XII ISC PHYSICS

RAY OPTICS
Optical Instruments

1. SYLLABUS
2. DERIVATIONS
3. DEFINITIONS AND LAWS
4. TYPES OF NUMERICALS
5. SOLVED NUMERICALS
6. THEORY QUESTIONS
7. BOARD QUESTIONS
8. TEXTBOOK UNSOLVED NUMERICALS

Syllabus
Ray diagram and derivation of magnifying power of a simple microscope with
image at D (least distance of distinct vision) and infinity; Ray diagram and
derivation of magnifying power with image at D. Only expression for magnifying
power of compound microscope for final image at infinity.
Ray diagrams of refracting telescope with image at infinity as well as at D; simple
explanation; derivation of magnifying power; Ray diagram of reflecting telescope
with image at infinity. Advantages, disadvantages and uses. Resolving power of
compound microscope and telescope.

Derivations
1. Define magnifying power of a simple
microscope. Derive an expression for its
magnifying power when image is formed
at least distance of distinct vision
(normal use or near point adjustment)
with the help of a neat labeled diagram.
Ans. Magnifying power of a simple microscope is
defined as the ratio of the angle subtended
by the image at the eye to the angle
subtended by the object at eye when
placed at least distance of distinct vision.

M= … (1)

AB : object
A B : image (virtual, erect and magnified)
 AB is small, angles and are also small.
tan , tan

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ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

From Fig. 1(a) : In AOB,

opp.
tan =
hyp.
AB
tan =
OA
AB
tan = … (2)
u
From Fig. 1(b) : In AOB,
AB
tan = … (3)
D
tan AB/u D
M.P. = = =
tan AB/D u
D
M=
u
Using sign convention, D and u : ve
D D
M= = … (4)
u u
Using lens equation,
1 1 1
=
f v u
Substitute, v = D (image at D)
u= u
1 1 1
=
f D u
1 1 1
= +
f D u
Multiply by D on both sides,
D D D
= +
f D u
D D
= 1+
f u
D D
=1+ … (5)
u f
From (4) and (5),
D
M=1+
f
* If focal length , magnifying power .
Special case :
To see with relaxed eye, image A B is obtained at infinity. In this case, object
AB is placed at focus of the lens.
Here, u = f (focal length of lens)
D
From (4), M =
f

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ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

2. Define magnifying power of a compound microscope. Derive an

expression for its magnifying power when the image is obtained at least
distance of distinct vision (near point) with the help of a neat labeled
diagram.
Ans. Magnifying power of a compound microscope is defined as the ratio of angle
subtended by the image at eye to the angle subtended by the object at eye
when placed at least distance of distinct vision.

M=

AB : object
AB : 1st image (real, inverted and magnified)
A B : 2nd image (virtual, erect and highly magnified compared to A B )
tan
M= … (1)
tan
In Fig. 1(a) :
A B
In A EB , tan =
A E
AB
and in A EB , tan =
AE
 A EB A EB
A B AB
tan = =
A E AE
AB
tan = … (2)
AE

AB
In Fig. 1(b) : tan = … (3)
D

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ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

From (1), (2) and (3),

A B /A E
M=
AB/D
AB D AB D
M= = … (4)
AE AB AB AE
But mo = linear magnification of objective lens.
AB vo
mo = =
AB uo
Also me = linear magnification of eyepiece lens.
D D
me = =
A E ue
From (4),
vo D
M = mo me =
uo ue
Using sign convention,
vo +ve
uo, ue, D ve
vo D
M= … (5)
uo ue
3. Derive an expression for magnifying power of an astronomical telescope
when image is obtained at least distance of distinct vision? Explain
with the help of a neat labeled diagram.
Ans.

