Roll No : School : - Time :

Date : Assessment :
Marks: 205
Subject :
Class :

1 (a) Define mutual inductance and write its SI units. 5

(b) Derive an expression for the mutual inductance of two long co-axial
solenoids of same length wound one over the other.
(c) In an experiment, two coils c1 and c2 are placed close to each
other. Find out the expression for the emf induced in the coil c1 due to
a change in the current through the coil c2.
Ans :
2(a) In Young’s double slit experiment, derive the condition for (i) 5
constructive interference, and (ii) destructive interference at a point on
the screen.
(b) A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths, 800 nm and 600 nm
is used to obtain the interference fringes in a Young’s double slit
experiment on a screen placed 1.4 m away. If the two slits are
separated by 0.28 mm, calculate the least distance from the central
bright maximum where the bright fringes of the two wavelengths
coincide.
Ans :
3What is meant by a linearly polarised light ? Which type of waves can 5
be polarised ? Briefly explain a method for producing polarised light.
Two polaroids are placed at 90° to each other and the intensity of
transmitted light is zero. What will be the intensity of transmitted light
when one more polaroid is placed between these two bisecting the
angle between them? Take intensity of unpolarised light as I0.
Ans :
A light wave in which an electric vector is confined to a single plane is said to
be linearly polarised. Only transverse waves can be polarised.
Polarisation by reflection
When an unpolarised light is incident on a boundary between two transparent
media, the reflected light is polarised with its electric field. The electric vector
perpendicular to the plane of refracted and reflected rays makes an angle of 90°
with each other.
The intensity of polarised light after it comes out of the first polaroid is

4 What are eddy currents? How are they produced? 5

Describe briefly three main useful applications of eddy currents.
Ans :
Eddy currents: The induced circulating current produced in bulk piece
of conductor, when subjected to a changing magnetic flux is called
eddy current.
Applications:
(i) Magnetic braking in trains: In some electrically powered trains,
strong electromagnets are situated above the rails. When these
magnets are activated, eddy currents are induced in the rails. These
currents oppose the motion of the train. Due to the absence of
mechanical linkage, the breaking effect is strong.
(ii) Electromagnetic damping: Certain galvanometers have fixed core
made of non-magnet metallic materials. When the coil of galvanometer
oscillates, eddy currents generated on the core oppose its motion. As a
result, the coil comes to rest quickly.
(iii) Electric power meters: The shiny metal disc in the electric power
meter rotates due to the eddy currents. Electric currents are induced in
the disc by magnetic fields produced by sinusoidally varying current
(i.e. ac) in the coil.
5 In YDSE, the two slits pass the light of intensities I0 and 4I0 and the 5
interference pattern is obtained on the screen, then answer the
following:
(a) Ratio of widths of two S1 and S2.
(b) Amplitude ratio of two waves.
Ans :

6(a) Draw the intensity pattern for single slit diffraction and double slit 5
interference. Hence, state two differences between interference and
diffraction patterns.
(b) A parallel beam of light of wavelength 500 nm falls on a narrow slit
and the resulting diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 1 m away.
It is observed that the first minimum is a distance of 2.5 mm away
from the centre. Find the width of the slit.

Ans :
(a) Intensity pattern for:

Differences between interference and diffraction patterns:

(i) Interference is the superposition of light waves from two different
wavefronts originating fromthe same source, while the diffraction is
theinteraction of light waves from different parts ofthe same
wavefront.
(ii) In an interference pattern, fringes may or may not
be of the same width, while in diffraction pattern, they are never of the
same width.
(iii) In an interference pattern, bright fringes are of uniform intensity,
while in diffractions pattern, they are of varying intensity. (any two)
(b) Given: λ = 5 × 10–7 m, D = 1 m, y = 2.5 × 10–3m We know that the
half of the width of the central maximum

7 Calculate self-inductance for a long solenoid of length l, number of 5

turns N and radius r.
Ans :
We know that, the magnetic field inside an air filled long current
carrying solenoid is, where μ0 is the permeability of free
space, N, the total number of turns of the solenoid and l is its length.

and total magnetic flux (flux linkage) through the solenoid is equal to

The self-inductance of the solenoid is equal to

8(a) State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. 5
(b) The magnetic field through a circular loop of wire 12 cm in radius
and 8.5Ω resistance, changes with time as shown in the figure. The
magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the loop. Calculate the
induced current in the loop and plot it as a function of time.

