitmuch we
n a n the central maxima.
Similarly, the
on reaucing
Hence the intensity of
On. successive maxima go 281
Undetanding
Physics by Abhishek Gupia
 DIFFERENCES
Double Slit experiment Single Slit Experiment

The pattern is formed

due to the
waves superposition
of
coming from two separate coherent sources
The pattern is formed due to the superposition ofwa
coming from different parts of same source ( sinple
two different slits )D slit
The pattern contains equally
minima. The spacing betweenspaced
maxima and The pattern contains a central bright maxima thatis
maxima or minima is called as
any two consecutive
fringe width and is a
wide as the other maxima. Hence
maxima and minima is not a constant.
the spacing betweetwice as
constant.
Intensity
Intensity

AAMAA
The intensity of all maxima is equal and there is good
contrast between maxima and minima.
The
move
intensity of successive maxima goes on reducing as we
away from the centre. There is p0or contrast between
maxima and minima.

We get maxima
at the angles MAX n-d We get the minima at the angles MINn 2
a
In both these
experiment ( interference and diffraction ) there is just a redistribution of light energy from one
the other. In the region of region to
minima, the light energy reduces while in the region of maxima, the
there is no loss or gain of light energy increases. So
light energy. The average intensity on the screen will still be same and hence it is
with the principle of conservation of consistemt
energy.

Examples of interference and diffraction in everyday life

Interference: the colors seen in a soap bubble arise from
surfaces of the thin soap film
interference of light reflecting off the front and back
Diffraction: the rainbow visible when light falls on the back
side of a computer CD ROM is due to
light from the small tracks on the surface. diffraction of

FRESNEL DISTANCE AND VALIDITY OF RAY

OPTICS
Light is a wave and it is only an approximation to consider it to be a
used in every case. Due to diffraction, there is straight ray. The "Ray" approximation cannot De
that distance after which this
bending and light no
longer travels in a straight line. Fresnel distance s
bending becomes quite significant and we
Mathematically, Fresnel distance is the distance after which the diffraction cannot consider light to be a
ray
aperture. in the beam becomes equal to the f the
size o

la Where "a" is the slit width and

a ZF
is the wavelength or
u

For ray optics to be valid, the distance involved should be

diffraction would be so significant that we cannot lesser than the Fresnel
After this
not be applicable. assume light to be traveling like a raydistance.
and the results or ray r
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
28
 o L V I N GPOWEX R
an ooptical instrun ent to
p t i c a l ins
see
of
an
clearly. two closely
resolution. spaced objects.
Rability

the
limit of R.P =

thereciprocal
cal of limit of resolution
Mathematically the resolving
n'is
is

olution
is minimum separation
he power is

off resolution should be small. b/w the

i m i t o f r e s o l

resoluti
2
Dower,
limit
o
objects which can
The
eso
be just seen as
In the separate. For higher
figure

!!!
in case
see 2 A, Ican clearly
distinct
lines can be lines. Till case D, the 2
seen
D E case E, they are sodistinctly but in
B close that they
appear to be one line.
are Till which
you able to see case
them distinct ?

solving
power
of microscope
1. esolution of a microscope is given by d MIN 1.222
reso

limit
of
The
2p.sin
cenaration between two objects which can
the min
This is be just seen as distinct by the
the resolving power of the microscope is given by: microscope.

24 sinß this can also be written as R.P. = 2NA where

A N =
# Sin B ( also called as numerical aperture
R.P. 1.22 1.22
26 will be the total angle subtended by the diameter of the objective lens at the focus
he microscope and a is the refractive index of the medium b/w the object and objective lens,
of th

from a microscope: Cbjectve

For high resolving power
.The refractive index ( 4) should be high. For this purpose, we use oil of
high refractive index and such an arrangement is called as "oil immersion objective"
The wavelength of light used should be small. Hence we may prefer
violet blue light for better resolving power. (lt has least wavelength)
object

2. Resolving power of telescope

A6 =
0.612 This is the minimum angular
The limit of resolution is defined in terms of angle and is given by a

which be just seen as distinct by the telescope.

Separation between two objects can

Hence the resolving power is given by:

objective lens.
2a where "a" is the radius
of the
R.P.=a this can also be written as R.P.=
0.61 1.22 Objective

D
Ince 2a would be the
diameter, we can write R.r122a
D
For high resolving power from a telescopee:
should be hign
aperture / radius ( a) of the objective lens objective lens is preferred.
t i
It is for this telescope with a bigger
s o n that a
c areas from the object.
light coming from very
Also, a bigger ob will gather
object.
more distant

Here we c objective
58er
ge the wavelength as the light is
coming
a

283

Understt
POLARIZATION
Light waves consist of electric field which is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Lets say a
along x direction. The electrie field has to be perpendicular to x-axis but there are many
wave iswhich
sible directüons travelin,
perpendicular to x-axis ( like y , z or any direction in y-z plane)
n an un-polarized beam, different waves can have electric field in any random direction whi
while it
perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
in the "x"
always remain
xample consider a beam of light waves traveling
Grechon. The electric field should be perpendicular to X-axis. This Polarizer
means that electric field can be along y-axis or z-axis or any direction in
the y-z plane that is perpendicular to the x-axis. So such a beam of light
in which electric field can be in random directions is called as "un
polarized" light
By polarization we restrict the electric field to one particular direction
only. All the waves will now have the electric field in the same
direction. Such beam in called "plane-polarized light",
a as
Unpolarized
Light Polarzed
Light wave can be polarized by several methods:
(a) Passing it through a polaroid (A polaroid consists
Ligat
of long chain molecules aligned in
through a polarizer.
a
particular direes:
(6) Polarization can also occur during scattering of light
(c) Polarization can also occur during reflection if light is incident at "Brewster angle"
Now we will discuss each of them in detail.