Fig. (ii)

Fig. (i)
opp. A'B' A'B'
In Fig. (ii), in OA'B', tan = = = … (1)
adj. OA' fo

A'B' A'B'
In Fig. (i), in A'EB', tan = = … (2)
A'E ue
tan A'B'/ue fo
Magnifying power, M.P. = = =
tan A'B'/fo ue
Using sign convention: fo +ve, ue ve
fo
M.P. = … (3)
ue

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ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

1 1 1
Using lens equation: =
fe ve ue
Sign convention: ue ve, ve D

1 1 f
After substitution, we get = 1+ e … (4)
ue fo D

fo f
From (3) and (4), M.P. = 1+ e … (5)
fe D

Length of telescope = fo + ue
4. Draw a neat labelled diagram for compound microscope with image at
infinity (relaxed eye). Also state its magnifying power and length of
compound microscope.

Ans.

vo D
M. =
ue fe

L = vo + fe
5. Draw a neat labelled diagram for refracting telescope with image at
infinity (relaxed eye/normal adjustment method). Also state its
magnifying power and length of refracting telescope.

Ans.

fo
M.P. =
fe

Length of telescope: L = fo + fe

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ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

Definitions and Laws

1. Magnifying power of an optical instrument: It is defined as the ratio of the
visual angle ( ) subtended by the image formed by the instrument at the eye
to the visual angle ( ) subtended by the object at the unaided eye.
tan
M.P. =
tan
2. Magnifying power of a simple microscope or compound microscope: It is
defined as the ratio of the angle ( ) subtended by the final image at the eye
to the angle ( ) subtended by the object at the eye when placed at least
distance of distinct vision.
3. Magnifying power of a refracting telescope: It is defined as the ratio of the
angle subtended by the final image at eye ( ) to the angle subtended by the
object at eye when object is in its actual position ( ).
4. Magnifying power of a reflecting telescope: It is the ratio of the angle
subtended by the final image at eye ( ) to the angle subtended by object at
eye ( ).
5. Resolving power: The power of an optical instrument to produce distinctly
separate images of two close objects is called the resolving power of that
instrument.
6. Limit of resolution ( ): It is defined as the angle subtended at the objective
lens by two point objects which are just resolved when seen through
telescope.

Types of Numericals
Type I : Simple microscope (ii) Image at :

(i) Image at D (near point): vo D

M.P.
D uo fe
M.P. = 1 +
f
L = vo + fe
(ii) Image at (relaxed eye):
Type III : Refracting telescope
D
M.P. = (i) Image at D:
f
fo f
Type II : Compound microscope M.P. = 1+ e
fe D
(i) Image at D:
L = f o + ue
M.P. mo me
(ii) Image at :
vo D
1 fo
uo fe M.P. =
fe
L = v o + ue L = fo + fe

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Type IV : Reflecting telescope : wavelength

fo
M.P. = d : diameter of aperture of
fe
objective lens
Type V :
1.22 1 d
(i) Limit of resolution: = (ii) R.P. = =
d 1.22

Solved Numericals
1. Three lenses with magnifications 2, 3 and 10 form a combination. What
is its total magnification?
Ans. Total magnification, M = m1 m2 m3 = 2 3 10 = 60
2. An astronomical telescope is adjusted to form the final image at
infinity. The separation between the lenses is 80 cm. The angular
magnification is 15. Calculate the focal length of the objective lens and
the eyepiece.
Ans. Separation between the lenses, fo + fe = 80 … (1)
fo
Angular magnification m, = 15 … (2)
fe
and fo = 15fe … (3)
Using eqn. (3) in eqn. (1), 15fo + fe = 80
fe = 5 cm
and fo = 75 cm
3. A person cannot see distinctly any object placed beyond 40 cm from
his eye. Calculate the power of the lens which will help him to see
distant object clearly.
Sol. He requires a lens which would form the image of a distant object (placed at
infinity) at a distance of 40 cm on the same side of the lens as the object.
Thus, for the lens,
u= , v = 40 cm
1 1 1
Then, from the lens formula = , we have
v u f
1 1 1 1
= + = f = 40 cm = 0.4 m
f 40 cm 40 cm
1
The power of the lens is, P = = 2.5 D (concave)
0.4 m
4. A convex lens of focal length 5 cm is to be used as a simple microscope.
Where should an object be placed so that the image formed by it lies at
the least distance of distinct vision (D = 25 cm)? Also calculate the
magnifying power of this instrument in this set up.