(c) Show that Lenz’s law is a consequence of conservation of energy.

Ans :
(a) (i) Whenever there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with a
circuit, an induced emf is set up in it and lasts as long as the magnetic
flux linked with it is changing.
(ii) The magnitude of the induced emf ε in a circuit is directly
proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linked with the
circuit.
(c) Lenz’s law complies with the principle of conservation of energy. For
example, when the N-pole of a bar magnet is pushed into a coil as
shown, the direction of induced current in the coil will be such that the
end 2 of the coil will act as N-pole. Thus, work has to be done against
the magnetic repulsive force to push the magnet into the coil. The
electrical energy produced in the coil is at the expense of this work
done.

9(a) A long straight wire of a circular cross-section of radius a carries a 5

steady current I. The current is uniformly distributed across the cross-
section. Apply Ampere’s circuital law to calculate the magnetic field at
a point r in the region for (i) r < a and (ii) r > a. Plot a graph showing the
nature of this variation.
(b) Calculate the ratio of magnetic field at a point a/2 above the
surface of the wire to that at a point a/2 below its surface. What is the
maximum value of the field of this wire?
Ans :
10Using Biot–Savart’s law, derive the expression for the magnetic field 5
in the vector form at a point on the axis of a circular current loop.
Ans :
11(a) Draw a labelled diagram of a moving coil galvanometer. Describe 5
briefly its principle and working.
(b) Answer the following:
(i) Why is it necessary to introduce a cylindrical soft iron core inside
the coil of a galvanometer?
(ii) Increasing the current sensitivity of a galvanometer may not
necessarily increase its voltage sensitivity. Explain, giving reason.
Ans :
With the increase in the magnetic field, the sensitivity of galvanometer
increases.
(ii) To increase the current sensitivity, suppose we increase the number of
turns. At the same time, resistance also increases in the same proportion, so
the voltage sensitivity remains same.
12(a) With the help of a diagram, explain the principle and working of a 5
moving coil galvanometer.
(b) What is the importance of a radial magnetic field and how is it
produced?
(c) Why is it that while using a moving coil galvanometer as a
voltmeter a high resistance in series is required whereas in an
ammeter a shunt is used?
Ans :
(a) Refer to Ans. 59 (a).
(b) With a radial magnetic field sin θ = 1 in the expression for the
torque. Hence, we can calibrate a scale.
(c) A high resistance is joined in series with a galvanometer so that
when the arrangement (voltmeter) is used in parallel with the selected
section of the circuit it should draw least amount of current.
In case voltmeter draws an appreciable amount of current, it will
disturb the original value of potential difference by a good amount.
To convert a galvanometer into an ammeter, a shunt is used in parallel
with it. So that when the arrangement is joined in series the value of
current in the circuit does not get changed by a considerable amount.
13(a) Define electric flux. Write its SI units. 5
(b) Using Gauss’s law, prove that the electric field at a point due to a
uniformly charged infinite plane sheet is independent of the distance
from it.
(c) How is the field directed if (i) the sheet is positively charged, (ii)
negatively charged?
Ans :
(a) Refer to Ans. 29.
(b) Consider a thin infinite sheet of charge with uniform surface charge
density σ. To calculate electric field at a point P distant r from the sheet
we imagine a symmetrical
Gaussian surface in such a way that the point charge lies on it. Here we
assume a
cylinder of cross-sectional area A and length 2r with its axis perpendicular
to the sheet.
Flux through the curved surface of the cylinder,

Total flux through plane faces of the cylinder,

Net flux through the Gaussian surface is

Φ = Φ1 + Φ2 = 2EA ...(i)
Net charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is
Q = σA

According to the Gauss’s theorem,

14Using Gauss’s law deduce the expression for the electric field due to a 5
uniformly charged spherical conducting shell of radius R at a point (i)
 outside and (ii) inside the shell.
Plot a graph showing variation of electric field as a function of r > R
and r < R. (r being the distance from the centre of the shell)

Ans :
Refer to Ans. 77.
A graph showing variation of electric field as a function of r > R and r <
R is shown below.