1. POLARIZATION BY POLAROID
When unpolarized light is passed through a
seen in the figure above ). This direction
polaroid,
the electric field gets restricted to one
particular direction onlv (As
depends upon the orientation of the polaroid and is called
as its
we say that the
light has got polarized. It is important to note that whenever an "pass-axis" So
intensity becomes half. unpolarized beam gets polarized. its
Now after the beam is
polarized, what will happen if we again pass it
"Analyzer" and here whether the wave will pass through through
a Polaroid??. This
be called an time, the polaroid will
the analyzer or not will
of polarization and the
pass axis of the analyzer. This is given by Malus law. depend upon the direction
MALUS LAW
Consider a polaroid Pi with the
pass axis vertical. An
1Acos8
initially unpolarized beam falls onto it and get Asin
Now the direction of polarized.
polarization
of the polaroid ( vertical ). This
is along the pass axis
means that the wave is
polarized in the vertical direction.
Now say that this beam is
passed
called as P2 kept at an angle with through
an
analyzer Acose

the vertical. As such

the entire wave can not
pass through the analyzer since
its direction of
polarization
axis. Let us resolve the
does not match with the
pass P2
two components.
amplitude of the wave "A" into
Pl
The first component Acos6 that is
along the axis of P2 and the to the
pass axis of P2. As we can see, only the first pass second component Asine is
perpendicular

the pass axis ). component Acos0 can pass through the that priented
orient along
analyzer ( since
Hence the wave transmitted
from the analyzer P2 will be from the analyzer will have amplitude of Acose. Hence the
mitted

given by Ir =kAfcos*6. The intensity or "amplitude

"A" so its intensity was intensity of
given by lo kA. Hence from
= light going into the analy
transmitted intensity analyzer
a5
this we can write the an:

Here lr is the
intensity of light coming out from cos 6
analyzer while lo is the intensity of
analyzer of ight
light goinginto
i n theanay
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
 l a w as when a beam of "polarized" light is passed through an analyzer,
s t a t e
Malu
the
through the analyzer is proportional to Cos'e
I
c a n

w e

H e n c e

e between the pass axis of the polarizer and the

ranst
he ang h sho
shows the variation of intensity versus the
where& i s
Adjacent
graph

ocs intoan analyzer, then the transmi spolanizedeshalf WwW.

n

angle
a l

i s implarizer
falls
y

on
z e

a
r .

polarizer
nt to
note

P.
that when an
then the transmitted

is not applicable.
unpolariz beam of light

When this
inte
ntensity becomes half.
polarized light again
smitted light obeys Malus law.
H e r eM a l u s

the
law
1s plicable aatt the analyzer.
a p p l i c a b l e

Malus
Hence in
be
usedced to
to ireduce the intensity of light in sunglasses, windowpanes, etc. Polaroids are also used
Polaroids
can

ic
cameras
and 3D movie cameras ( 3D goggles)
BY SCATTERING Light from the sun
POLARIZATION (unpolarized)
2.
Lightc o m i n gf r o m
olarized but when it gets scattered by the
the sun is
atmosphere it gets polarized. In the figure, you can
in the earth's
m o l e c u l e s

by 90 degree. Due to scattering. it will

been scattered
thatihas of the figure
see a
sunray
in a rection perpendicular to the plane
dired
polarized
gets
s
(represented by dots)
to us is already polarized.
look up in the sky, the light coming Polarized light
we
( Analyzer ) then the intensity of Polaroio
Sowhen look at the sky through a
after scattering
Now if
we
transmitted from the Polaroid
light
is given by Malus law (I lo Cos 0). =

intensity
the would also
Polaroid and change angle 6, then like the
Saif we rotate the of show Cos6 (rise and fall justCos'e graph)
change in the form
BY REFLECTION ( Brewster's Law)
remaining is
3.POLARIZATION medium, some portion of it is refracted into the medium
while the
this does not happen
on
transparent
light falls on s o m e
also becomes polarized. But
Whenever
observed that when light gets reflected, it derive the Brewster law.
reflected back. We
have
at Brewster angle.
Here we state and
incident
only when light was

all reflections. It happens reflected light is completely polarised

between two medium the and
the boundary when the refracted
is incident
This polarization happens only
on
When unpolarised light incidence ). Brewster's angle or
vector perpendicular
to the plane
of incidence is called of
(with its electric this the angle
with each other. In
case

reflected rays make a nght angle

Polarized
Polanizing angle and is denoted by ip. Unpolarized
"" at the Incident Reflected
medium of refractive index
Consider light falling
refracted while some portion
on a

angle. Some portion of light gets the refracted

polarnzing the reflected and angle,
gets reflected. At the polarizing ip iB
beams are perpendicular to each other.we can wTite tian
Hence on the right side of the normal,
g+90+r) = 180 which gives us r =90-lB
NOW using Snell's law at the point of incidence sin is =4 SIn ( T