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XII ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

Sol. Let u be the distance of the object from the lens. The convex lens forms the
virtual image of the object at a distance of 25 cm (near point) in front of it.
Thus, for the lens, we have
v = 25 cm and f = +5 cm
1 1 1
From the lens formula = , we have
v u f
1 1 1 1 1 6
= = =
u v f 25 cm 5 cm 25 cm
25
or u = cm
6
This is the least distance at which the observer can see clearly through the
lens.
The magnifying power of the instrument when the image is formed at the
least distance of distinct vision D is given by,
D 25 cm
M= = =6
u 25
cm
6
5. A compound microscope consists of an objective lens of focal length 2
cm and an eyepiece of focal length 6.25 cm separated by a distance of
15 cm. How far from the objective should an object be placed in order
to obtain the final image at (i) the least distance of distinct vision (D =
25 cm), and (ii) infinity? What is the magnifying power of the
microscope in each case?
Sol. Given: fo = 2 cm, fe = 6.25 cm, L = 15 cm, uo = ?
(i) When final image is formed at least distance of distinct vision (D = 25
cm):
For eye lens: Here, ve = 25 cm
1 1 1
=
fe ve ue
1 1 1 1 1 1 4 5
or = = = =
ue ve fe 25 6.25 25 25
or ue = 5 cm
As L = v o + ue or vo = L ue = 15 5 = 10 cm
For objective lens:
1 1 1
=
fo vo uo
1 1 1 1 1 2
or = = =
uo vo fo 10 2 5
5
or uo = = 2.5 cm
2
That is, distance of objective is 2.5 cm.
vo D 10 25
Magnifying power, M = 1+ = 1+ = 4 5 = 20
uo fe 2.5 6.25

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(ii) When final image is formed at infinity:

In this case, L = vo + fe or vo = L fe = 15 6.25 = 8.75 cm
For objective lens:
1 1 1
=
fo vo uo
1 1 1 1 1 2 8.75
or = = =
uo vo fo 8.75 2 2 8.75
2 8.75
uo =
6.75
uo = 2.59 cm, uo = 2.59 cm
vo D 8.75 25
Magnifying power, M = = = 13.5
uo f e 2.59 6.25
6. A person with a normal near point (25 cm) using a compound
microscope with an objective of focal length 8 mm and an eyepiece of
focal length 2.5 cm can bring an object placed 9 mm from the objective
in sharp focus. What is the separation between the two lenses? What is
the magnifying power of the microscope?
Sol. Given: Focal length of objective, fo = 8 mm = 0.8 cm; focal length of eyepiece,
fe = 2.5 cm = 25 mm
For objective lens: Distance of object from objective, uo = 9 mm
1 1 1
From lens formula = , we get
fo vo uo
1 1 1 1 1 1
= + = =+ or vo = 72 mm
vo fo uo 8 9 72
For eye lens, if final image is formed at least distance of distinct vision, then
ve = D = 25 cm = 250 mm
1 1 1
=
fe ve ue
1 1 1 1 1 11
= = =
ue ve fe 250 25 250
11
or ue = = 22.7 mm
250
Separation between lenses:
L = vo + ue = 72 mm + 22.7 mm = 94.7 mm = 9.47 cm
vo D 72 25 cm
Magnifying power, M = 1+ = 1+ = 8(1 + 10) = 88
uo fe 9 2.5 cm
7. A compound microscope consists of an objective of focal length 2 cm
and an eyepiece of focal length 5 cm. When an object is kept 2. cm
from the objective, final image formed is virtual and is at 25 cm from
the eyepiece. Determine magnifying power of this compound
microscope in this set up, i.e., in normal use.

