Written according to the New Text book (2012-2013) published by the Maharashtra State Board

of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Pune.

Std. XII Sci.

Perfect Physics - II
Prof. Mrs. Jyoti D. Deshpande

Prof. Umakant N. Kondapure

(M.Sc., D.H.E.

(M.Sc., B.Ed., Solapur)

H.O.D., R. Jhunjhunwala College)

Salient Features:
9
9
9
9
9
9
9

Exhaustive coverage of syllabus in Question Answer Format.

Covers answers to all Textual Questions and numericals.
Covers relevant NCERT questions.
Simple and Lucid language.
Neat, Labelled and authentic diagrams.
Solved & Practice numericals.
Includes Board Question Paper of February 2013.

Target PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD.

Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tel: 022 6551 6551
Website : www.targetpublications.org
email : mail@targetpublications.in

Std. XII Sci.

Perfect Physics - II

Printed at:
Spark Offset
Nerul
Navi Mumbai

Published by

Target Publications Pvt Ltd.

Sixth Edition : March 2013

Price : ` 180/-

Target PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD.

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PREFACE
In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get through, but rather how many
can get through to you.
Physics is the study of matter and energy and the interaction between them. It is an intrinsic science
providing the indepth information of light, motion, force, magnetism, mechanism, current etc. It also
reveals the magic behind the wonderful existence of natural phenomenon like planets, galaxies and stars.
Hitech gadgets, modern machinery, gigantic skyscrapers, speedy trains, superior infrastructure are some
of the marvels of physics. It not only transforms the life of one who are involved in its study but also
benefit the future generation.
In order to study such a vast science and to master it, one needs to understand and grasp each and every
concept thoroughly. For this we bring to you Std XII : PERFECT PHYSICS - II a complete and
thorough book which analyses and extensively boost confidence of the student.
Topic wise classified question and answer format of this book helps the student to understand each and
every concept thoroughly. Significant formulas, summary, laws, definitions and statements are also given
in systematic representation. Solved problems are also provided to understand the application of different
concepts and formulae. Practice problems and multiple choice question help the students, to test their
range of preparation and the amount of knowledge of each topic.
And lastly, I would like to thank all those people who have helped me in preparing this exclusive guide
for all students. There is always room for improvement and hence we welcome all suggestions and regret
any errors that may have occurred in the making of this book.
A book affects eternity; one can never tell where its influence stops.

Best of luck to all the aspirants!

Yours faithfully
Publisher

TARGET Publications

Paper Pattern

There will be one single paper of 70 Marks in Physics.

Duration of the paper will be 3 hours.

Physics paper will consist of two parts viz: Part-I and Part-II.

Each part will be of 35 Marks.

Same Answer Sheet will be used for both the parts.

Each Part will consist of 4 Questions.

The paper pattern for PartI and PartII will be as follows:

Question 1:

(7 Marks)

This Question will be based on Multiple Choice Questions.

There will be 7 MCQs, each carrying one mark.
One Question will be based on calculations.
Students will have to attempt all these questions.
Question 2:

(12 Marks)

This Question will contain 8 Questions, each carrying 2 marks.

Students will have to answer any 6 out of the given 8 Questions.
In this question, 4 marks will be based on calculations.
Question 3:

(9 Marks)

This Question will contain 4 Questions, each carrying 3 marks.

Students will have to answer any 3 out of the given 4 Questions.
In this question, 2 marks will be based on calculations.
Question 4:

(7 Marks)

This Question will contain 2 Questions, each carrying 7 marks.

Students will have to answer any 1 out of the given 2 Questions.
In this question, 2/3 marks will be based on calculations.

Distribution of Marks According to Type of Questions

Type of Questions

Marks

Marks with option

Percentage (%)

Objectives

14

14

20

Short Answers

42

56

60

Brief Answers

14

28

20

Total

70

98

100

Sr. No.

Unit

Page No.

Maximum
Marks

Marks
with
option

10

Wave Theory of light

03

04

11

Interference and Diffraction

30

04

06

12

Electrostatics

70

03

04

13

Current Electricity

107

03

04

14

Magnetic Effects of Electric Current

139

03

04

15

Magnetism

165

03

04

16

Electromagnetic Induction

181

04

06

17

Electrons and Photons

223

03

04

18

Atoms, Molecules and Nuclei

243

04

06

19

Semiconductors

278

03

04

20

Communication Systems

310

02

03

21

Board paper 2013

323

Note: 1. All the Textual questions are represented by * mark.

