Chapter

6 Spectrum

SYLLABUS
1olan uibo

Hne a riangular prism to produce a visible spectrum from white light; Electromagnetic spectrum. Scattering
of

:
light.

Scope of syllabus Deviation produced by a triangular prism; dependence on colour (wavelength) of light:
dispersion and spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum; broad classification (names only arranged in order of
increasing wavelength); properties common to all electromagnetic radiations; properties and uses of infrared and
ultraviolet radiations. Simple application of scattering of light e.g. blue colour of the sky.

(A) DEVIATION, DISPERSION AND SPECTRUM

6.1 DEVIATION PRODUCED BYA angle between the emergent ray RS and the
TRIANGULAR PRISMo direction PL of the incident ray PQ) is given as

:
Fig. 6.1 shows the deviation produced by a

triangular prism for a light ray. When a light ray

PQ of a single colour enters a triangular prism The total angle of deviation 8, thus depends
ABC, it gets deviated, say, by an angle 8,towards upon the following three factors:
the base BC at the firstsurface AB of the prism (1) the angle of incidence(i) at the first surface,

and travels straight as QR inside the prism. The

(2) the angle of the prism (A), and
angle of deviation d, depends on the angle of of the
(3) the refractive index of the material
incidence and the refractive index of glass with
AC, prism (u). Since the refractive index depends
respect to air. On striking the second surface
on the colour (or wavelength 2) of the light
the ray QR gets further deviated, say, by an angle
6 towards the base BC and travels straightas RS used, so the angle of
on thecolour (orwavelength 2)
deviation depends
of
also.

theincident
outside the prism. The angle of deviation ð,
light.
depends on the angle of incidence at the second
4,we have discussed for light of
surface (which depends on the angle of the prism In chapter
A) and the refractive index of air with respect to single colour the dependence of angle of deviation
For the emergent ray RS, the total deviation ò on the angle of incidence i, angle of prism A
glass.
with respect to the incident ray PQ (i.e. ,the and refractive index u of the material of prism.
alsil otio Here we shall discuss in detail how the deviation

ð produced by a prism depends on the colour (or

wavelength 2) of the incident light.
n bonuolot

Slit on Dependence of deviation on the colour (or

ray
Light
Emergent
wavelength) of light
|Incident
B 3ODUCas Light of different colours have the same speed
sourc

prismdor 1n ar but different speeds in a medium other

Fig. 6.1 Deviation produced by a triangular

133
 than air. If the light entering a prism is not of a In other words, colour is the subjective
single colour, ie., it is a mixture of several of light related to its wavelength. propen

colours, then the emergent beam too has different The table below gives the range of

colours arranged in a definite order. It is so and frequency for light

waveleng
different
of

because the speed of light in a transparent present in the white light. Note that co\o
there
medium decreases with the decrease in the sharp boundary between different colour
wavelength of light. Since, the refractive index of Ne S
Wavelength and frequency different
colours in

of
glass (the material of prism) increases whiteMgh
Colour Wavelength(2) range
with the decrease in the wavelength of light. Frequency(v=
(nearly)
range in 104
therefore the deviation caused by a prism H,
Violet 4000 to 4460 15 -63
also increases with the decrease in the wavelength 4640
of light". In visible colour
Indigo 4460 Å to Å
6-73 - 6-41
light, violet Blue 4640 Å to 5000
(wavelength à =
4000 Ä) is deviated the most Green 5000 Å to 5780
6.47
6-01
-601
-
and redcolour (wavelength ) is. à8000 Yellow 5780 to 5920
5-19-507
5-19

deviated theleast because in glass, the speed of Orange 5920 Å

Å
to 6200
8000
5.07 - 4-84

violet light is the least and that of red light is the Red 6200 to
4.84 -315
most.

6.2 COLOURS IN WHITE LIGHT WITH THEIR

Note :(1) In the above table the
letter

WAVELENGTH AND FREQUENCY

denotes the unit Angstrom where 1 À= 10-10

(or 10 cm). Nowadays wavelength is

RANGE expresed
mostly in nanometre (nm) where
The white light emitted from a source consists
gil nm = 109 m = 10

À.
of light of different wavelengths. The light of
(2) In the spectrum of white light,
different wavelengths produce the sensation of rei

colour has the longest wavelength 8000

different colours on the retina of our eye, so we (or 8 ×
10-'m or 800 nm) or lowest frequeny
perceive them as diferent colours. The prominent
3-75 x10!4 Hz and violet colour has the shofs
colours in white light are violet, indigo, blue,
Different colours
wavelength 4000 (or 4x 10m or 400 nm
green, yellow, orange and red.
or highest frequency 7:5 x104 Hz. From t
differ in their wavelength. In fact, wavelength is
end to the red end of the spectrum,
violet te

the characteristic of colour, irrespective of its

wavelength increases while the frequency
origin i.e., light of the same colour obtained from
decreases.
different sources will have the same wavelength.