15(a) Use Gauss’s law to obtain an expression for the electric field due 5
to an infinitely long thin straight wire with uniform linear charge
density λ.
(b) an infinitely long positively charged straight wire has a linear
charge density λ. An electron is revolving in a circle with a constant
speed v such that the wire passes through the centre and is
perpendicular to the plane of the circle. Find the kinetic energy of the
electron in terms of magnitudes of its charge and linear charge
density λ on the wire.
(c) Draw a graph of kinetic energy as a function of linear charge
density λ.
Ans :
(a) Electric field intensity due to infinitely long charged straight wire:
Consider a linear charge distribution with charge density λ. We imagine
a symmetrical Gaussian surface around length l of this distribution in
such a way that the point P where we have to calculate electric field lies
on it.

Electric flux through the circular faces of this Gaussian surface is zero.
∵
= [Link] cos 90° = 0 ( θ = 90°)
Electric flux through the curved surface is given by
Net flux through the Gaussian surface is given by

From equations (i) and (ii), we get

16A thin convex lens having two surfaces of radii of curvature R1 and R2 5
is made of a material of refractive index μ2. It is kept in a medium of
refractive index μ2. Derive, with the help of a ray diagram, the lens
maker’s formula when a point object placed on the principal axis in
front of the radius of curvature R1 produces an image I on the other
side of the lens.
Ans :
17 Derive the lens formula, 5
for a concave lens, using
necessary ray diagram.
Two lens of powers 10 D and –5 D are placed in contact.
(a) Calculate the power of new lens.
 (b) Where should an object be held from the lens, so as to obtain a
virtual image of magnification 2?
Ans :

18(a) Draw a ray diagram showing image formation in a compound 5

microscope. Define the term ‘limit of resolution’ and name the factors
on which it depends. How is it related to resolving power of
microscope?
(b) Suggest two ways by which the resolving power of a microscope
can be increased.
(c) “A telescope resolves whereas a microscope magnifies.” Justify
this statement.
Ans :

(a)

Limit of resolution: The minimum linear or angular separation between

two point objects at which they can be just separately seen or resolved
by an optical instrument is called limit of resolution.
The limit of resolution depends on: (i) wavelength of light used, and
(ii) medium between object and objective lens.
The resolving power of microscope is the reciprocal of its limit of
resolution.
(b) The resolving power of a microscope can be increased by
(i) decreasing wavelength, and
(ii) increasing refractive index of the medium between object and
objective of the microscope.
(c) A telescope produces an (angularly) magnified image of the far
object and thereby enables us to resolve them.
A microscope magnifies small objects which are near to our eyes.
19Draw a ray diagram showing the image formation of a distant object 5
by a refracting telescope. Define its magnifying power and write the
two important factors considered to increase the magnifying power.
Describe briefly the two main limitations and explain how far these
can be minimized in a reflecting telescope.
Ans :

A ray diagram of a refracting telescope

Magnifying power is the ratio of angle subtended at the eye by the final
image to the angle subtended by the object at the eye.
We can increase the magnifying power by:
(i) increasing focal length of an objective.
(ii) decreasing focal length of an eyepiece. Limitations:
(i) Refracting type telescope suffers from chromatic aberration.
(ii) They have small resolving power.
Advantages of reflecting types telescope
• It is free from chromatic aberration as there is no refraction.
• The aperture of mirror can be kept larger in comparison to the
aperture of lenses, because their grinding/polishing is easier and they
can easily be provided with mechanical support. With larger aperture
the resolving power of telescope increases.

20Draw an astronomical telescope, when the final image is formed at 5

the least distance of distinct vision (D) from the eye. Define the
magnifying power of the astronomical telescope and derive its
formula.
Ans :
Refer to Ans. 11(a) for Ray diagram. [Answers to Practice Questions]
Magnifying power or angular magnification of an astronomical
telescope is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by
the final image at the least distance of distinct vision to the angle
subtended at the eye by the object at infinity, when seen directly.
Let angle subtended by the object on the eye at C1 is a.