2. Answers of Intext Questions are represented by # mark.

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

TARGET Publications

10

Wave theory of light

b.

10.0 Introduction
Q.1. State
the
postulates
of
Newtons
corpuscular theory.
Ans: Postulates of Newtons corpuscular theory:
i.
Every source of light emits large
number of tiny particles known as
corpuscles in a medium surrounding
the source.
ii.
These corpuscles are perfectly elastic,
rigid and weightless.
iii. The corpuscles travel in a straight line
with very high speeds, which are
different in different media.
iv. One gets a sensation of light when the
corpuscles fall on the retina.
v.
Different colours of light is due to
different sizes of corpuscles.
Q.2. State the drawbacks of Newtons
corpuscular theory.
Ans: Drawbacks of Newtons corpuscular theory:
i.
It could not explain partial reflection
and refraction at the surface of a
transparent medium.
ii.
It was unable to explain phenomenon
such as interference, diffraction,
polarisation etc.
iii. This theory predicted that speed of light
in a denser medium is more than the
speed of light in a rarer medium which
was experimentally proved wrong by
Focault.
Hence
the
Newtons
corpuscular theory was rejected.
iv. When particles are emitted from the
source of light, the mass of the source of
light must decrease but several
experiments showed that there is no
change in the mass of the source of light.
Q.3. Explain
i.
Maxwells electromagnetic theory
ii.
Plancksquantum theory of light.
Ans : i.
Maxwells electromagnetic theory of
light:
a.
Maxwell postulated the existence
of electromagnetic waves.
Wave Theory of Light

ii.

Light is an electromagnetic wave

which requires no material
medium for its propagation. So
light can travel through a medium
where there is no atmosphere i.e.
in vacuum.
Plancks quantum theory:
a.
According to Plancks quantum
theory, light is propagated in the
form of packets of light energy
called quanta.
b.
Each quantum of light (photon)
has energy E = h
where, h = Plancks constant
= 6.63 1034 Js
= frequency of light

10.1 Wave theory of light

*Q.4. Give a brief account of Huygens wave
theory of light.
[Oct 01, 04]
Ans: Huygens wave theory of light:
In 1678, Dutch physicist Christian Huygen
proposed a theory to explain the wave nature
of light. This theory is called Huygens wave
theory of light.
Main postulates of Huygens wave theory:
i.
Light energy from a source is
propagated in the form of waves: The
particles of the medium vibrate about
their mean position in the form of
simple harmonic motion. Thus the
particles transfer energy from one
particle to its neighbouring particle and
reach the observer.
ii.
In homogeneous isotropic medium the
velocity of wave remains constant:
Speed of the wave is not affected
because density and temperature of
isotropic medium is same.
iii. Different colours of light waves are due
to different wavelengths of light waves:
Each wave has its own wavelength. As
the wavelength changes, its colour and
frequency also changes. This is
indicated by change in the colour.

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

iv.

The material medium is necessary for

the propagation of wave: Periodic
disturbance is created in the medium at
one place which is propagated from that
place to another place. The medium only
carries disturbance and handover it to
the next particle. Hence it is assumed
that luminiferous ether (hypothetical
medium) is present everywhere and
even in vacuum which possess the
property of elasticity and inertia.

Q.5. State the merits of Huygens wave theory of

light.
Ans: Merits of Huygens wave theory of light:
i.
It gives satisfactory explanation for laws
of reflection, refraction and double
refraction of light assuming transverse
nature of the light waves.
ii.
It also explains the theory of
interference and diffraction.
iii. It explains the phenomenon of
polarisation of light.
iv. It experimentally proved that velocity of
light in rarer medium is greater than that
in a denser medium.
Q.6. State demerits of Huygens wave theory of
light.
[Oct 01]
Ans: Demerits of Huygens wave theory of light:
i.
This theory could not explain rectilinear
propagation of light.
ii.
It could not explain Compton effect,
photoelectric effect, Raman effect etc.
iii. It could not explain properly the
propagation of light through vacuum.
This is because ether has high elastic
constant and zero density which gives
contradictory results.
iv. According to Huygens wave theory,
luminiferous ether medium exists
everywhere in the universe even in
vacuum which are treated as material
medium for propagation of light wave.
However Michelsons and Morleys
theory disapproved the existence of
ether medium.
Note:
1.
According to wave theory of light, a source of
light sends out disturbance in all directions.
When these waves carrying energy reach the
eye, they excite the optic nerves and the
sensation of vision is produced.