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Sol. For objective lens:

1 1 1 1 1 1
= or = or vo = 12 cm
vo uo fo vo 2.4 2
But magnifying power of microscope in normal use:
vo D 12 25
M= 1+ = 1+ = 5 6 = 30
uo fe 2.4 5
Here, negative sign shows that final image is inverted.
8. A small telescope has an objective lens of focal length 144 cm and an
eyepiece of focal length 6 cm. What is the magnifying power of the
telescope? What is the separation between the objective and the
eyepiece?
Sol. Given: fo = 144 cm, fe = 6 cm
fo 144
Magnifying power of telescope, M = = = 24
fe 6
Negative sign shows that the final image is inverted.
Separation between objective and eyepiece:
L = fo + fe = 144 + 6 = 150 cm
9. The focal lengths of the objective and the eyepiece of an astronomical
telescope are 40 cm and 5 cm respectively. Find the magnifying power
of the telescope for viewing distant object when (a) the final image is
formed at the least distance of distinct vision (25 cm); (b) the telescope
is in normal adjustment (that is, the final image is formed at infinity);
(c) What is the separation between the objective and the eyepiece in
case (b)?
Sol. (a) When the final image is formed at the least distance of distinct vision D,
then the magnifying power of the astronomical telescope is given by
fo f
M= 1+ e
fe D
where fo and fe are the focal lengths of the objective and the eyepiece
respectively. Only numerical values are to be substituted.
Here, fo = 140 cm, fe = 5 cm and D = 25 cm.
140 5
M= 1+ = 33.6
5 25
Negative sign indicates that the image is inverted.
(b) When the final image is formed at infinity, then the magnifying power is
given by
fo 140
M= = = 28
fe 5
(c) The separation between the objective and the eyepiece in normal
adjustment of the telescope is
fo + fe = 140 cm + 5 cm = 145 cm

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10. A telescope has an objective of focal length 30 cm and an eyepiece of

focal length 3 cm. It is focussed on a scale distant 2 metres. For seeing
with relaxed eye, calculate the separation between the objective and
the eyepiece.
Sol. For seeing with relaxed eye, the final image should be formed at infinity. For
this, the image formed by the objective should fall at the focus of the
eyepiece. Let vo be the distance of the image formed by the objective. Then,
from the lens formula, we have
1 1 1
=
vo uo fo
Here, uo = 2 m = 200 cm, fo = +30 cm
1 1 1
=
vo 200 30
1 1 1 20 3 17
or = = =
vo 30 200 600 600
17
vo = = 35.3 cm
600
Distance between the objective and the eyepiece
= vo + fe = 35.3 + 3 = 38.3 cm
11. An astronomical telescope consists of two thin convex lenses having
focal length of 140 cm and 5 cm. The telescope is adjusted to be in
normal adjustment.
(i) What is the angular magnification, i.e., magnifying power of the
telescope in this set up?
(ii) What is the distance between the two lenses equal to?
Sol. Given: fo = 140 cm and fe = 5 cm
(i) The angular magnification of the telescope in normal use:
fo 140
M= = = 28
fe 5
(ii) Separation between the lenses, d = fo + ue
But for normal adjustment, ue = fe
d = fo + fe = 140 + 5 = 145 cm
12. What is the resolving limit of a telescope having objective lens of
aperture 50 cm? The wavelength of incident light on the objective lens
is 6000 A.
Sol. The resolving limit of a telescope having an objective lens of aperture ‘d’ is
1.22
radian, where is the wavelength of the incident light.
d
Here, = 6000 A = 6000 10 8 cm = 6 10 5 cm and d = 50 cm.
1.22 (6 10 5 cm)
Resolving limit = = 1.464 10 6 rad
50 cm