* From the definition

Sped
of refractive

of light
indexcdo
airo5r oloo
ole
o
slonia
6.3

o
DISPERSION
THROUGH
OF A SPECTRUM
A
OF WHITE LIGH
PRISM AND FORMATIO
in
Hglass
Specd of in glasso slung od no 6 o Sir Isaac Newton, while studying the image
ligh
The colours is the same in air,
speed of light for different
a heavenly body formed due to refraction

but it is different for different colours in glass (medium). In

and the speed of white light by a lens, found that the image

glass, the speed of violet light is minimum

red light is [Link] uinle > Hedosbo ó coloured at its edges. He thought that t

coloured image is due to some defect

of

But u = sin i/ sin r or sin r= sin ilu 9rolovsW

the

Carei

the angle of repeated the experiment with a

He then
value of i,
oTherefore, in glass, for a given
r
is minimum for the light of violet colour and polished lens, but the image was still O
refraction
that the fault is not
maximum for the light red colour i.e., red >yiolet Newton then concluded
of
nature
the
Now angle of deviation 8 =i-r so 8.. the lens, but there is something in
the image
orie DO A absoqe STOID 00 TS white light itself due to which

134
 at its edges. To investigate it further, he Dispersion
coloured
another experiment with a prism.
performed
The phenomenon of splitting-of white light

Newton's Experiment by a prism into its constituent colours is

Newton allowed the white light from the Sun known as dispersion.
a dark room through a small aperture in
to enter
a glass prism in the path Spectrum
a window and placed
The light emerging out of the
the light rays.
of
on a white screen. On the On passing lightthrougha prism, the
white
was received band of colours. seen on
prism
like that rainbow as a screen is called the
a coloured
patch of a
screen, spectrum.
was obtained which was termed
Fig. 6.2
shown in
as spectrumn. Cause of dispersion of white light and
A WHITE formation of spectrum
SCREEN
Thecause dispersion
of of whitelightisthat

|
light of differentwavelengths travel with different
speeds in a medium When white light enters the

o oSrst surface of a prism, lights of different colors

lWHITE
LIGHT 8 isesku due to their different speeds in glass, get deviated
a
Aperture through different angles towards the base of the
in
window
by a prism prism i.e. the dispersion (or splitting) of white light
molo Fig. 6.2 Dispersion
into its constituent colours takes place at the first

Starting from the side of the base of the surface of the prism. Violet colour is deviated the
Dnsm, the order of colours in the spectrum on the most, while red colour is deviated the least.

Screen 1S do LG Therefore light of different colours present in

Violet, lndigo, Blue, Green, Yellaw, Orange. white light follow different paths inside the glass
and Red. This order of colours in the spectrum prism and then strike the second surface of the

Can easily be remembered by the word prism. On the second surface of the prism, only

VIBGYOR. refraction takes place (from glass to air) and

Conclusion :From the above experiment, different colours are deviated through different

Newton concluded that white light consists of angles due to their different angles of incidence
surface. Here again violet is deviated the
seven prominent colours. Each colour corresponds at this

to a small range of wavelength. Thus, white light most and red the least. As a result, the colours get

is a mixture of large number of wavelengths i.e., further separated on refraction at the second
it is polychromatic in nature. surface. The light emerging out of the prism, thus,

has different colours that spread out to form a

Note : In the spectrum, each colour is spectrum on the screen.

mixed with the other colour iie., there is no

Sharp boundary line separating the colours. In

Note :(1) Dispersion of white light occurs
the diagram, colours are shown widely only at the first surface of a prism.

separated just for clarity. The total spread of (2) Deviation of light rays occurs at both
colours is much less than that shown in the the surfaces of a prism.
diagram. Different colours have
On
different width 3) A prism does not produce colours, but
the Screen.
it only splits the various colours present in the
light incident onit.

135
 light is incident normallyon the the face AC, the beam on
of white of light falls normally
A beam
AR
of an cquilateral prism and ABC the face BC, so it cmerges out without deviation.
Surface
emerges
out of
it suffering a deviation of 60°.
to show the path of beam till
(b) Assumption
interface is
:
The critical
less than 60° for
angle of glass-air
a dingram all colours of white
Draw Mark the angles
(a) out of the prism. light.
it emerges
wherever
necessary. (c) Phenomenon :Total internal reflection.
have you made while
What assnmption 4. The frequency of violet light is 7:5 x 1014 Hz.
the diagram
?
drawing
exhibited by the light
Find its wavelength in ()nm, (i) Å. Speed of

(c) Name
the phenomenon light c =3 x 10 n s.
beam.
in Fig, 6.7.
Given : f= 7-5 x 1014 Hz, c= 3× 108 ms-!.
diagram is shown C

m.N
The ray
(n)
incident normally on the From relation c = fh, wavelength =
light
The beam of white
inside the
AB of passes undeviated 3x108
face the prisnm

the other face AC at an angle of or = =4 x 10

and strikes 75x104
prism
incidence of 60°. At the face AC,
intermal
it suffers
reflection
total

at
(i) Since l nm = 10 m, :.=
400 nm
intermal reflection.
After total
(ii) Since 1 = 10-10 m, :.n=4000
A
White
5. The wavelength of red light is 800 nm. Find its
Light
o frequency. Speed of light =3 x 10® ms'.
Given : A= 800nm= 800 x 10 m = 8× 107 m

60° C=3x 10 ms-!

B A
g Form relation c= fh, frequency f=
3x108
×101
White
orf= =3-75 [Link]
8x10-7
Light
Fig. 6.7

?e
EXERCISE-6(A)

Name three factors on which the deviation produced (b) The wavelength of violet and red light are
1.
by a prism depends and state how does it depend on and 8000À respectively. Which of the
the factors stated by you. two has higher frequency ?
2. How does the deviation produced by a triangular
Ans. (a) (i) 4800 , (ii) 8000 ,
of (b) violet light of wavelength 4000À
prism depend on the colour (or wavelength) light

incident on it 8. Write the seven prominent colours present in white

3. How does the speed of light in glass change on light in the order of increasing wavelength.

increasing the wavelength of light ? Ans. violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.