21Explain the term ‘inductive reactance’. Show graphically the variation 5

of inductive reactance with frequency of the applied alternating
voltage. An ac voltage E = E0 sin wt is applied across a pure inductor
of inductance L. Show mathematically that the current flowing
through it lags behind the applied voltage by a phase angle of π/2.
Ans :
22Explain the term ‘capacitive reactance’. Show graphically the variation 5
of capacitive reactance with frequency of the applied alternating
voltage.
An ac voltage E = Em sin wt is applied across a pure capacitor of
capacitance C. Show mathematically that the current flowing through
it leads the applied voltage by a phase angle of π/2.
Ans :
23(a) What do you understand by sharpness of resonance in a series 5
LCR circuit? Derive an expression for Q-factor of the circuit.

(b)

Three electrical circuits having ac sources of variable frequency are

shown in the figure. Initially the current flowing in each of these is
same. If the frequency of the applied ac source is increased, how will
the current flowing in these circuits be affected? Give reason for your
answer.
Ans :
Refer to Point no. 9 [Important Terms, Definitions and Formulae).
The sharpness of resonance is measured by Q – factor of the LCR circuit. It is
defined as the ratio of the voltage developed across the inductance (or
capacitance) at resonance to the voltage developed across the resistance.

24(a) State the principle on which an ac generator works. Draw a 5

labelled diagram and explain its working.
(b) A conducting rod held horizontally along East-West direction is
dropped from rest from a certain height near the Earth’s surface. Why
should there be an induced emf across the ends of the rod? Draw a
plot showing the instantaneous variation of emf as a function of time
from the instant it begins to fall.
Ans :
25(a) With the help of a labelled diagram, describe briefly the underlying 5
principle and working of a step-up transformer.
(b) Write any two sources of energy loss in a transformer.
(c) A step-up transformer converts a low input voltage into a high
output voltage. Does it violate law of conservation of energy? Explain.
Ans :

A step-up transformer is based on the principle of mutual induction.

An alternating potential (Vp) when applied to the primary coil, induces an emf in it.
As same flux is linked with the secondary coil with the help of soft iron core due to the mutual

induction, an emf is induced in it also.

In case of dc voltage, flux does not change. Thus, noemf is induced in the circuit.

(b) Two sources of energy loss are:

(i) flux leakage, and
(ii) resistance of the windings.
(c) For a given power supply, a high output voltage means a low output
current. As there is no gain in power, the law of conservation of energy
is not violated.
26(a) Draw a schematic sketch of an ac generator describing its basic 5
elements. State briefly its working principle. Show a plot of variation
of
(i) Magnetic, flux and
(ii) Alternating emf versus time generated by a loop of wire rotating in
a magnetic field.
Or
With the help of a labelled diagram, describe the principle and
working of an ac generator. Hence, obtain an expression for the
instantaneous value of the emf generated.
Ans :
(a) An alternating current generator, designed by Nikola Tesla, is based
upon the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Construction: An AC generator consists of the following parts:
(i) Armature: It is a rectangular coil ABCD (Fig.) having a large number
of turns of insulated copper wire wound over a soft-iron core. The core
increases the magnetic flux linked with the armature. (not shown in the
diagram)
(ii) Field magnet: It is a powerful permanent magnet having concave
pole-pieces N and S. The armature is rotated (say, by a water turbine)
between these pole-pieces about an axis perpendicular to the magnetic
field lines.
(iii) Slip rings: The leads from the armature coil ABCD are connected to
two copper rings R1 and R2 called the ‘slip rings’. These rings are
concentric with the axis of the armature-coil and rotate with it.
(iv) Brushes: These are two carbon pieces B1 and B2 called ‘brushes’
which remain stationary, pressing against the slip rings R1 and R2
respectively. The brushes are connected to the external circuit in which
current is to be supplied by the generator.

∴ε=ε 0 sin t

27(a) Draw a schematic diagram of a step-up transformer. Explain its 5

working principle. Assuming the transformer to be 100% efficient,
obtain the relation for (i) the current in the secondary in terms of the
current in the primary, and (ii) the number of turns in the primary and
secondary windings.
(b) Mention two important energy losses in actual transformers and
state how these can be minimized.
Ans :

(b) Refer to Point no. 13 (d) [Important Terms, Definitions and

Formulae]

28(a) Define the term ‘drift velocity’ of charge carriers in a conductor. 5

Obtain the expression for the current density in terms of relaxation
time.
(b) A 100 V battery is connected to the electric network as shown. If
the power consumed in the 2 Ω resistor is
200 W, determine the power dissipated in the 5 Ω resistor.