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Theory Questions
1. What is the least distance of distinct vision for normal eye?
Ans. 25 cm
2. What is the position of far point for a normal eye?
Ans. Infinity.
3. Why do we prefer a magnifying glass of smaller focal length?
D
Ans. For a magnifying glass, m 1
f
4. An object is first seen in red light and then in violet light through a
simple microscope. In which case is the magnifying power of simple
microscope greater?
D
Ans. Magnifying power of a simple microscope, m 1
f
As fV < fR, so the magnifying power is greater when the object is seen in
violet light.
5. Why should the objective of a microscope be of small aperture?
Ans. When the objective has a small aperture, the light rays from the nearby tiny
object spread over small aperture and consequently the final image formed
will be highly bright.
6. Why should the objective of a telescope have a larger focal length?
Ans. This is done to obtain large magnifying power and greater intensity of image.
7. Why is the aperture of objective lens or mirror of a telescope taken as
large as possible?
Ans. This increases the light gathering capacity of the objective from the distant
object. Consequently, a brighter image is formed.
8. You are provided with four lenses of focal lengths 1 cm, 3 cm, 10 cm
and 100 cm. Which two would you prefer for a microscope and which
two for a telescope?
Ans. (i) We would take f0 = 1 cm and fe = 3 cm for a microscope.
(ii) We should take fo = 100 cm and fe = 1 cm for a telescope.
9. How does the magnifying power of a telescope change on increasing the
diameter of its objective?
fo
Ans. Magnifying power of a telescope, m = . It is independent of the aperture of
fe
the object. So 'm' does not change on increasing the diameter of the
objective.
10. State the advantages of reflecting telescope over refracting telescope.
Ans. (i) The image formed by a reflecting telescope is brighter than that formed
by a refracting telescope.
(ii) In reflecting telescope, the image is free from chromatic aberration.
(iii) With the use of paraboloidal mirror the image may also be made free
from spherical aberration.
(iv) High resolution is achieved by using a mirror or large aperture which is
easier to support than a lens of equal aperture.

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Board Questions
1. State any one advantage of using a reflecting telescope in place of a
refracting telescope. [ISC 2015]
Ans. Image is free from spherical aberration OR
Image is free from chromatic aberration OR
Image is brighter/sharper/easier to install/less distorted better quality.
2. A simple microscope or a magnifying glass with a focal length 5 cm
forms an image at the near point of the eye. Find its magnification.
[ISC 2006]
Ans. For a simple microscope, we know that for near point, magnifying power,
D 25
M =1+ =1+
f 5
=6
D = least distance of distinct vision, f = focal length of lens.
3. What are the two possible values of the magnifying powers of a simple
microscope made of convex lens of focal length f = 5 cm. [ISC 2000]
Sol. Case I: When image is formed at near point, magnifying power of lens will be
D
M=1+
f
It depends upon the focal length. For normal eye, the least distance of
distinct vision D = 25 cm.
25
M=1+ =6
5
Case II: When image is formed at infinity:
D 25
Magnifying power, M = = =5
f 5
4. A convex lens of a focal length 5 cm is used as a simple microscope.
Where should an object be placed so that the image formed by it lies at
the least distance of distinct vision (D = 25 cm)? [ISC 2016]
1 1 1
Ans. Method 1: =
v u f
1 1 1 1 1 1
= +
25 u 5 u 5 25
25
u= = 4.17 cm = 4.2 cm
6
D 25
Method 2: M = 1 + = 1 + =6
f 5
v
M=
u
25
6=
u
25
u= = 4.2 cm
6

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5. With regards to an astronomical telescope of refracting type, state how

you will increase its (i) magnifying power, (ii) resolving power.
[ISC 2015]
Ans. (i) Magnifying power can be increased by either increasing focal length of
objective lens, i.e., fo and by decreasing focal length of eyepiece, i.e., fe.
(ii) Resolving power can be increased by increasing the diameter/aperture
or size of the objective lens.
6. (i) Define magnifying power of a microscope in terms of visual angle.
(ii) What is the advantage of a compound microscope over a simple
microscope? [ISC 2014, 2000]
Ans. (i) It is defined as a ratio of angle subtended by the final image ( ) to the
angle subtended by the object at the eye when kept at least distance of
distinct vision.
(ii) Compound microscope has a larger magnifying power.
7. An astronomical telescope uses two lenses of powers 10 dioptre and 1
dioptre. If the final image of a distant object is formed at infinity,
calculate the length of the telescope. [ISC 2014]
1 1
Ans. f1 = = = 0.1 m (Eyepiece)
P1 10
1 1
f2 = = =1m (Objective)
P2 1
or implied in the next step.
Length, L = fo + fe = 1.0 + 0.1 = 1.1 m
8. State any one method of increasing the resolving power of an
astronomical telescope. [ISC 2010]
Ans. By increasing the diameter of the lens.
9. (i) Define resolving power of a simple astronomical telescope.
(ii) State one advantage of a reflecting telescope over refracting
telescope. [ISC 2012]
Ans. (i) Resolving power: The ability of the telescope to produce distinctly
separate images of two close objects is called resolving power of the
telescope.
(ii) One advantage of a reflecting telescope over refracting telescope is that
the image formed by reflecting telescope is large and brighter than the
image formed by a refracting telescope.
10. An astronomical telescope consists of two convex lenses having focal
length 80 cm and 4 cm. When it is normal adjustment, what is its (i)
length, (ii) magnifying power? [ISC 2009]
Ans. (i) fo = 80 cm, fe = 4 cm
Length = fo + fe = 80 + 4 = 84 cm
fo 80
(ii) M= = = 20
fe 4