Ans. Speed of light increases with increase 9. Name the seven prominent colours of the white light

in its wavelength.o
spectrumin order of their increasing frequencies.

4. Which colour of white light travels (a) fastest Ans. red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

(b) slowest, in glass ? Ans. (a) red (b) violet 10. Name four colours of the spectrum of white light

which have wavelength longer than blue light.

5, Name the subjective property of light related toits
wavelength. Ans. colour Ans. green, yellow, orange, and red

6. What is the range of wavelength of the spectrum

11. Which colour of the white light is deviated by a
of
glass prism (i) the most, and (ii) the least ?
white light in ()Å, (ii) nm ?
Ans. (i) violet, (ii) red
Ans. (i)4000 to 8000 , (i) 400 nm to 800 nm
12. The wavelengths for the light of red and blue
a) Write the approximate wavelength for (i) blue,o colours are nearly 7-8 x 107 m and 4-8 x 10 mn
and (ii) red light.
respectively.

137
 (n) Which colour has greater speed in vacum ? (b) If a slit is placed in between the
prism
screen to pass only the light of and
the
(b) Which colour has greater speed in glass ? green
will you then observe on the screen 2 colour, wha
Ans. (a) In vacum, both have the same speeds.
(c) What conclusion do you
draw
(b) In glnss, red light has a greater speed. from h.
lona observation in (b)above?
part
13. Define the term dispersion of light.
20. (a) A beam of monochromatic light
14. Explain the cause of dispersion of white lightt minimum deviation through an undergoey
cquiangular
through a prism. How does the beam pass through
the prism prism,
15. Explain briefly, with the help of a neat labelledlt respect to its base ?onole with

diagram, how does white light get dispersed by a (b) If white light is used in the same
way as
what change in
prism. part (a) above, do you expect
On which surface of a prism,there is both dispersionoemergent beam ?sle oosod
inthe

and deviation of light, and on which surface of the (c) What conclusion do you draw about the nat

prism, there is only deviation of light ? oaiwhite light in ?2

part (b) basroe

Ans. ()on first surface, (ii) on second surface Ans. (a) parallel to the base, (b) white
light
splitsinto
constituent colours spectrum
16. What doyou understand by the term spectrum ? its i.e., is
formed
(c) white light is polychromatj
17. A ray of white light is passed through a glass prism
and a spectrum is obtained on a screen. MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE
(a)Name the seven colours of the spectrum in order. 1. When a white light ray falls on a prism, the ray

first surface suffers :

(b)Do the colours have the same width in the its

spectrum ? (a) no refraction

(b) only dispersion

hofod coloer ib
(c) Which colour of the spectrum of white light
deviates () the most, (ii) the least ? (c) only deviation
and ho
18. The diagram shown below in Fig. 6.8 shows the (d) both deviation and dispersion.

path taken by a narrow beam of yellow Ans. (d) both deviation and dispersion

monochromatic passing through an equiangular

light
2. In the spectrum of white light by a prism, the
glass prism. If the yellow light is replaced by a
colour at the extreme end opposite to the base of
narrow beam of white light incident at the same
prism is: Dw ao COLI ttss
angle, draw another diagram to show the passage of
through the prism and label itto show (a) violet (b) yellow
white light

the effect of the prism on the white light. (c) red (d) blue.
Ans. (c) red

60°
3. The wavelength range of white light is :bioni

YLLOW
YELLOW agil (a) 4000 nm to 8000 nmaGggsdob wolH

aoloiv (b) 40 nm to 80nm dignoloaw pri ga

Fig. 6.8nccrs oit oulM

d (C) 400 nm to 800nm
beam of white licht from
Fig. 6.9 shows a thin

|
19.
source S striking on one face of a prism.23o(0) 4 nm to 3 [Link] oolon di 800
400nm
rlo gle forAns. (c)
to

bine
nm

NUMERICALSCe
LIGHT 1. Calculate the frequency of yellow light of wavelengül

WHITE S50nm. The speed of light is 3x 108 ms.

PRISM SCREEN Ans. S.4 x 104 Hz
Fig. 6.9 o a2. The frequency range of visible light
HZ.
is
from

3:75 x 1014 Hz to 7.5 x Calculate

1014 1b
(a) Complete the diagram show the effect of the
to
s.
prism on the beam and to show what is seen on wavelength range. Takespeed of light ==?
3x10° m

the screen.
Lo

Ans. 4000 to 8000 (or 400 nm to 800 n

138
 SPECTRUM AND ITS BROAD CLASSIFICATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC
(B)
SPECTRUM
ELECTROMAGNETIC The complete electromagnetic spectrum in
6.4
:Tillnow we Ihave limited increasing order of their wavelengths (or
Classification of white light which
decreasing order of their frequencies) is given
to the spectrum
oursclves red and the violet regions. Our below :
thhe
between
lies

sensitive
only to this range of wavelengths.
() Gammarays, (2) X-rays, (3) Ultraviolet rays,
cye is the visible spectrum and it is
is (4) Visible light, (5) Infrared radiations,
This
spectrum of the entire electro-
small part (6)Microwaves, and (7) Radio waves.
a very
only t
Experiments show that the
spectrum. limited not
magnetic from the sun is These electromagnetic waves are of different
of radiation
spectrum and extremes,
red but
wavelengths and have They

it
thee violet different properties.
between
only
side beyond these extremes to also share many properties with the light waves.
extends
on either

our eyes do not respond. The part of

Each wave travels with the same speed equal to
which
bevond the red extreme
and the violet
3 x 10 m sin vacuum (or air).