Ans :
Drift velocity: Refer to Point no. 2 [Important Terms, Definitions and
Formulae]
Let A be the area of cross-section of a wire and n be the number of free
electrons per unit volume. If vd be the average drift speed of the electrons
along the wire, then the number of electrons passing in time t through the
cross-section of the wire will be given by nAvd. If e is the charge on each
electron, the charge q passing in time t through the cross-section of the
wire
will be given as

where j is the current density.

(b) Power disspated in 2 Ω resistance = 200 W (given)

Voltage drop across 2 Ω, i.e. V = 2 × 10 = 20 V

29(a) State, with the help of circuit diagram, the working principle of a 5
meter bridge. Obtain the expression used for determining the
unknown resistance.
(b) What happens if the galvanometer and cell are interchanged at the
balance point of the bridge ?
(c) Why is it considered important to obtain the balance point near the
midpoint of the wire?
Ans :
(a) The metre bridge is based on the Wheatstone bridge principle.
The connections are made as shown in the figure. A resistance R is
introduced from the resistance box and the key K is closed. The jockey
is moved on the wire to the point where there is no deflection in the
galvanometer. In such a case points B and D are at the same potential.
The point D is called the null point.

Let, in this position, AD = L cm and DC = (100 – L) cm. Therefore, the

resistance of AD, i.e. P ∝ L and resistance of DC, i.e. Q ∝ (100 – L),
hence

In a balanced state, by the Wheatstone bridge principle, we have

Substituting equation (i) in equation (ii), we have

Rewriting equation (iii), we have

(b) There is no change in the position of the balance point if the

galvanometer and the cell are interchanged.
(c) It is important to get the balance point near the mid-point of the wire
because then the resistances in the four arms of the bridge are of the
same order. The sensitivity of the bridge is maximum and the
resistance is determined move accurately.
30(a) State Kirchhoff ’s rules for a network. Using Kirchhoff ’s rules, 5
obtain the balance condition in terms of the resistances of four arms
of wheatstone bridge.
(b) In the meter bridge exprimental set up, shown in the figure, the null
point D is obtained at a distance of 40 cm from end A of the meter
bridge wire. If a resistance of 10 Ω is connected in series with R1, null
 point is obtained at AD = 60 cm. Calculate the values of R1 and R2.

Ans :
Kirchhoff ’s rules: Refer to Point no. 16 [Important Terms, Definition and
Formulae]
Let us consider a wheatstone bridge.
Take loop ABDA,
P(i – i1) + Xi3 – Ri1 = 0 …(i)

Take loop BCDB

Q(i – i1 – i3) – S (i1 + i3) – Xi3 = 0
Q(i – i1) – Qi3 – Si1 – (S + X)i3 = 0 …(ii)
When the point B and D are at same potential, the bridge is said to be
balanced.
As in balanced state, i3 = 0, from equations (i) and (ii), we get
P(i – i1) = Ri1
Q(i – i1) = Si1

(b) For the first balanced bridge situation

If a resistance of 10 Ω is connected in series with R1, the equivalent

resistance Req = R1 + 10 for the second balanced bridge situation

From equations (i) and (ii), we get

31State Kirchhoff ’s laws of an electrical network. Using Kirchhoff ’s 5

laws, calculate the potential difference across the 8 Ω resistor.
Ans :
Kirchhoff's Rules: Refer to Point no. 16. [Important terms, Definitions
and Formulae]
i = i1 + i2 …(i)
Consider a loop ADCBA,

8i + 6i + 2i1 = 4
8i + 8i1 = 4
2i + 2i1 = 1 …(ii)
Consider a loop DCQPD,
8i + i2 + 4i2 = 6
8i + 5i2 = 6 …(iii)
On solving equations (i), (ii) and (iii) we get

Thus, potential drop across the 8 Ω resistor is

V=i×8

V=

V= volt

32(i) Derive an expression for drift velocity of electrons in a conductor. 5

Hence deduce Ohm’s law.
(ii) A wire whose cross-sectional area is increasing linearly from its
one end to the other, is connected across a battery of V volts. Which
of the following quantities remain constant in the wire?
(a) drift speed
(b) current density
(c) electric current
(d) electric field
Justify your answer.
Ans :
(i) In the absence of electric field, the motion of electron is random and
the net velocity is zero,

are random velocities of N electrons.