TARGET Publications

2.

Electromagnetic nature of light was

experimentally proved by Maxwell in 1873.

3.

Light wave is assumed to be transverse. Its

speed in a hypothetical medium is given by
v =

where E and are elasticity and

density of the medium.

4.

Huygens
theory
was
not
accepted
immediately due to following reasons:
i.
If light were waves, they should bend
around the sharp corners in the same
manner as the sound waves.
ii.
If light were waves, they could not
travel through vacuum. This difficulty
was overcome by assuming the
existence of a hypothetical medium
(ether) which was assumed to fill the
whole space.

10.2 Wavefront and wave normal

Q.7. Explain the concept of wavefront.
Ans: Concept of wavefront:
i.
According to Huygens theory, light
travels in the form of waves which are
emitted from the source.
ii.
Consider a point source of light S
situated in air or vacuum. Light waves
spread out in all possible directions from
the source of light with same speed c.
iii. After time t seconds, each light wave
covers a distance equal to ct.
E

D
S
C
iv.

v.

ct

Draw a spherical surface by considering

radius ct and S as its centre. This surface
cuts waves of light at different points A,
B, C, D, E etc.
All the points on this surface are in the
same phase. It is equiphase surface.
Such a surface is called spherical wave
surface.
Wave Theory of Light

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

TARGET Publications

*Q.8. Define
i.
Wavefront
ii.
Wave normal
iii. Wave surface

ii.

Ans: i.

Wavefront:
A locus of all the points of the medium
to which waves reach simultaneously so
that all the points are in the same phase
is called wavefront.

ii.

Wave normal:
A perpendicular drawn to the surface of
a wavefront at any point of a wavefront
in the direction of propagation of light
waves is called a wave normal.
P

N1

wavefront
N2
wave normal

S
Q
Q
Q

Wave surface:
The surface of sphere with source as
centre and distance travelled by light
wave as radius where each wave arrive
simultaneously is called wave surface.

Q.9. State different types of wavefronts with

examples.
Ans: Depending upon the source of light,
wavefronts are classified into three types.
i.
Spherical wavefront:
A wavefront originating from a point
source of light at finite distance is
called spherical wavefront.
Example: Candle flame produces
spherical wavefront
P
S

P1

P2

Q Q1 Q2
R
R1
R2
Spherical wavefront

Wave Theory of Light

Ray of light
(Wave normal)
Source at
infinity
Plane wavefront

iii.

Cylindrical wavefront:
A wavefront originating from a linear
source (slit) of light at a finite distance
is called cylindrical wavefront.
Example: A tube light emits cylindrical
wavefront.

N3

In the figure curve PQ, PQ and P Q

represent wavefront. SN1, SN2 and SN3
represent wave normal.
iii.

Plane wavefront:
A wavefront originating from a point
source of light at infinite distance is
called plane wavefront.
Example: The light from the Sun
reaches the surface of the Earth in the
form of plane wavefront.

Ray of light
(Wave normal)

Cylindrical wavefront

Q.10. State the main characteristics of wavefront.

Ans: Characteristics of wavefront:
i.
Wavefronts travel with the speed of light
in all directions in an isotropic medium.
ii.
The phase difference between any two
points in the same phase on the two
consecutive wavefront is 2. So, if the
phase at one crest is 2 then phase at
next consecutive crest = 4 and so on.
iii. It always travels in the forward
direction. During the propagation of
spherical wavefront from a source, wave
become weaker. It is so because same
energy is distributed over circumference
of larger circles of increasing radii.
iv. In an isotropic medium, it travels with
different
velocities
in
different
directions due to different densities of
the medium.

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

Q.11. State the main characteristics of wave
normal.
Ans: Characteristics of wave normal:
i.
ii.
iii.

iv.