pectrum
is called
the invisible Spectrum, () and wavelength (2)
The speed (c), frequency
Cxtreme

The waves
of wavelength longer than the
red
of electromagnetic waves are related as :
spectrum in increasing
order of neupe
part of the visible

are () infrared radiations, c =fh ...(6.2)

wavelength the
radio waves, while
(i) microwaves, and
(111)

part
The complete electromagnetic spectrum is
waves of wavelength shorter than the violet

in decreasing order of
Shown in Fig. 6.10 with the wavelength
of the visible spectrum
(i) X-rays, towards the right side (or frequency
increasing
wavelength are : () ultraviolet rays,
towards the left side).
together increasing
and (ii) gamma rays. These radiations

form the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelength in nm

10 400 800 106 109
10-2

Ultra Infra red Microwave Radio waves

Gamma X-rays
violet C008
5Wi rays

URTO 3x 10193 x 1016

x
1014
3x 1011 3x 108

Frequency in Hz

Note : (1)
oibgeoo
In Fig. 6.10,
3-75

pig. 6.10 Electromagnetic

we have shown a boundary

between different waves,
although
spectrumn
line in
teo)
out there is no sharp boundary of wavelength (or frequency) between two successive
electromagnetic waves. In fact, they overlap to a good extent.

()The infrared spectrum is the part of spectrum just beyond the red end, while the ultraviolet
Spectrum is the part of spectrum just before the violet end of the visible
spectrum.

.e portion of electromagnetic waves other than the visible part, do not excite our retina to produce the sensation of vision.
However, some waves can damage the retina.
electromagnetic

139
 The table below shows the different waves of the electromagnetic spectrum in
order
increasing wavelengths alongwith their discoverer, source and method of detection. of
thei

Electromagneticspectrum
bSMDAMORTO
Name of the wave Wavelength in nm Discoverer Source Method of
detection

Gamma rays below 0.01 Becquerel In cosmic rays, from radioactive By their large
& Curie substances.
penetrating power

X-rays 001-10 Roentgen From a heavy metal target of high Bythe

fluorescence
melting point when highly energetic|
produced on a zine
sulphide screen.
The
clectrons are stopped by photographic film
snarkgets affected.

it.
Ulraviolet 10-400 Ritter arc-lamp. By their
Sunlight, chemical activity on dyes,
Photographic plates get affected.
It causes fluorescence.
Visible light 400- 800 Newton Sunlight, light fromn electric bulb, Other objects can be seen in its
flame, white hot bodies. presence.

Infrared waves 800 -10 Hershell Lamp with thoriated filament, Heating effect is [Link] mercury
heated silicon carbide rod, rises
rapidly when a thermometer with a
red hot bodies blackened bulb is kept in these
Microwvaves 106-10 Hertz Electronic devices such as Oscillatory electrical
radiations
circuit.
crystal oscillators
Radio waves above 109 Marconi TVand radio transmitters Aerials of radio and TV receiver.

Approximate ranges of wavelength and (2) They all travel with the same speed:
frequency vacuum and air (the speed is 3 × 10 m

(1)Gamma rays-wavelength shorter than 0-1 and with different speeds in difer
(or à < 0-01 nm) or frequency above medium.
101° Hz. (3) They exhibit the properties of reflection

(2) X-rays-wavelength range 0-1 Åto 100

and refraction. In refraction, when an electr.

(or A =
0-01 nm to nm) or frequency 10 magnetic wave passes from one medium to

from 3 x 1019 to 3 x 1016Hz. the other, there is change in its direction of

(3) Ultraviolet rays-wavelength range 100 to travel, speed and wavelength, but is

4000 (or 2 = 10 nm to 400 nm) Or frequency remains unchanged.

frequency from 3x 10l6 to 7-5 × l014 Hz. (4) These waves are not deflected by electric and

(4) Visible light-wavelength range 4000 to magnetic fields.

8000 Á (or 2 = 400 nm to 800 nm) or (5) These waves are transverse in nature.

frequency from 7:5 x 1014 to 3-75 x 1014 Hz.

6.5 PROPERTIES AND USES OF
(5)Infrared radiations-wavelengthrange 8000 A DIFFERENT RADIATIONS OF
to 10 =
(or 2 800 nm to 1 mm)or frequency ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
×
from 3-75 104 to 3 x 10! Hz.
(1) Gamma rays
(6) Microwaves-wavelength range 10 to 10!º

(or A I = mm
to 1 m) or frequency fromo These are the most energetic electromagnetic
3× 10!to 3 x 108 Hz. radiations of wavelength less than 0-1 A (or

() Radio waves-wavelength above 1010 00I nm).