Substituting the value of r we

get
Sun ig= sin ( 90 is)
Sin ig= cos ( is)
And hence on solving known as the Brewster law.
we get p = tan ig) and is
This gives the and the polarizing angle
relatio
n b/w the refractive index

285

nderstanding:Physics by Abhishek Gupta

 CHAPTER SUMMARY
IMPORTANT FORMULAE I POINTS I DEFINITIONS)

which
Awavefront is defined as the locus of all the points of the medium have the
same phase. It is acylinde
phase and is always perpendicular to direction of propagation of the wave. It can be spherical, plane,
surfac
Consa
ane,
etc.
nt cylindrical
Superposition: whenever two or more waves are incident on the same point, they superimpose over each other
er to form the
resutant wave. It can be constructive or destructive based on the phase
difference
When 2 waves ofamplitude "A" each superimpose over each other, the resultant amplitude and intensity are oi
given by
A2A cos nd1,=K4a'cos
when 2 waves of different
amplitude "a" and "b" superimpose overeach other, the resultant amplitude and intenct
nsity are
givenby A =ya' +b+2abcoso and Ig =I, +1, +21,1, coso
The resultant intensity will be highest at the maxima and it occurs if phase difference is an even multiple of n..
This means o =0, 27,
4.. 2n
he resultant intensity will be lowest at the minima and it occurs if phase difference is an odd multiple of a.
This means O =T, 3n, 5n
(2n-1)
Interference is the redistribution of light energy on account of superposition of waves coming from two different but cohs
sOurces.
coherent
In YDSE, the path difference b/w the 2 waves is given by X d
D
InYDSE, maximas are formed AD
at
yMAX and x n
In YDSE, minimas are formed at
yuiN =
(2n-1)and 6MIN =
(2n-.
The dark and bright bands formed due to superposition of waves in Young's double slit
experiment are called as finges. The
separation b/w any two consecutive maximas or consecutive
minimas is called as the fringe width and is
given by 8
Diffraction is the phenomena of bending of a wave around the corners of an obstacle in its
path.
In the single slit experiment:
AD
yMAX (2n +1)and A = (2n +1
AD
yMIN and N =
n and the width
of central maxima is WM
It is the
ability of an optical instrument to see clearly, two
closely spaced objects.
Resolving power of microscope R.P. E =
and that of a
1.22 telescope is
R.P. =4a
Fresnel distance is the distance after which the 1.22
diffraction in the beam becomes
equal to the size of the aperture. Beyond this
distance the diffraction can no longer be
ignored
and ray optics approximations are not
applicable. , =
Polarization is the process of restricting the electric field of
an EM
When unpolarized light is
polarized then its intensity becomes half wave to one
of original.
particular direction only.
Malus Law states that the intensity of transmitted
I=lo cos'e light through the analyzer is
proportional to Cos0
Brewster' s Law states that when
unpolarised
completely polarised ( with its electric vector light incidenttoon the boundary between two medium the reflected lignt
is
make a right angle with each other. In this perpendicular the plane of incidence) when
case the
angle of incidence is called the refracted and reflectc
denoted by ig. The telation is tan ( ig)
=
Brewster's angle or Polarizing angie nd is

Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta

 sOLVED EXAMPLES (Including Textbook Questions)

following:

for the Torface separating two media, some portion of it is reflected while some is refracted. What happens to
l i g hi
forthe
t si n c i d e n t .
ofthese waves.
r e a s o n s

frequency

Delength isth and and

rer to
rarer
to a denser medium, the speed decreases. Does the reduction in speed imply a reduction in the
a
hen travels
from

w a v e ?

sometimes notice
theS
ight t h e lliig
ied by
by
ghht the

aircraft
passes overhead, we a slight shaking of the picture on our TV screen.
flying
c a m e d

low
energy
a

and wavelength =2.

have a speed =c, frequency=f
medium so there will be no
incident reflected
same
w a v e

the
incident

goes
back i n t o wave /wave
Ao the1nc
Let
the
e t h er e f l e c t e a
wave

(a) quantity.
into another medium. As a result
Since it has gone
any
wave,
a n d wavelength.
Both quantities will
in rei
speed
the
in its change in the frequency.
c h a n g e

case
of
change there will be
will be no
therewillb e .
ofthe wave, not«on
while
In
u d e p e n d s on
the amplitude
factor or reduces but the
ceduce by a
wave

(b)E n e r g yc a r
arried by a Ev though the speed
change in the energy.
p r o p a g a t i o n .

wave
n a i n ss a m e . H e n c e t h there is no refracted wave
ed of and the
t h es p e e do f

a m p l i t u d er e m signal that is coming directly

aircraft.
interference
of the
due
to from the metal body
is reflection
telescope whose objective
refle
This after
after
of a
c)
comes What is the limit of resolution
that 6000A is coming from a star,.

of wavelength
o n e

licht
ta
hae
t
Q . 2 >A s s u m

inch?
of 100
diameter

6000 = 6000x107l0m
has a 2.54 m. Thus if, A =

D i a m e t e r
D = 100 inch.
=

0.612 -1.222
A0=122 1.22 x((6000
1.22
101o =2.9
6000 x102 x 107 radian. x

Ae=014 =
Ans.2>
2.54
telescope is D
of resolution of
a
mit is 500 nm?
3 wide and the wavelength
when aperture is
mm
approximation
a good expression
distance is ray optics distance. It is given by the
what
is called the Fresnel
0 3 For
Q.3 approximation
as

optics is a good
which ray
distance upto
Ans.3> The
(3x10) 18m. be neglected.
Z, =
z, A straight and
diffraction effect can