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11. Draw ray diagram to illustrate the formation of image at infinity in a

refracting telescope. [ISC 2013]
Ans. Refer Derivation Notes.
12. An astronomical telescope set for normal adjustment has a magnifying
power 10. If the focal length of the objective is 1.20 m, what is the
length of the eyepiece? [ISC 2012]
Ans. The magnitude of the magnifying power of the astronomical telescope is
given by
f
M = o
fe
where fo is the focal length of objective and fe is the focal length of eyepiece.
1.20
10 =
fe
1.20
fe = = 0.12 m = 12 cm
10
Thus, the eyepiece of the telescope will be of focal length 12 cm.
12. A compound microscope consists of two convex lenses of focal length 2
cm and 5 cm. When an object is kept at a distance of 2.1 cm from the
objective, a virtual and magnified image is formed 25 cm from the
eyepiece. Calculate the magnifying power of the microscope. [ISC 2017]
Ans. In compound microscope, eyepiece is always larger than objective.
So, fo = 2 cm, fe = 5 cm, uo = 2.1 cm, v = 25 cm, m = ?
1 1 1
=
fo vo uo
1 1 1
= +
2 vo 2.1
1 1 1
=
vo 2 2.1
2 2.1 4.2
vo = = = 42 cm
2.1 2 0.1
v D 42 25
m= o 1+ = 1+ = 20(6) = 120
uo fe 21 5
13. Draw a labelled ray diagram showing the formation of an image by
refracting telescope when the final image lies at infinity.
[ISC 2016, 2002]
Ans. Refer Derivation Notes.
14. Draw a labelled ray diagram of an image formed by a compound
microscope, when the final image lies at the least distance of distinct
vision (D). [ISC 2015]
Ans. Refer Derivation Notes.
15. Write any one expression for magnifying power. [ISC 2013]
Ans. Refer Derivation Notes.

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16. A compound microscope consists of an objective of focal length 2 cm

and an eyepiece of focal length 5 cm. When an object is kept 2.4 cm
from the objective, final image formed is virtual and 25 cm from the
eyepiece. Determine magnifying power of this compound microscope in
this set up, i.e., in normal use. [ISC 2012]
Ans. Given: fo = 2 cm, fe = 5 cm, uo = 2.4 cm, v = 25 cm, m = ?
1 1 1
We know, =
fo vo uo
1 1 1
= +
2 vo 2.4
1 1 1
=
vo 2 2.4
1 2.4 2
=
vo 2 2.4
22.4
vo = = 12 cm
0.4
v D
Magnifying power, m = o 1 +
uo fe
12 25 12 30
m = 1+ = = 30
2.4 5 2.4 5
17. An astronomical telescope consists of two thin convex lenses having
focal lengths of 140 cm and 5 cm. The telescope is adjusted to be in
normal adjustment.
(i) What is the angular magnification, i.e., magnifying power of the
telescope in this set up?
(ii) What is the distance between the two lenses equal to? [ISC 2011]
Ans. Given: fo = 140 cm, fe = 5 cm
fo 140
(i) Angular magnification, m = = = 28
fe 5
(ii) Distances between two lenses = fo + fe = 140 + 5 = 145 cm
18. (i) Explain the statement: “Angular magnification of a compound
microscope in normal use is 30.”
(ii) State how the resolving power of an astronomical telescope can be
increased? [ISC 2010]
Ans. (i) Angular magnification is 30 means that the image formed will be 30
times bigger than the object.
(ii) Resolving power of an astronomical telescope can be increased by
increasing the diameter of the objective lens.
19. A convex lens of focal length 5 cm is to be used as a simple microscope.
Where should an object be kept so that image formed by the lens lies at
least distant D of distinct vision (D = 25 cm)? Also calculate the
magnifying power of this instrument in this set up? [ISC 2009]