(or à> 1 m) or frequency below 3 x 108 Hz. Sources : They are obtained in radioactive
emissions, when the nuclei of radioactive atoms
Properties common to all electromagnetic
to the ground state.
pass from the excited state
waves
They are also present in cosmic radiations.
(1) Electromagnetic waves do not require any
Properties: Like X-rays, they cause
material medium for their propagation o g sld

fluorescence when they strike the fluorescent

140
 They can casily which are chemically more active than the visible
zinc sulphide. as radiations are called ultraviolet
such metallic sheets
(e.g. light. These
thick
materials casily radiations (or actinic rays).
through Gamma radiations
penctrate iron sheet).
and cause immense body
(i) Ultraviolet radiations can be detected by
cm
30
thick
human their chemical activity on dyes and photographic
through

:
pass
damage. manner plates.
in a controlled
biological are used is
They cancer cells (i.e.,
radio spectrum of ultraviolet radiations
(iii)The
Uses kill
to through a
medical
science
to check welding. obtained by passing the radiations
in in industry of a glass prism because
annd
quartz prism in place
therapy) radiations.
glass absorbs these
(2)X-rays
are obtained
from a hcavy metal target
Sources of ultraviolet
radiations :The electric

when highly energetic radiations.A

arc and sparks give
X-rays ultraviolet
point
melting by
are stopped a part of
of high (or cathode rays) A mercury vapour lamp
emits radiations,
beam with the
clectron in the range of 0-1 radiations along
have
wavelength which has ultraviolet
it. They
r 0-01 nm to 10nm). Sun is also a source of ultraviolet
A (or visible light.
100 more of it is absorbed
X-rays are chemically but a large fraction
radiations,
Properties: radiations. They strongly present in the earth's upper
ultraviolet by the 0zone layer
than
Like gamma rays, us from its harmful
active
plate. atmosphere* which protects
a photographic such
affect in certain materials effects.
fluorescence
they
cause through
They can penetrate
as zinc sulphide, etc.
Properties of ultraviolet radiations
stopped by the bones.
human flesh, but are can pass through
of (i) Ultraviolet radiations
: They are used for the detection absorbed by glass.
Uses
radiography), quartz,but they are
bones, teeth, etc.
(i.e., the ultraviolet
fracture in
Therefore, to obtain
such as CAT Scan
in
and for diagonistic
purposes Spectrum from its source, a quartz prism
for studying
X-rays are also used For the
is used instead of a glass prism.
medical science.

in crystals as well as in
have an
atomic arrangement
same reason ultraviolet bulbs
X-rays are used by detective
molecules. glass.
complex
envelope made of quartz instead of
to detect concealed precious metals.
agencies
travel in a straight line
(ii) These radiations

(3)Ultraviolet radiations with a speed of 3 x 108 m s in air (or

The electromagnetic radiations

of wavelength vacuum).
100 to 4000 A (or 10 nm to 400 nm) scattered by dust
from
(iii) They are usually
called ultraviolet radiations. The ultraviolet
are
ol particles present in the earth's atmosphere.
of the spectrum was first detected by
They obey the laws of reflection and
part
(iv)
Prof. J. Ritter in 1801.
Jadz refraction.
Detection : ()) When silver-chloride solution
(v) They strongly affect a photographic
is exposedto electromagnetic waves starting trom dlud d nlate as they are chemically more active
the red to the violet end and then beyond it, it
ythan visible light.
1S observed that from the red to the violet end,
Ihe solution remains almost unaffected. But just (vi) They produce fluorescence on striking a
beyond the violet end, the solution first turns
zinc-sulphide screen.
Violet and then finally it becomes dark brown (or
Dlack). It shows that there exist certain Due to large pollution, there is depletion of ozone layer which
radiations
Deyond the violet extreme of the is dangerous for us because exposure to ultraviolet radiations
visible part, is harmful to us. s0
141
 Harmful effect of ultraviolet radiations although not visible to us, has certain
which produce a strong heating
Ultraviolet radiations cause health hazardslike radiatiOn%
radiations effect.
are called infrared (or heat)
skin cancer if human body is exposed to them for Thes

a long period. (ii) A thermopile can also be radiations.

used
to
the heat radiations. The galvanometer dele
Uses of ultravioletradiations
with the thermopile shows ConnecteA
Ultraviolet radiations are used for the deflection
infrared radiations fall on the
thermopile. when
following purposes : (iii) The spectrum of infrared
(a) For sterilising air, surgical cquipments, etc. obtained by radiationsi
using a rock-salt prism
because a
(b) For detecting the purity of gems, eggs, rock-salt prism does not absorh
ghee, ctc. radiations, whereas a glass prism infrared
absorbs them
(c) In producing vitamin
and animals.
D in food of plants
Sources of infrared radiations All
red ho
:
bodies such as a heated iron ball, flame,
fire,
are sources of infrared radiations. The ec.
(4) Visible light Sunis the
natural source of infrared radiations.
The electromagnetic radiations of wavelength
from 4000 to 8000 Å are called visible Properties of infrared radiations
radiations (or visible light) because in the (i) They travel in straight lines like
light, with
presence of these radiations, other objects are same speed that iss
ouz the 108 3× m s
seen by us. The visible part of the spectrum was ceuovacuum (or air).lspte cshbil
discovered Newton while passing the sun
by
(ii) They obey the laws of reflection and

light through a glass prism. The prominent refraction.

colours of visible light are violet, indigo, blue,
ost If a source of heat (say, an infrared lamp)

green, yellow, orange and red.

is placed at the focus of a parabolic mior
Sources: The Sun, electric bulb, flame and
wniv a parallel infrared beam is obtained.
white hot bodies are the main sources of yisible
A burning glass (i.e., a convex lens) focuses

light. ovilo the more energetic (i.e., short wavelength)

Uses: The visible light is used photography,

in infrared radiations obtained from the Sun on

in photosynthesis and to see the objects around a paper due to which the paper chars (or

us. burns).