18m
500 x10 we can
consider light to be traveling
almost

the intensity
at a point
of light is
"P" on the

Hence upto wavelength, /3?

monochromatic light of where path
difference

experiment using of light at a point "Q'"

double-slit
is intensity
Q.4> In Young's d i f f e r e n c e is , is k units.
What
screen where path
want to
find
which we
Point "Q" for
Ans.4>
Given Point P*" difference is W3
Path

is a
7A xU3
=

Path difference
will be =

Phase difference
Phasedifference will be o x ^ =2
=

4
and put =
Intensity= =K4A*cos
=2n
andput
KA.
K4Acos get IR
=

lntensity 1 = We
"k/4" units
called as
We get Ig = K4A. times less,
it c a n be
Since this
is 4

This is denoted by "*" units

287

Understa
 is found to be 0.2°
on a
screen placed I m away. The
double-slit experiment the angular width of a fringe if the entire experimental apparatus
is immersed iniength
light used is 600 nm. What will be the angular width of the fringe water? Take
refractive index of water to be 4/3.
and from solved example 1, we learn that wh.
Ans.5> We know that the angularfringe width is given by PaNG hat when
light goes
into a medium, its wavelength becomes

c s n o n , first the experiment is performed in air and now the angular fringe width would be aNG
n 0.2

Now
experiment is in water so wavelength will become and hence angularfringe width would be B ANG
Hd
We can see that the angular fringe width has reduced factor of . This means that the new fringe width would be given i
by a
0.2
BANG 4/3
=0.15°.
o shts are made one millimeter apart and the screen is placed one meter away. What is the fringe separation when Frs
light of wavelength 500 nm is used?
() What should the width of each slit be to obtain 10 maxima of the above double slit pattern within the central maximum of ths
single slit patterm?

Ans.6> The fringe width is given by ß =-AD 500x 10x1 = 0.5mm

d 103
According to the given condition, the width of the central maxima should
be 10 times the 2AD
fringe width. So 10 x (0.5mm)
On solving we get a 0.2mm.
=

Hence if the single slit width is 0.22mm

then the central maxima would accommodate 10
have 2 slits. Each slit is fringes of the double slit pattern. Here.
producing a diffraction pattern and the two slits combined are producing we
adjacent figure would give you an idea of the kind of the interference
pattern we will observe. pattern. The
Q.7> Two light sources have amplitude in the ratio 1:2. These waves
(a) Ratio of amplitude at the maxima to the superimpose. Find the
(b) Ratio of intensity at the maxima to the amplitude at the minima
intensity at the minima
Ans.7> Let the amplitude of first source be "a" and of second source be "2a"
We know that the resultant
amplitude of the
waves is given
by ApR a+b +2ab coso
=

For maxima we put

cos) +1 and for minima we put
=

cos0 =
-1.
At the maxima the amplitude will be AMax
At the minima the amplitude will be AMin==(a+b) and hence AMax 3a
Hence Ratio (a-b) and hence AMin= a
of AMax to AMin =3: 1 taking magnitude only)
Remember Intensity
The K(Amplitude) and hence IMax
=

intensity at the minima is IM1n=K(AMin

= K ( AMax) K9a. =

Ka. ) =
Hence the ratio
of IMAx to IMN =
9:1
Q.8> Monochromatic light of wavelength 589 nm is
incident from air on a
speed of (i) reflected (iü) refracted light? Refractive index water surface. What are the
of water is 1.33. wavelength, frequeney aand
Ans.8> Here = 1.33
i) For reflected light. Since the
speed
reflected from a surface, therefore, of light in a given medium is fixed and the
its
Speed of reflected light Speed of wavelength should also remain unchanged. frequency of light does not change when it
=
(incident) light in air =3 x 10 m/s.
Wavelength of reflected light wavelength =
of incident
light 589 nm =

Frequency of reflected light frequency of incident

=

light f 3.0x10 =

589x105.09x10Hz.
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
288
 facted light. Frequencyf remains unchanged. Both wavelength and speed get reduced by a factor of
( )For. 3.0x 10

oflightin
water, v =
1.33
2.26 x10*'ms
Speed

589
oflight in water,
=
444nm
Wavelength
1.33

Ther
refractive index of glassis l15. What is the speed of light in glass? Speed of light in vacuum is 3.0x10° ms
0 h e speed of light in gass independent of the color of light? If not, which of the two colours (red and violet) travels slower in a
(b)I s t
g l a s sp r i s m ?

in glass v 3.0x10 = 2.0x10 ms

Ans.9 Speed oflight
=

1.5
speed of light is not independent of the color (wavelength) of the light. The violet color travels slower than the red light in a
speed oflighti
(b) No, This isbecause y HR (according to Cauchy formula) and v c /u. =

glass prism.