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Ans. Given: f = 5 cm
1 1 1
=
f v u
1 1 1
= +
5 25 u
1 1 1
= +
u 5 25
1 6
=
u 25
25
u= = 4.16 cm
6
D 25
M=1+ =1+ =6
f 5
20. Draw a labelled diagram of an image of a distant object formed by a
refracting astronomical telescope in normal adjustment. Write an
expression for its magnifying power. [ISC 2008, 2009]
Ans. Refer Derivation Notes.
21. In a compound microscope consisting of two convex lenses of focal
lengths 1.5 cm and 10 cm, the object is 2 cm from the objective and
the final image is formed at the least distance of distinct vision (D = 25
cm). Find the distance of separation of the two lenses. [ISC 2008]
Ans. For objective: uo = 2 cm, fo = 1.5 cm
1 1 1
=
vo uo fo
1 1 1
+ =
vo 2 1.5
1 1 1 1
= =
vo 1.5 2 6
vo = 6 cm
Image is formed 6 cm behind the objective. Final image is at 25 cm in front
of eyepiece.
ve = 25 cm, fe = 10 cm
1 1 1
=
ve ue fe
1 1 1
=
25 ue 10
1 1 1 7
= =
ue 25 10 50
50
ue = = 7.14 cm
7
vo + ue = 13.14 cm

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XII ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

22. With the help of a ray diagram obtain the expression for the magnifying
power of a simple microscope when the image is formed at least
distance of distinct vision. [ISC 2007]
Ans. Refer Derivation Notes.
23. An astronomical telescope is adjusted to form the final image at
infinity. The separation between the lenses is 80 cm. The angular
magnification is 15. Calculate the focal lengths of the objective lens
and the eyepiece. [ISC 2007, 2005]
Ans. Given final image at infinity, L = 80 cm and M = 15.
Let focal lengths of objective (fo) and eyepiece (fe).
We know when final image is at infinity, then magnification is given by
fo
M=
fe
fo
15 =
fe
fo = 15fe
But L = fo + fe … (i)
Substituting value of fo from equation (i),
80 = 15fe + fe = 16fe
fe = 5 cm
So, fo = 15fe = 15 5 = 75 cm
So, fo = 75 cm and fe = 5 cm

Textbook Unsolved Numericals

On simple microscope:
1. What are the two possible values of the magnifying power of a simple
microscope made of a convex lens of focal length, f = 5 cm? Ans. 5, 6
2. A simple microscope or a magnifying glass with a focal length 5 cm forms an
image at the near point of the eye. Find its magnification. Ans. 6
3. A magnifying glass has a magnifying power of 50 when the image is formed
at the least distance of distinct vision (25 cm). What is its focal length?
Ans. 0.51 cm
4. A man whose least distance of distinct vision is 24 cm, uses a convex lens of
focal length 1.2 cm as a magnifying glass. What magnifying power does he
obtain? Ans. 21
5. A person having normal near point (25 cm) reads a book though a
magnifying glass of focal length 5 cm. What are the nearest and farthest
distances at which he can put the book before him? What are the maximum
and the minimum angular magnifications (magnifying powers) possible with
this simple microscope? Ans. 4.2 cm, 5 cm, 6, 5

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XII ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