(5) Infrared [Link] Hz (ii) They do not affect the ordinary

photographic film. However, a specially

1These electromagnetic waves

are of
9lol treated photographic film is affected by
wavelength in the range
of 8000 to 10?
vd them.
mm). The part of the
(or 800 nm to 1
infrared
(iv) They are absorbed by glass, but they pass
Hershell
spectrum was first detected by William se
about 1800. ou through [Link]
in

Detection :i) thermometer having its bulb

If a (v) They are detected by their
using a blackened bulb
heating propert)

thermometer or a
blackened, is moved from the violet end towards
thermopile.
the redend of the spectrum of visible light, it is
are scattered less by the
earth S
observed that there is a very slow rise in (vi) They
moved of their long wavelength
temperature. But when this thermometer is atmosphere because
radiation «
(since intensity of
scattered
beyond the red extreme, a rapid rise in temperature
deep
is [Link] that the part of the spectrum
It 4). Hence, they are able to penetrate

beyond the red extreme of the visible light, the atmosphere even in fog.orc8
inside

142
 as carbon- (6) Micro waves
house gases such
green atmosphere Microwaves have wavelength in the
The in the carth's
(vi) present infrared radiations range of 10' Á to 100 A (or mm to 1 m)

1
dioxide, energy 3 x Hz
the low surface warm. or frequency in the range of 10!I to
absorb carth's
the 3 x 108 Hz.
and keep
of infrared radiations : These waves are produced by
Source
effect
radiations may cause
Harmful infrared devices such as crystal oscillators.
of electronic
dose
A high for satellite
Uses : They are used
burns. atomic and
skin
radiations for analysis of
communication, microwave
infrared for therapeutic cooking in
are used molecular structure, for
of
Uses radiations
(ch
(a) Infrared by doctors. ovens and in radar [Link]
purposes at night and
in photography
They are used
fog because they
are not (7) Radio waveshi
mist and
(b)
waves of longest wavelength
in
so they can penetrate
also
These are the
scattered,
much
it. electromagnetic waves. They have
through amongst all the
appreciably in dark rooms for
above 1 (or 10"A) or frequency
m
lamps are used wavelength all the
(c)
Infrared
as they provide below 3 x 108 Hz. They also show
photographs
developing
without affecting the waves.
visibility properties of electromagnetic
some
in radar
film. are used mainly
photographic war as Uses : These waves television
as signals during and also in radio and
d) They are used are not communication
visible and they
oitsgono dgil ad onsh (8l
they are not transmission.
much in the medium. oagso
absorbed sil nt agled oidw SVSW
control of sit to vbut
used in remote
They are
(e)

television
and other gadgets.

AND INFRARED RADIATIONS

DISTINCTION BETWEEN
ULTRAVIOLET, VISIBLE
66 Infrared radiations
Visible radiations
radiationso
Ultraviolet
6

in the range of
wavelength in the range of 1. They have wavelength
They have
8000 to 10 .
in the range 1.
L They have wavelength
lui 400 to 8000 .
of 100 to 4000 Á.logy intensit
2. They are invisible.
2. They are visible.
[Link] are invisible.
3. They produce a strong heating effect.
3. They produce slight heating effect.

3. They produce
no heating effect.

late.4. They affect

plate.
photographic plate.4. They do not affect photographic plate.

4. They affect photographic

5. They do not cause fluorescence.
5. They cause fluorescence on zinc 5. They do not cause fluorescence.

sulphide screen.

They cause health hazards [Link] do not affect the body. 6. They do not affect the body, but high
6.
skin cancer. dose may cause skin burns.

They can pass through quartz but 7. They can pass through glass. They.7. They can pass through rock-salt, but
7.
they do not pass through glass. are not absorbed by [Link] they do not pass through glass. They
They are absorbed by glass. are absorbed by glass.

ligsoihs

143
 EXERCISE-6(B)

1. (a) Give a list of at least five radiations, in the order 12. State the approximate range
of
of their increasing wavelength, which make up associated with (a) ultraviolet
rays, (b)
the complete electromagnetic spectrum.x and (c) infrared [Link] wavelengh
visible
igh
(b) Name the radiation mentioned by you in part (a) 13. Name the radiations of

which has the highest penetrating [Link] 8x 10-7 m, (b)shorter

wavelength
than
just
4 x 10 (a)
2. (a)Arange
their
the following radiations
increasing wavelength:ucbe
in the order ofo) 14.
he spceteu Ans. (a) infrared
Name two
\onge
b
m.

electromagnetic waves of
X-rays, infrared rays, radio waves, gamma rays, smaller than that of violet light.
State
and micro waves. onewavelength
use of
15. Give one use each of (a)
each
(b) Namne the radiation which is used for satelliteLs radiations, (c) infrared
microwaves, (b)
radiations, and
communication. ultraviolea
Jos rays. (d)
gamma
Ans. (a) gamma rays, X-rays, infrared rays, 16. Name the waves (a) of lowest
o micro waves,and radio waves. (b) mnicro waves wavelength
for taking photographs in dark,
(b)used
103 nm. (a) Name (c)
3. A wave has a wavelength thechangesin the nucleus of an atom, (d) produced by

wave. (b) State one property different from of

its light.
nearly 0-1 nm. wavelengh

Ans. (a) gamma ray, (b)strong penetrating power Ans. (a) gamma rays (b) infrared
4. A wave has wavelength 50 A. (a) Name thewave. (c)
gamma rays (d)
rays
X-ray
(b) State its speed in vacuum. (c) State its one use. 17. Two waves A and B
have wavelength 0-01
m s 9000
Ans. (a) X-ray, (b) 3x 10® s-! Å
respectively.0 Doen 98 o1T
and
h
(c) in detection of fracture in bones(a) Name the two waves.
5. (a) Name the high energetic invisible electro (b) Compare the speeds of these
waves when
magnetic wave which helps in the study of theo vacuum.
travel in they

structure of crystals.
Ans. (a) A-gamma, B-infrared, (b) 1:)
(b) State one more use of the wave named in
18. Name two sources, each of infrared
part (a)gA danAaionAg
Ans. (a) X-rays, (b) to detect fracture in bones
ultraviolet radiations,-G radiations and

