2025-2026
ICSE CLASS 10TH
Physics Notes
by Vishal Sir
CHAPTER 6
Spectrum
1. Deviation by Triangular Prism
Definition
When light passes through a prism, it bends from its original path due to
refraction
Angle of Deviation (δ)
δ = δ₁ + δ₂
where:
δ₁ = deviation at first surface
δ₂ = deviation at second surface
Factors Affecting Deviation
1. Angle of incidence (i) at first surface
2. Angle of prism (A)
3. Refractive index (μ) of prism material
Important: δ depends on wavelength (λ) of light because μ varies with λ
2. Dependence on Wavelength
Speed and Wavelength
Speed of light in medium 1/Refractive index
μ 1/λ (decreases with wavelength)
Therefore: δ 1/λ
Color-wise Deviation
Color Wavelength Deviation
Red 7000 Å (longest) Least
Orange 6500 Å ↓
Yellow 6000 Å ↓
Green 5500 Å ↓
Blue 4500 Å ↓
Indigo 4200 Å ↓
Violet 4000 Å (shortest) Most
Rule: Shorter wavelength → Higher μ → Greater deviation
3. Dispersion of White Light
Definition
Dispersion: Splitting of white light into its constituent colors by a prism
Spectrum
Band of colors obtained when white light passes through a prism
Order of colors: VIBGYOR
Violet
Indigo
Blue
Green
Yellow
Orange
Red
Newton's Experiment
White sunlight through small aperture
Passed through glass prism
Spectrum formed on screen
Conclusion: White light = mixture of 7 colors
Cause of Dispersion
Different colors have different:
- Wavelengths (λ)
- Speeds in medium
- Refractive indices (μ)
Result: Different deviations → Separation of colors
At 1st surface: Refraction + partial separation At 2nd surface: Further
refraction + complete separation
4. Recombination of Colors
Principle
Spectrum colors can recombine to form white light again
Method
Two identical prisms placed inverted to each other
First prism disperses white light
Second prism recombines spectrum back to white light
Combined effect: Acts like parallel glass slab
Conclusion
Prism doesn't create colors, only separates them White light contains all
colors Dispersion is reversible
5. Electromagnetic Spectrum
Definition
Complete range of electromagnetic waves arranged by wavelength/frequency
Relationship
c = νλ
where:
c = speed of light = 3 × 10⁸ m/s
ν = frequency (Hz)
λ = wavelength (m)
Visible Spectrum: 4000 Å to 8000 Å (small part of EM spectrum)
6. Properties of EM Waves
Common Properties
1. No medium required (can travel in vacuum)
2. Same speed in vacuum: c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s
3. Obey reflection and refraction laws
4. Transverse in nature
5. Not affected by electric/magnetic fields
6. Relation: c = νλ
7. Types of EM Radiations
A. Gamma Rays (γ-rays)
Wavelength: < 0.1 Å (< 0.01 nm)
Properties:
Most energetic EM radiation
Produced by radioactive decay
Cause fluorescence (zinc sulphide)
Penetrate thick metal sheets
Penetrate human body (very dangerous)
Uses: Kill cancer cells (radiotherapy) Check welding in industry Sterilization
B. X-rays
Wavelength: 0.1 Å to 100 Å (0.01 nm to 10 nm)
Properties:
Produced by high-energy cathode rays hitting metal target
Chemically active (more than UV)
Affect photographic plates strongly
Cause fluorescence
Penetrate body but stopped by bones
Uses: Detect bone fractures, dental problems CAT scan, medical diagnosis
Study crystal structure Detect concealed metals (security)
C. Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
Wavelength: 100 Å to 4000 Å (10 nm to 400 nm)
Properties:
Pass through quartz, absorbed by glass
Travel at 3 × 10⁸ m/s
Scattered by atmospheric dust
Obey reflection and refraction
Affect photographic plates (chemically active)
Cause fluorescence (zinc sulphide)
Health hazard: Skin cancer with prolonged exposure
Uses: Sterilization (kill germs) Detect purity (gems, eggs, ghee) Produce
Vitamin D in skin Food production in plants/animals
D. Visible Light
Wavelength: 4000 Å to 8000 Å (400 nm to 800 nm)
Properties:
Only EM radiation visible to human eye
Contains VIBGYOR colors
Sources: Sun, bulbs, flames, hot bodies
Uses: Vision (seeing objects) Photography Photosynthesis in plants
E. Infrared (IR) Radiations
Wavelength: 8000 Å to 10⁷ Å (0.8 μm to 1 mm)
Properties:
Travel in straight lines at 3 × 10⁸ m/s
Obey reflection and refraction
Not absorbed by rock salt, absorbed by glass
Don't affect ordinary photographic film
Detected by heating effect (thermopile)
Long wavelength → scattered less, penetrate fog
Effect: Heating (skin burns at high doses)
Uses: Therapeutic purposes (physiotherapy) Night photography, fog
photography Dark room lamps (don't affect film) War signals (invisible)
Remote controls (TV, AC, etc.) Heat therapy
F. Microwaves
Wavelength: 10⁷ Å to 10¹¹ Å (1 mm to 10 m) Frequency: 3 × 10⁷ Hz to 3 × 10¹¹ Hz
Properties:
Produced by electronic devices (klystron tube)
Intermediate wavelength
Uses: Satellite communication Atomic/molecular structure analysis
Microwave ovens (cooking) Radar communication
G. Radio Waves
Wavelength: > 10¹¹ Å (> 10 m) Frequency: < 3 × 10⁷ Hz
Properties:
Longest wavelength in EM spectrum
Show all EM wave properties
Low frequency, low energy
Uses: Radio transmission Television transmission Radar communication
Mobile communication
8. Comparison Table
Type Wavelength Energy Penetration Main Use
γ-rays Smallest Highest Very high Cancer
treatment
X-rays Very small Very high High (bones Medical imaging
stop)
UV Small High Low Sterilization
Visible Medium Medium Very low Vision
IR Large Low Fog/mist Remote control
Microwaves Very large Very low Buildings Communication
Radio Largest Lowest Very high Broadcasting
9. Key Wavelength Values
1 Angstrom (Å) = 10 ¹⁰ m
1 nanometer (nm) = 10 ⁹ m = 10 Å
1 micrometer (μm) = 10 ⁶ m = 10⁴ Å
Visible spectrum:
Red: 7000 Å = 700 nm
Violet: 4000 Å = 400 nm
10. Important Formulas
Quantity Formula Unit
Deviation δ = δ₁ + δ₂ degree (°)
Wave equation c = νλ m/s
Speed of light c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s
Refractive index μ 1/λ -
This means the object appears 6 times larger.
12. Practical Applications
Convex Lenses:
Camera (forms real, inverted, diminished images)
Projector (forms real, inverted, magnified images)
Human eye lens
Magnifying glass (forms virtual, magnified images)
Correcting hypermetropia (farsightedness)
Concave Lenses:
Correcting myopia (nearsightedness)
Peepholes in doors
Beam expanders in laser applications
In combination with convex lenses to reduce aberrations
ICSE CLASS 10TH
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