It gives the direction of propagation of

wave.
It is perpendicular to wavefront.
In a homogeneous isotropic medium
wave normal is same as direction of ray
of light.
It is drawn from the point of generation
of wavefront.

10.3 Huygens principle

*Q.12.State Huygens principle.
[Oct 99, 04, 08]
Ans: It is the geometrical construction to determine
new position of a wavefront at later instant
from its position at any instant.
Statement:
i.
Every point on the primary wavefront
acts as a secondary source of light and
sends out secondary waves(wavelets) in
all possible directions.
ii.
The new secondary wavelets are more
effective in the forward direction only
(i.e. direction of propagation of wave
front).
iii. The resultant wavefront at any position
is given by the tangent to all the
secondary wavelets at that instant.
Q.13. Distinguish between primary source of light
and secondary source of light.
Ans:
No. Primary source
Secondary source
of light
of light
i. It is a real source It is a fictitious
of light.
source of light.
sends
out
ii. It
sends
out It
primary waves in secondary waves
all
possible only in the forward
direction.
directions.
iii. Primary wave is Secondary wave is
effective at every effective only at
point
on
its the point where it
touches
the
surface.
envelope.
iv. Primary source is Secondary source
situated in air.
is situated on a
wavefront.

TARGET Publications

10.4 Construction of plane and spherical wavefront

Q.14.What is the shape of the wavefront in each
of the following cases?
(NCERT)
i.
Light diverging from a point source.
ii.
Light emerging out of a convex lens
when a point source is placed at its focus.
Ans: i.
Spherical wavefront.
ii.
Plane wavefront.
*Q.15.Explain the Huygens construction of plane
wavefront.
[Oct 99]
OR
Using Huygens principle explain the
propagation of a plane wavefront. [Feb 06]
Ans: Huygens construction of plane wavefront:
i.
A plane wavefront is formed when point
of observation is very far away from the
primary source.
ii.
Let PQR represents a plane wavefront at
any instant. According to Huygens
principle, all the points on this
wavefront will act as secondary source
of light sending out secondary wavelets
in the forward direction.
iii. Draw hemispheres with P, Q, R. as
centres and ct as radius. The surface of
tangency of all such hemispheres is
P1Q1R1. at instant t. It is a new
wavefront at time t.
iv. The plane wavefront is propagated as a
plane wave in homogeneous isotropic
medium. They are parallel to each other.

ct

P1

N1

Q1

N2

R1

N3

ct
Q

ct
R

PQR: Plane wavefront at any instant,

P1Q1R1 : Plane wavefront after time t,
PP1N1, QQ1N2, RR1N3 : wave normals at PQR

Wave Theory of Light

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

TARGET Publications

v.

vi.

PP1N1, QQ1N2, RR1N3 are the wave

normals at P, Q, R. These wave normals
show the direction of propagation of
plane wavefront.
The new wavefront P1Q1R1 is parallel to
primary wavefront PQR.

*Q.16. Explain the Huygens construction of

spherical wavefront.
Ans: Huygens construction of spherical wavefront:
i.
Spherical wavefront is formed when
source of light is at a finite distance
from point of observation.
ii.
Let S be the point source of light in air.
PQR represents spherical wavefront at any
instant. The wavefront PQR acts as a
primary wave which is propagated in air.
N1
ct

P1

Q
R

ct
Q1

N2

ct
R1

N3
PQR : Primary wavefront,
P1Q1R1 : Secondary wavefront after time t,
SPN1, SQN2, SRN3 : Wave normals at P, Q, R

vii.

These wave normals show the direction

of propagation of spherical wavefront.
viii. The new wavefront P1Q1R1 is parallel to
PQR at every instant.

Note:
The intensity of secondary waves varies from
maximum in forward direction to zero in backward
direction. This indicates that secondary waves are
effective only in forward direction.
10.5 Reflection at a plane surface
*Q.17 With the help of a neat diagram, explain the
reflection of light from a plane reflecting
surface on the basis of wave theory of light.
OR
On the basis of wave theory of light explain
the laws of reflection.
[Oct 96]
Ans: Reflection of plane wavefront from plane
reflecting surface:
According to laws of reflection:
i.
The incident rays, reflected rays and
normal to the reflecting surface at the
point of incidence, all lie in the same
plane.
ii.
The incident rays and the reflected rays
lie on opposite sides of normal.
iii. The angle of incidence is equal to angle
of reflection. i.e. i = r.
Explanation: B
T