19. What are infrared radiations ? How

6. State the name and the range of wavelength of the are they

invisible electromagnetic waves beyondthe red endr detected ? State one use of these radiation

of the visible spectrum. 20. What are ultraviolet radiations ? How are they

Ans. Infrared, 800 nm to 1 mm old detected ? State one use of these radiations.

7. Name three radiations and their wavelength range 21. Name three properties of ultraviolet radiations which

which are invisible and beyond the violet end of theoo are similar to visible light.

visible spectrum.
22. Give two properties of ultraviolet radiations which

8. Give the range of wavelength of the differ from visible light.

electromagnetic
waves Visible to us.
d od 23. Mention three properties of infrared radiations

Ans. 4000 to 8000 (400 to 800 nm) similar to visible light.

9. Name the region just beyond (i) the red end, and 24. Give two properties of infrared radiations which
(ii) the violet end, of the boi differ from visible light.
spectrum.

Ans. (i) infrared (i) ultraviolet 25. Name the material of prism required for obtainin3
10. What do you understand by the invisible spectrum? the spectrum of (a) ultraviolet light, (b) infrared

1. Name the radiation which can be detected by (a) a radiations.

thermopile (b) a solution of silver chloride. (Sce tenstty of Ans. (a) quartz (b) rock salt

Ans. (a) infrared radiation (b) ultraviolet radiation

ney able to poncate
de c
Heoce,
atnospbere even
re

loge
 26.
Name
radiations which are absorbed by the
the
in the earth's atmosphere.
2. The sourceof
(a) clectric
ultraviolet

bulb
light is :
house gases (b) red hot iron ball
green
effect cach of the (a) ultraviolet (c) sodium vapour lamp (d) carbon arc-lamp.
one harmful
State
27. radiations, Ans. (d) carbon
and (b) infrared

Give
reason
for the following : 3. A
bulb
radiation
of a
P is focused

thermometer.
arc-lamp
by a propcr device on the
in Mercury in the thermometer
used for photography
)
Infrared
radiations are
shows a rapid increase. The radiation P 1s:
fog. (a)infrared radiation
radiations are used for signals during
(b) visible light
(i) Infrared
War
with (c) ultraviolet radiationuol (y
darkrooms are provided Ans. (a) infrared radiation
Gi) The photographic (d) X-rays.
infrared lamps.
used instead of a glass prism NUMERICALS
A) A mck salt prism is

to obtain the infrared spectrum. 1. An electromagnetic wave has a frequency of

for obtaining the 500 MHz and a wavelength of 60 cm.

required
(v) A quartz prism
is

light. (a)Calculate the speed of the wave.

of ultraviolet
spectrum
quartz envelope instead medium which
(vi) Ultraviolet bulbs havea (b) Name the through it is travelling.

of glass. Ans. (a) 3x 10 m s, (b) air

TYPE The wavelength of X-rays is 0-01 . Calculate its

MULTIPLE CHOICE
2.

radiations are frequency. State the assumption made, if any.

:
1. The most energeticelectromagnetic Ans. 3 x 1020 Hz
waves
(a) microOwaveso (b) ultraviolet
Assumption : Speed of X rays =3 x 10 ms.
(d) gamma [Link]
(c) X-rays
Ans. (d) gamma rays

(C) SCATTERING OF LIGHT AND ITS APPLICATIONS

change in its wavelength. The scattering of light is
6.7 SCATTERING OF LIGHT
not the same for all wavelengths of incident light.
When light from the Sun enters the earth s The intensity of the scattered light is found to be
atmosphere, itgets scattered (i.e., the light spreads inversely proportional to the fourth power of the
in all directions) by the dust particles and air I« 1/24). In the visible
wavelength of light (i.e.,
molecules present in the atmosphere. You see the
spectrum, the wavelength of violet light is the least
path of the sun light entering a dark room (- 4000 ) and that of red light is the most
a fine hole because of of the
through scattering
(-8000 , therefore from the incidentwhite light,
sun light by the dust particles present in path violet light scattered the
its is mostand red light is
Inside the room. The scattering of light was first
scattered the least (violet light is scattered nearly
studied by the scientist [Link] 19T8V 16 times more than the red light). As a result, light
Scattering is the process of absorption and then from the Sun when reaches the earth's surface,has
Te-emission of light energy by the dust particles less intensity of light of the violet end (such as
and air molecules present in the atmosphere. blue, indigo and and more intensity of light
violet)

of the red end (such as orange and red). Howeve,

Ihe air molecules of size smaller than the
wavelength the incident the air molecules of size bigger than the
of
light absorb the energy
of the incident light
oelonoth of the incident light, scatterthe light
and then re-emit it without any of

all wavelengths of white light to the same extent.