I n a voung's double sit experiment, the slits are separated by 0.28 mm and the screen is placed 14 m away. The distance
e n the central bright fringe and the fourth bright fringe is measured to be 1.2 cm. Determine the wavelength of light used in
betw
the experiment.

bright fringe, y 4
Ans.10> Position
of 4 =

103
yd 1.2x10x 0.28 x = 6x10 m
4x1.4

0. Abeam of light consisting of two wavelengths, 650 nm and 520 nm, is used to obtain interference fringes in a Young's
double- slit experiment. What is the least distance from the central maximum where the bright fringes due to both the wavelengths
coincide? The distance between the two slits is 2 mm and the distance between the plane of the slits and the screen is 120 cm

Ans.11> Suppose at any distance y from center, we have

the n maxima of 650nm coinciding with m" maxima of 520nm. central

Pattern of 650nm
n mA2
Patterm of 520nm
A5204
m 650 5
Nowsince n and m must be an integer so the least possible (integer) value is n = 4 andm=5.
This means that on the screen the 4th maxima of 650nm will coincide with the 5th maxima of 520nm.
We can now put the value of either of them to find the position "y".
1.2 Spend some time in trying to
Hence the required distance is v D,_4x650x10"x = 1.56x10m understand the above figure.
d 2x103 They give you a rough idea of
the patterns visible on screen
Q.12> Answer the following question:
n a single slit diffraction experiment, the width ofthe slit is made double the original width. How does this affect the size and
intensity of the central diffraction band?
hen atinycircular obstacle is placed in the path of light from a distant source, a bright spot is seen at the centre of the shadow
of the obstacle.
Explain why.
Oh Sidents are separated by a 7 m partition wall in a room 10 m high. If both light and sound waves can bend around
acles, how is it that the students are unable to see each other even though they can converse easily?
hrouccs is based on the assumption that light travels in a straight line . Diffraction effects (observed when light propagates
omman apertures / slits or around small obstacles) disprove this assumption. Yet the geometical optics assumption is so
(e) Whe inunderstanding location and several other properties of images in optical instruments. What is the justification?
Posible
possible eWIying
explanation. aircraft passes overhead, we sometimes notice a slight shaking of the picture on our TV screen. Suggesta

Uderstanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta 289

 Ans.12> (a) Width of central maximum 2DA
On doubling the width 'd' of the slit, the size of the central difrae
=

d
naived. But the amplitude of light intensity gets doubled. So the intensity becomes four times the initial intensity
diffraction band is
w aves rom the distant source are diffracted by the edge of the circular obstacle and these diffracted waves in
waves interfere
Constructively at the centre of the obstacle's shadow producing a bright spot.
For
sound isditfraction to take place,ofsize of the obstacle or apertureofmust beis comparable
of the order of
to
the wavelength of the wave. W.
while
height the partition but wavelength light much smaller. So sound wavesbend round
bend round thelength
the ngth of
light waves undergo negligible partition
(a)
in ordinary optical instruments, thediffraction.
sizes of apertures are much larger than the wavelength ot light. So the diffraction.
bly smal.Hence the assumption that light travels in straight lines can be safcly used in the opticalinstruments
e) The low flying aircraft reflects the TV signals. Due to interference between the direct signal received by the antenna and
Weak) reflected signal, we sometimes observe slight shaking of the picture on the TV Screen. and the
Light from the sun
Q135 Explain, with the help of diagram, how plane polarized light is obtained by scattering. (unpolarized)
(2011, 2015, 2017, 2019]
Ans.13> The
sunlight is ordinary unpolarised light. However, when the sunlight is scattered
on encountering the molecules of earth' s atmosphere, the scattered light as seen by an observer
looking at 90" to the direction of Sun is found to be plane Polarized light
polarized as shown in Figure ater scattering
.14> The objective lenses of two
telescopes have the same aperture but their focal lengths are in the ratio 1;2. Compare the
resolving powers of two telescopes. [2017
Ans.14> Resolving powers of two telescopes is equal because aperture of their objective lenses is same and
not depend on focal length of lenses. resolving power does
Q.15> Answer the following:
(a) What are coherent sources of
light? [2010, 2014]
(6) State the reason, why two
independent sources of light cannot be considered as coherent sources. [2008]
(c) What is a sustained interference
pattern?
Ans.15> (a) Sources which emit
light waves of same wavelength (or frequency) having either zero or a
difference are called coherent sources of constant originating phase
light.
(b) We know that light waves emitted from
10s. Thus, the light waves ordinary light source undergoes abrupt phase changes in time intervals
an

coming out from two independent light sources will of the order of
incoherent. not have a constant
phase difference and would be
(c) Interference pattern in which positions of
bright as well as dark
throughout remains same is called a sustained interference pattern. fringes do not change with passage of time and the pattern
 TICE ASSIGNMENT & PREVIOUS YEAR BOARD QUESTIONs

Short/ Short Answer Questions (1 mark/2 marks)

Cae Huvygens's principle and using it show that plane wavefront will continue to propagate with the same shape in a medium
State
Q.1Exolain why two independent sources ot ight can not produce sustained interference patter.

maximum with double

nnum1s Tormed at an angle Na. angle we get a
At the same a
For a single slit Or widn a
why there is a difference. [2014]
lhit experiment. Explain

W r i t e the expression for the resolving power of a microscope and mention 2 ways by which it can be increased.
Ex why the intensity shows a rise and fall if we look up into the sky through a rotating Polaroid
Q.5>
between critical angle and Brewster angle.
Write the relation

Questions (3 marks)
Short Answer

term "refractive index" of a medium. Verify Snell's law of refraction when a plane wave front is propagating from
0+ Define the
r a r e r medium. [2019]
a denser to a
The
and angular frequency "w" coming from two coherent sources superpose at given point.
a
o.8> Light waves ofamplitude"a" and
displacement due to
there waves is given by y=Acos(w1) and y, A cos(wt + 0). Determine the resultant amplitude
=

intensity at this point

state two differences between

for single-slit diffraction and double-slit interference. Hence
0.9 Draw the intensity pattern
interference and diffraction patterns. [2005, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018]
of central maxima.
for path difference in the single slit experiment and derive expression for the width
Q.10> Derive an expression
significance
What is the in our life.
Q.11> What is Fresnel distance? this assumption. Yet the ray
(b) Ray optics is based on the assumption that light travels in a straight line. Diffraction effects disprove in
and several other properties of images optical instruments.
assumption is so commonly used in understanding location
optics
Justify.
Polaroid will get polarized.
diagram hat unpolarized light when passed through
a
suitable
Q.12> How does one demonstrate using a

How does its intensity change.