In the presence of electric field, each electron experiences an
acceleration

here V is potential difference applied across the ends of a conductor of

length ‘l’ and cross-sectional area‘A’, then eq. (ii) becomes (considering
magnitudeonly)

(ii) (a) Drift speed, vd =

(b) Current density, J = (d) Electric field, E = r J =

It can be seen that quantities in parts (a), (b) and (d) vary with cross-
sectional area. Only (c)electric current will remain the same
throughoutthe conductor.
33Using Bohr’s postulates, derive the expression for the frequency of 5
radiation emitted when electron in hydrogen atom undergoes
transition from higher energy state (quantum number ni) to the lower
 state (nf).
When electron in hydrogen atom jumps from energy state ni = 4 to nf
= 3, 2, 1, identify the spectral series to which the emission lines
belong.
Ans :

34Derive the expression for the energy stored in a parallel plate 5

capacitor of capacitance C with air as medium between its plates
having charges Q and where A is the area of each plate and
d is the separation between the plates.
How will the energy stored in a fully charged capacitor change when
the separation between the plates is doubled and a dielectric medium
of dielectric constant 4 is introduced between the plates?
Ans :
Suppose at any instant of time potential difference between the capacitor
plates be V. Then the amount of work required to supply a charge dq to the
capacitor is given by
dW = Vdq
To supply a charge Q, the work done is given by

This work done gets stored in the form of electrostatic potential energy

On introducing the dielectric medium of dielectric constant K = 4 between the

plates,
The energy stored in the capacitor reduces to one-half of its original value.
35(a) Compare the individual dipole moment and the specimen dipole 5
moment for H2O molecule and O2 molecule when placed in
(i) absence of external electric field
(ii) presence of external electric field.
Justify your answer.
(b) Given two parallel conducting plates of area A and charge
densities +σ and –σ. A dielectric slab of constant K and a conducting
slab of thickness d each are inserted in between them as shown.
(i) Find the potential difference between the plates.
(ii) Plot E versus x graph, taking x = 0 at positive plate and x = 5d at
negative plate.

Ans :
(a)
Non-Polar Polar (H2O)
(O2) Dipole
Absence of
No dipole moment
external
moment exists.
(i) electric field.
exists. No Dipoles are
Individual
dipole randomly
Specimen
moment oriented.
exists. net P = 0
(ii) Presence of Dipole Torque acts
external moment on the
electric field exists. molecules
Individual (molecules to align
Specimen become them
polarised) parallel to
 Dipole
moment
exists.
(b) (i) P.D. between the plates of a capacitor is calculated as

36Derive an expression for the electric potential at a point due to an 5

electric dipole. Also mention the contrasting features of electric
potential of a dipole at a point as compared to that due to a single
charge.
Ans :
Electric potential at a point due to a dipole

Let AB is an electric dipole of length 2l. At a distance ‘r’ from the centre
of dipole point ‘P’ is there at which potential is to be determined due to
∠
the dipole AB. Let POB = θ
Also let r > > l
Let BN is perpendicular from B to PO and AM is perpendicular from ‘A’
to PO. Since l is very small compared to r,
AP ≈ MP = MO + OP = l cos q + r = r + l cos θ Similarly,
BP ≈ NP = OP – ON = r – l cos q Now, net potential at ‘P’ due to dipole,
V = V A + VB Special Cases:

(i) When P lies on the axis of dipole, i.e. q = 0° then

(ii) When P lies on the equatorial plane of the dipole, i.e. θ = 90° then
∵
V = 0 [ cos 90° = 0]
The electric potential on the equatorial line of dipole is zero.
37(a) State briefly the processes involved in the formation of p–n 5
junction explaining clearly how the depletion region is formed.
(b) Using the necessary circuit diagrams, show how the V-I
characteristics of a p–n junction are obtained in
(i) Forward biasing (ii) Reverse biasing
How are these characteristics made use of in rectification?
Ans :
38(a) State Huygen’s principle. Using this principle draw a diagram to 5
show how a plane wavefront incident at the interface of the two
media gets refracted when it propagates from a rarer to a denser
medium. Hence verify Snell’s law of refraction.
(b) When monochromatic light travels from a rarer to a denser
medium, explain the following, giving reasons:
(i) Is the frequency of reflected and refracted light same as the
frequency of incident light ?
(ii) Does the decrease in speed imply a reduction in the energy carried
by light wave ?
Ans :
(a) According to the Huygen’s principle, each point of the wavefront is the
source of secondary disturbance and the wavelets emanting from these
points spread out in all directions with the speed of the wave. A common
tangent to all the wavelets in the forward direction gives the new position
of wavefront at a later time.

(b) (i) Frequency remains the same. When the light of particular frequency
is incident it interacts with the atoms of the matter, which further causes
forced oscillations. As the frequency of charged oscillator and the
frequency of wave emitted by charged oscillator is same, therefore the
frequency of reflected and refracted light is same.
(ii) No, energy carried by a light wave does not depend on its speed.
Instead it depends on its amplitude.
39(a) In Young’s double slit experiment, deduce the conditions for 5
obtaining constructive and destructive interference fringes. Hence
deduce the expression for the fringe width.
(b) Show that the fringe pattern on the screen is actually a
superposition of single slit diffraction from each slit.
(c) What should be the width of each slit to obtain 10 maxima of the
double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit
pattern, for green light of wavelength 500 nm, if the separation
between two slits is 1 mm?
Ans :
40(a) A monochromatic source of light of wavelength λ illuminates a 5
narrow slit of width d to produce a diffraction pattern on the screen.
Obtain the conditions when secondary wavelets originating from the
slit interfere to produce maxima and minima on the screen.
(b) How would the diffraction pattern be affected when
(i) the width of the slit is decreased?
(ii) the monochromatic source of light is replaced by white light?
Ans :
(a) Refer to Ans. 58(a)
(b) (i) Linear width of central maxima,

Angular width of central maxima,

So, when the width of the slit (d) is decreased, the angular width θn
increases, and the diffraction pattern is spread out.
(ii) When a monochromatic source of light is replaced by a source of
white light, the following changes are observed in the diffraction
pattern:
• Differaction pattern is coloured. As the fringe width is directly
proportional to the wavelength, so, the fringe width of red colour is
wider than that of violet colour.
• The central maximum is white.

41(a) How does one demonstrate, using a suitable diagram, that 5

unpolarised light when passed through a polaroid gets polarised?
(b) A beam of unpolarised light is incident on a glass-air interface.
Show, using a suitable ray diagram, that light reflected from the
interface is totally polarised, when µ = tan iB, where µ is the refractive
index of glass with respect to air and iB is the Brewster’s angle.
Ans :
(a) The components of an optical vector (electrical vector) associated
with light wave, along the direction of alignment of the molecules of a
polaroid, get absorbed. These are the components of the optical vector
in a direction perpendicular to the direction of aligned molecules, which
get transmitted. This way, we obtain a plane polarised wave.
(b) A polaroid consists of a long chain of molecules aligned in a
particular direction. The electric vectors of light waves, along the
direction of the aligned molecules, get absorbed.
When an unpolarised light wave is incident as such a polaroid, the wave
will get linearly polarised with the electric vectors oscillating along the
direction perpendicular to the direction of alignment of molecules
(passaxis).
Polarisation of light by reflection Suppose 1st medium is air and 2nd
medium is water. When a beam of unpolarised light is incident on the
interface separating two media, an electric field vector makes the
electrons oscillate on the water surface. These oscillating electrons
produce the reflected and refracted waves. In the reflected wave, the
motion of optical vector (electric field vector) gets confined only to the
direction parallel to the plane of the interface.

The reflected wave is plorarised and the refracted wave moves into the
2nd medium in the direction perpendicular to the direction of reflected
wave. The angle of incidence in this situation is called the Brewster’s
angle (iB). and iB = r (First law of reflection)

The above equation is known as the Brewster’s law.