On compound microscope:
6. A compound microscope has a magnifying power of 30. The focal length of
its eyepiece is 5 cm. Assuming the final image to be formed at the least
distance of distinct vision (25 cm), calculate the magnification produced by
the objective of the microscope. Ans. 5
7. The magnification by the objective of a compound microscope is 8. If the
magnifying power of the microscope be 32, then calculate the magnification
by the eyepiece.
Hint: M = mo me Ans. 4
8. The length of a microscope is 14 cm and for relaxed eye the magnifying
power is 25. The focal length of the eyepiece is 5 cm. Calculate the distance
of the object from the objective and the focal length of the objective.
Ans. 1.8 cm, 1.5 cm
9. A compound microscope has an objective of focal length 1 cm and an
eyepiece of focal length 3 cm. It forms a sharp image of an object placed at
1.2 cm from its objective at the least distance of distinct vision (25 cm).
What is the length of the microscope? Magnifying power?
Ans. 8.68 cm, 46.7
10. The distance between the objective of a compound microscope and the real
image formed by it is 18 cm. If fo = 0.4 cm, fe = 2 cm, then calculate the
magnifying power of the microscope for final image formed at the least
distance of distinct vision. Ans. 594
11. A compound microscope has an objective of focal length 2 cm and an
eyepiece of focal length 6.25 cm separated by a distance of 15 cm. Find the
location of an object with respect to the objective so that the final image is
formed at least distance of distinct vision. What is the magnifying power of
the microscope? Ans. 2.5 cm, 20
On telescopes:
12. On seeing with unaided the, the visual angle of moon at the eye is 0.6 . The
focal lengths of the objective and the eyepiece of the telescope are
respectively 200 cm and 5 cm. What will be the visual angle on seeing moon
through the telescope? Ans. 24
13. An astronomical telescope set for normal adjustment has a magnifying
power 10. If the focal length of the objective is 1.20 m, what is the focal
length of the eyepiece? Ans. 12 cm
14. The focal lengths of the objective and the eyepiece of an astronomical
telescope are 2.5 m and 5 cm respectively. What is the magnifying power of
the telescope when the image is formed at infinity? Ans. 50
15. The focal lengths of the objective and the eyepiece of an astronomical
telescope are 75 cm and 5 cm respectively. Calculate the magnifying power
and the length of the telescope when the final image is formed at (i) least
distance of distinct vision (25 cm), (ii) infinity.
Ans. (i) 18, 79.17 cm; (ii) 15, 80 cm

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XII ISC PHYSICS (9833396568) RAY OPTICS – OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

16. An astronomical telescope consists of two convex lenses having focal length
80 cm and 4 cm. When it is in normal adjustment, what is its (i) length, (ii)
magnifying power? Ans. (i) 84 cm, (ii) -20
17. What will be the maximum length of a telescope formed by lenses of focal
lengths 4 cm and 60 cm? What will be the magnifying power? Is it also
maximum?
Hint: The length is maximum for normal adjustment, that is, final image at
infinity. Ans. 64 cm, 15 (it is not maximum)
18. An astronomical telescope having a magnifying power of 6 for relaxed eye
consists of two thin lenses 35 cm apart. Find the focal lengths of the lenses.
Ans. 30 cm, 5 cm
19. The focal length of the objective of an astronomical telescope is 1 m. If the
magnifying power of telescope is 20, then determine the focal length of the
eyepiece and the length of the telescope for relaxed eye. Ans. 5 cm, 1.05 m
20. A telescope objective has a focal length 1 m. When the final image is formed
at the least distance of distinct vision (25 cm), the distance between the
lenses is 1.05 m. Calculate the focal length of the eyepiece and the
magnifying power of the telescope. Ans. 6.25 cm, 20
21. The objective of a telescope focussed for the least distance vision forms the
image 0.75 m behind it. The distance between the two lenses is 0.80 m.
What is the magnifying power of the telescope? For seeing with relaxed eye,
by how much distance will the eyepiece have to be moved back? What will
be the magnifying power then? Ans. 15, 1.25 cm, 12
22. An astronomical telescope has an objective of focal length 200 cm and an
eyepiece of focal length 10 cm. An observer adjusts the distance of the
eyepiece from the objective to obtain the image of the sun on a screen 40 cm
behind the eyepiece. The diameter of the sun’s image is 6 cm. Find the
diameter of the sun. The average earth-sun distance is 1.5 1011 m.
Ans. 1.5 109 m

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