Q.13> What is Malus law. Derive its expression.

transmitted by an analyzer. [2001, 2007, 2010, 2016]
(6) Draw the graph showing the variation of intensity of polarized light
interface is totally polarized when it is incident at the Brewster
Q.145 Show using a suitable diagram that light reflected from
an

angle. Derive the relevant expression for the angle of incidence.

reflected and refracted beams are perpendicular.
Q159 Show that if light is incident at polarizing angle then the

LongAnswer Questions (5 marks )

write the
hence the phase difference at a general point in YDSE. Using this
Denve an expression for the path difference and
condition for maxima and minima
(0) Hence derive the expression of fringe width

7> the law of reflection. [2018, 2019]

C Dehine the term wave front. Using Huygen's wave theory, verify the refracted wave front.
in a convex lens and hence draw
agram to show refraction of a plane wavefront incident
/2000

291
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
 Numericals
T h e fringe width in a Young's double slit interference pattern is 2.4 x 10" m, when red light ofwavelen
O A IS used. By how much will it change, if blue light of 4,000 Å is used? ength
I n Young's double slit experiment, the slits are separated by 0.56 mm and tne SCreen s placed 2.8 m away, Tha
between the central
bright fringe and the fifth bright fringe is measured to be 1.5 cm. Determine the wavelength ofk stane
experiment. light used inthe
Q.20> Adouble slit arrangement roduces interference fringes for sodium light ( = 5,890 thatare
a
0.40 apart.
g e separation, if the entire arrangement is immersed in water? Given that for water = 4/3. What is he
Q,21> Asilt of width a is illuminate by a light of wavelength 5,500 Ä. What will be the value of a, v
(b) the first maximum falls at an angle of diffraction of 30°?when (a) the
s at an angle of diffraction of 30,
first mum
2Two polaroids are oriented with their planes of transmission making an angle of 30
incident unpolarised
with each other.
What fractinn
light is transmitted? on of

Q235 What is the minimum

angular separation between two stars, if a telescope is used to observe them with an objective
aperture 0.2 m? The wavelength of ive of
light used is 5,900 A.
Q.24> Three Polaroid sheets P1, Pa and are
Pa kept parallel such that the pass axis of P2 and P3 are inclined at
witn respect to P. A monochromatic source of unpolarized light of intensity lo is placed in front of P^.
angles of 60 arand 90
each Polaroid sheet.
[2013] Determine the intencin.
nsiry ater
Q25> Two polaroids A and B are kept in crossed position. How should a third Polaroid C be
of the light coming out of B is 1/8 of the
placed b/w them so that the intendin
intensity going into A? Sity
Q.26> The following table Wave length of Light
diffraction experiment: gives
data about the single slit Half Angular width of
Find the ratio of the widths of the the principal maxima
slits used in the two cases.
Would the ratio of the half
angular widths of the first secondary
maxima, in the two cases, be also equal to
q?
p
Q.27> Light of intensity Lo is falling on two
light will emerge out of the 2 polarizer? polarizers kept such that their pass axis are
parallel to each other. What percentage of

Q.28> Two wavelengths 590nm and 596nm are incident on a

separation b/w the corresponding first maximas. single slit of 0.2mm. The screen is placed Sm
away. Find the
(b) How would the pattern on the screen
change
if we use white light.
Q.29> Two towers on top of two hills are 40 km
apart. The line
wavelength of radio waves, which can be sentjoining
What is the longest them passes 50 m above a hill
between the towers without
halfway between the towers.
appreciable diffraction effects?
Q,30> A parallel beam of light of wavelength 500 nm falls on a narrow
slit and the
screen 1 m away. It is observed that the first minimum is at a distance of 2.5
resulting diffraction pattern is observed on a
mm from the centre
of the screen. Find width of the sht
Q.31> Two telescopes A and B are using similar eye
lengths are fa and fp respectively. Compare the piece lenses. Their objective lenses have
aperture A^ and Ag while the focal
(a) Resolving powers (b) Magnification (c) Intensity of image formed.
0.32> The ratio of the intensity at minima to the maxima in the
ratio of the
amplitude of the two sources. young's double slit experiment is 9:25. Find the
b) In young's double slit experiment the two sits are
the interference patterm
having width in the ratio 4:9. Calculate dI in
the radio of intensity Imax and
lga
Q.33> In double-slit experiment using light of wavelength 600 nm, the
What is the spacing between the two slits? angular width of a fringe formed s0.1.
on a distant scre
0.34> Red light of 6,500 A falls on a sit 0.5 mm wide.
band of diffraction pattern observed on a screen What is the distance
placed 1.8 m from the slit? between two dark bands on each side of ceu bright

Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta

92
 ' s double slit experiment. light of wavelength 6,000 Å is used to get an interference patterm on a screen. The fringe
the screen is brought towards the double slit by 50 cm. Find the distance between the two sits.
O.35 In
changes
1.5
1, mm. when
by
width

une's double slit experiment, red light of wavelength 6,000 Å's used and the nth bright fringe is obtained at a point P
Q36 Insca Keepingis
on the
the same
obtaine
the source replaced by green light of 5,000 and now the
setting, is
at the point P. Calculate the value of n.
fringe
t h bright
double slit experiment is Io. Show that at a point one third of the
The intensityy
at the central
intensity at maxima in a young's
of screen, the is
Q.37> above centre intensity lo/4.
vidth
slit i1s taken as los Show that the intensity on the screen varies b/w 0 and 4I
frinhe intensity of each
P2 is
dium
from a sodiu lamp,passed through two Polaroid sheet Pi and P2 kept one after the other, keeping P, fixed, out
is
of P2
.38> Light axis of P1 and P2. An experimentalist records the following data for the tensity ()
of light coming
Q.38
r o t a t e d a b o u tc o m m o n

function of angle0.[.
=
Intensity of beam falling on P]
4sa
1 3 4

0 30 45° 60 90

3
8 2/2 8
Malus law and draw the expected graph for I versus 0
(a) Define theoretical variation of I. I identify that observation and
observations Is not in agreement with the expected
b) One of these expression.
correct
write the
of maxima
interference fringes. Calculate the ratio of intensity
coherent sources whose intensity ratio is 81:1 produce
0.39> Two
the fringe system.
and minima in at maxima and minima in
in Young's experiment have amplitude ratio 1:2, deduce the ratio of intensity
slits
(b) If the two
interference pattern.
screen is placed 1 m away.
600nm. The slits are 0.1 cm apart and the
is illuminated by light of wavelength
0.40> A double slit
of the adjacent minima.
Calculate the separation
illuminated by a light of wavelength
600nm produces
double slit experiment, two slits, separated by 0.24 mm are
Q.41> In Young's towards the slit, find the value of wavelength of light
the screen at a distance
of 160 cm. If the screen is shifted 80 c m
the fringe on
as before.
so that the fringe
width for the set up remains the same
interference
between the slits is 3mm and the slits are
2m away from the s c r e e n . Two
double slit experiment, the distance 600nm.
Q.42> In a other due to light with wavelength
with wavelength 480 nm, and the
on the screen one due to light
patterns can be seen interference patterns?
on the screen between
the fifth order bright fringes of the two
What is the separation
it is reduced to 50%, find
identical slits in YDSE is covered with glass so that the intensity passing through
Q.43> If one of the two
on the screen
the ratio of the maximum to the minimum intensity instead of monochromatic light. [2018]
observe if white light is used
(6) What kind of fringes do you expect to
The light transmitted by it is then incident
on

of light of intensity lo is incident on a Polaroid Pi. transmitted

Q.44 A narrow beam unpolarized Find the intensity of the light
second Polaroid P2 with its pass axis making angle
of 60° relative to the pass axis of P1.
a
by P 20171
mm to produce a diffraction
on a single slit of width 0.2
500 nm is incident normally
9.45> A monochromatic light of wavelength Estimate the number of fringes obtained
in Young's
width of the central maximum obtained on the screen. of the
the angular within the region of total angular spread
. Find width 0.5 which can be accommodated
uble slit experiment with fringemm,
central maximum due to single slit. [2017]

angle 60°? [2019)

What is the speed of light in denser medium of polarizing
0 a

monochromatic light of wavelength

620
of the slit is 3 mm. If
due to a single slit experiment, the aperture maxima one side of
nm is me antfiraction between the first order
minima and the 3rd order on

the ser The normally on the slit, calculate the separation

SCTeen. distance between the slit and the screen is 1.5 m.
Z019
Brewster angle is
the rarer medium and the denser medium,
foundcn unpolarised light is incident on the interface separating
t o be 60°. Determincethe refractive index of the denser medium. .2017
293
derstanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
 .49> Laser light of wavelength 630 nm incident on a pair of slits produces an interterence pattern in which the hri
Separated by 8.1 mm. A second light produces an interference patterm in which the fringes are separated bright
1.2 mm. fringes ae
wavelength of the second light. [2011] Calculate the
Q.50> Light incident at 45s° in a certain medium does grazing along its surface. What is the speed of light in this medim
(D) Angle of incidence at which light from air must be incident on this medium so that the refracted ray is normal to the
ray? [2009]

Higher level questions

Q15 A slit 4.0 cm wide is inradiated with microwaves of wavelength 2.0 cm. Find the angular
spread of central maxima assuming incidence normal to the plane of the slit.