145
 6.8 SOME APPLICATIONS OF SCATTERING
short wavelengthis light due to its

as compared to the red light

Some effects of scattering of sunlight by the of long Scattered
mo
carth's atmosphere are
red colour of sun at
:()Thus,the light reaching
Sun is rich in red colour,
our eye wavelengh
directly
colour of sky at
sunrise and sunset, (2) white
while the fromhe
of our eye from all other ight
of sky, (4) black colour directions is
noon, (3) blue colour the reaching
blue light. Therefore the sky in
sky in the absence of atmosphere, (5) white scattere

(6) use of red light for the han the direction of sun, is direction,
colour clouds, and
of seen blue. othe
for some time after
sunset and Furhe
danger signal. before
there is no sunlight
reaching
(1) Red colour of Sun at sunrise and sunset at these
directly
to us.
SunTise
hours the blue scattered
Thu
light
At the time of sunrise and sunset, light from our eyes makes the entire sky to reaching
appear blue
the Sun has to travel the longest distance of
the
(4) Black colour of sky in
atmosphere to reach the observer. Since blue
absence o
atmosphere
light of shot wavelength is scattered more, much
If there would have been
of it is lost, while the red light of long no
there would be no scattering atmosphere,
wavelength is scattered a little, so it is not much of
light
reach and %
lost. Thus, blue light is almost absent in sunlight scattered light would our eyes and
thusthe
reaching the observer and only red (white - blue Sky will appear black (instead of blue)

= red) light reaches us. As a result. the Sun and Since there is no atmosphere on Moon
the region nearby it, is seen red. Fig. 6.11 shows scattered sunlight reaches the Moon's
surface
the scattering of blue light. Hence, to an observer on the surface
of
Moon.
no light reaches the eyes of the observer exCen
Scattered blue light
Observereo the light reaching directly
from the Sun. Thus, the
Sun dy of thc
sky in direction
other than that of the Sun will
Scattered blue light appear black to an observer on the Moon':
Earth surface.

when an astronaut goes above

Similarly, the

Earth's
atmosphere of the earth in a rocket, he/she ses
atmosphere
HbolvhwtoPdoa the sky black, but to the astronaut, the eart
Fig. 6.11 Red colour of Sun at sunrise and sunset sdT appears blue due to the blue colour of sunlight
oybUVhi by the atmosphere,
(2) White colour of sky at noonoe scattered
her. The stars
earth's
and other heavenly bodies are
reaching hin!

seen

At noon, the Sun is directly above our head, as usual, but without twinkling.q sude
So we get light rays directly from the Sun afteropsb
travelling the shortest distance, without much ()Wnite cOlour of Cloudsof son teuot

scattering of any particular colour. Hence, the sky The clouds are nearer to the earth's surface

s seen white.
and they contain dust particles and aggregates of

(3) Blue colour of skyoal sdw we

water molecules of size bigger than the
ittmod wavelength of visible light. Therefore, the dust

Light from the Sun has to travel a long

particles and tiny ice particles present in clouds
distance of the earth's atmosphere before reaching light from be
Scatter all colours of incident white
us. As ight travels through atmosphere, it gets
the Sun to the same extent and hence whe
scattered in different directions by the air scattered light reaches our eyes, the CIouu
molecules presentin its path. The blue (or violet) seen white 02ds tsigil sbiont Sit 9
bos sdoil snobiant

146
 for the danger signal farthest distance in
light
of red comparison to the
Use the wavelength of red light is other colours having light of
(6) light,
the same intensity.
red is Hence,
Invisible the light of red colour is light used for danger
so that the signal
therefore
by the air molecules of the signal may be visible from a far
longest,
the
least distance even in
light of red colour as
fog, etc. Similarly remote
scattered Hence, the control of electrica
of other colours can gadgets (like TV. etc) also make use of
to the light
atmosphere. infrarec
radiations.
compared distance without becoming
a longer
to
light can be seen from the
Thus, red
penetrate

weak.

EXERCISE-6(C)

of light ? 9. The colour of sky, in direction other than of the Su

1 What is meant by scattering
is blue. Explain.
the intensity of scattered light depend on
2. How does 10. Why does the Sun appear red at sunrise an
of incident light ? State the condition
the wavelength
sunset ?
hold.
when this dependence
1. The sky at noon appears white. Give reason.
sunlight enters the earth's atmosphere, state
When

which colour of light is scattered (i) the most, and 12. The clouds are seen white. Explain.

(i) the least. 13. Give reason why the smoke from a fire looks white
Ans. (i) violet (ii) red.
Ans. The molecules of smoke are bigger than th

A A beam of blue, green and yellow light passes wavelength of light, so they scatter lights of al
through the earth's atmosphere. Name the colour colours equally and the scattered light appears white

which is scattered (a) the least, (b) the most.

MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE
Ans. (a) yellow (b) blue

5. Which colour of white light is scattered the least ?

1. In the white light of the Sun, maximum scattering b
the air molecules present in the earth's atmospher
Give reason.
is for :

Ans. red because wavelength of red light is longest

(a) red colour (b) yellow
and intensity of scattered light Io« 1/24.
colour

(c) green colour (d) blue colour.

6. The danger signal is red. Why ?
How Ans. (d) blue colour
7. would the sky appear when seen from the
space (or moon) ? Give reason for your answer.
2. To an astronaut in a space-ship, the earth
appears:
8. What (a) white (b) red
characteristic property of light is responsible
for the blue colour of sky ? Ans. scattering (c) blue (d) black Ans. (c) blue

147