Q.2> YDSE is modified such that the single source S is placed S

asymmetrically and SS2 - SS1, = 2/4, [2005,2013,2016]
1) state the condition for constructive and destructive interference
(ü) obtain an expression for the fringe width.
(i) locate the position of the centralfringe.
-D-
 20x1 20 Marks OBJECTIVE TEST ON
CHAPTER 10
Time: 15 minutes
+10 min
Reading only
blanks
Fill in the
1. The vefront coming from a point source will be
2. Two
es
waves
undergo constructive superposition
unde 5 Marks
when
3. When
the screen
creen
placed small distance away then thethe phase difference is multiple ofn
is
the distance between the slits shape of interference
and the
screen, fringes is,
distance beyond which ray opics approximations can the angular fringe width change by
not be applied is called as times.
True or False

6. Oil immersion objectiv are used in a

high precision 5 Marks
7, Diffraction in light is more than the diffraction in sound.
microscope.
when unpolarized
8. light passes through a polarizer, the
When light falls on a medium at
intensity of transmitted light is given by Malus law
Brewster angle then the
refracted light completely plane
is
10, If YDSE is carried out in water then the
fringe width will reduce. polarized.
MCQ (SINGLE OPTION CORRECT)
5 Marks
11. Light of wavelength 50Onm is used in YDSE. The slit
position of the first bright fringe will be separation is 0.1mm while the screen is kept 2m away. The angular
(a) 2.5x10 rad.
(b) 5x10 rad.
(c) 7.5x10 rad. (d) None
12. In YDSE using sodium light (5898
Angstrom), 92 fringes are obtained on the screen. If this light is replaced by another
light (5461 Angstrom), the number of fringes will be
(a) 62 (b)67
(c) 85 (d)99
13. YDSE establishes that
(a) Light is a wave
(b) Light consists of photons
()Lighthas very high frequency so that it can form interference pattern
(d) Light is a coherent wave

14. lf in YDSE, one of the slits is covered with a transparent sheet that transmits only 50% light then which of the following
statement will be true?
(a) No change in the pattern will be observed
(6) We will not obtain any interference pattern
(C) Intensity of maxima and minima will decrease
aIntensity of maxima will decrease while that ofminima will increase
15. of incident light is doubled
at is the change on the fringe width if the frequency(b) Halved
(a) Doubled
(d) Four times (d) No change

295
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
ARRANGEIN ORDER
0 Polarized light is falling on a polarizer in three cases with the plane of polarization making an angle of 30, 60 nd.
2Marks
witn the pass axis. The intensity of transmitted light is I1, Ih andI, respectively. Arrange them in ascending order.
30,60 and 90
degee
h e intensity at the central maxima in YDSE is denoted by I. The intensity at a distance or f and B/2 above the
the central maiuma
are l and I. Arange them in descending order (B refers to fringe width)

ASSERTION AND REASON: 2 Marks

Read the two statements
carefully and choose if Assertion
ASserion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of the
of ASSertion
n ASserton and Reason are true and Reason is NOT a correct explanation
C. Assertion is true but Reason is false
D. Both Assertion and Reason are
false

18. ASsertion: Two sodium lamps can't be used to obtain a sustained interference pattern
Reason: Two sodium lamps are not coherent sources

19. ASSertion: When light travels from a rarer to a denser medium, its enerEy reduces
Reason: The energy of a wave depends on its speed

MATCH THE FOLLOWING 1 Marks

20. Unpolarized light of intensity Io is falling on two polarizers inclined at 8 with each other. The final transmitted intensities ae
shown in column 2 with different values of in column 1. Match each of them

A 0 0 X I=Io/4
B 45 Y I=0
C 90 Z I=lo/2

Answers to Objective test on chapter 10

1 Spherical 6 True 11 B
2 Even False 12 D
3 Hyperbola False
13 A
4 Zero (No change) 9 False (reflected light is) 14 D
5 Fresnel distance 10 True 15 B

16 I<h<h 17I=>h 18 A 19 D 20 az,bx,.cy

06
Understanding Physics by Abhishek Gupta
 SOLU
ONS/ HINTS TO SELECTED QUESTIONS OF
ASSIGNMENT
from the sun gets polarized ty
Light coming scattering.
light is obse ved through an analyzer, Malus Ans.38> The (3)
A n s . 5 >

When
polarized reading is incorrect and the correct value
law is applicable should be lo4.

Sinbc
=
cotip Ans.39> 25:16 (b)9:1
Ans.6>
Ans.40> 0.6mm
reduce by 0.9 x 10 m
Ans. 18> It will Ans.41> 1200nm
Ans.19> 600nm Ans.42> 0.4mm

Ans.20> 0.3 degree Ans.43> tV2

34:1
(ii) 1.65 um. 1.5-2
Ans.21> 1.l um
Ans.44> lo/8
Ans.22> 3/8
Ans.45> 5x 10 rad.
10 radian (1) Number of fringes = D + 1 where D is the distance of the
Ans.23> 1.8
x
screen (value not given in question)

Ans24 9 7 Ans.46> 1.73 x 10 m/s

Ans.47> 775 um
Ans.25> 45 degree
Ans.48> = v3
Ans.26>=q:p
a2 Ans.49> 560 nm.
Ans.27> 50%
Ans.50> 2.12 x 10* m/s (b) 54°
Ans.28> 0.225 mm

Answers to higher level questions

Ans.29> 12.5 cm

Aso there is high diffraction,

we
Ans.1> 60 degree ( Here a
Ans.30> 0.2 mm
sine = 6. So use x asin6 and solve.
cannot use

Ans.31> A (b) D
AB
Ans.32> Amplitude ratio of two
sources = 4:1 (b) 25:1 Ans.2> (ii) The entire pattern would
shift down by
4d
but the

width would remain

same.
corresponding fringe
Ans.33> 0.34mm AD
=-
at y
(ii) Central fringe 4d
Ans.34> 468mm
Ans35> 0.2mm
Ans.36> n = 5

07

Understanding Physies by Abhishek Gupta