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

According to Huygens principle, all the

points on PQR will act as secondary
source of light and send secondary
wavelets with same velocity c in air.
To find out new wavefront at later
instant t, draw hemispheres with
P, Q, R. as centres and ct as radius
in the forward direction.
The surface tangential of all such
hemispheres is an envelope at that
instant t. Such a surface is passing
through the points P1, Q1, R1. on the
hemispheres and touching all the
hemispheres. This surface is the new
wavefront at that instant t.
SPN1, SQN2, SRN3 are the wave
normals at P, Q, R.

Wave Theory of Light

i r

A1
Reflection of light

ir
Y

B1

XY : Plane reflecting surface

AB : Plane wavefront
RB1 : Reflecting wavefront
A1M, B1N : Normal to the plane
AA1M = BB1N = i = Angle of incidence
TA1M = QB1N = r = Angle of reflection

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

i.

ii.

iii.

Let a plane wavefront AB is advancing

obliquely towards plane reflecting surface
XY. AA1 and BB1 are incident rays.
When A reaches XY at A1, then ray at
B reaches point P and it has to cover
distance PB1 to reach the reflecting
surface XY.
Let t be the time required to cover
distance PB1. During this time interval
secondary wavelets are emitted from A1
and will spread over a hemisphere of
radius A1R.
Distance covered by secondary waves to
reach from A1 to R in time t is same as
the distance covered by primary waves
to reach from P to B1.
Thus A1R = PB1 = ct.

iv.

All other rays between AA1 and BB1

will reach XY after A1 and before B1.
Hence they also emit secondary
wavelets of decreasing radii.

v.

The surface touching all such

hemispheres is RB1 which is reflected
wavefront bounded by reflected rays
A1R and B1Q.

vi.

Draw A1M XY and B1N XY.

Thus,
angle
of
incidence
is
AA1M =BB1 N = i and Angle of
reflection is MA1R = NB1Q = r .

RA1B1 = 90 r
PB1A1 = 90 i
vii. In A1RB1 and A1PB1
A1RB1 A1PB1
A1R = PB1 (Reflected waves travel equal
distance in same medium in equal time).
A1B1 = A1B1 (common side)

A1RB1 A1PB1

R1AB1 = PB1A1

90 r = 90 i

i=r
viii. Also from the figure it is clear that
incident ray, reflected ray and normal lie
in the same plane.
ix. This explains laws of reflection of light
from plane reflecting surface on the
basis of Huygens wave theory.

TARGET Publications

Note:
1.
Frequency, wavelength and speed of light
does not change after reflection.
2.
If reflection takes place from a denser medium
then phase changes by radian.
Q.18. Draw neat labelled ray diagram of
reflection of light from a plane reflecting
surface using plane wavefront.
[Mar 96, Oct 99, 04]
Ans: Refer Q.17 (diagram)
10.6 Refraction at plane surface
*Q.19.Explain refraction of light on the basis of
wave theory. Hence prove laws of
refraction.
[Mar 96, Oct 08]
OR
Prove the laws of refraction on the basis of
wave theory light.
[Feb 02, 03, 05, Oct 03, 05, 06]
Ans: Laws of refraction:
i.
Ratio of velocity of light in rarer medium
to velocity of light in denser medium is a
constant called refractive index of denser
medium w.r.t. rarer medium.
ii.
The incident rays, refracted rays and
normal lie in the same plane.
iii. Incident ray and refracted ray lie on
opposite sides of normal.
Explanation:
Phenomenon of refraction can be explained on
the basis of wave theory of light.
B

M
M1

P
A
i
X

A1
r
N

air (1)

r
r

N1

B1

Y
glass (2)

R1

Refraction of light
XY : plane refracting surface
AB : incident plane wavefront
B1R : refracted wavefront
AA1, BB1 : incident rays
A1 R, B1R1 : refracted rays
AA1M = BB1M1 = i : angle of incidence
RA1N = R1B1N1 = r : angle of refraction

Wave Theory of Light

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

TARGET Publications

i.

Let XY be the plane refracting surface

separating two media air and glass of
refractive indices 1 and 2.
ii.
A plane wavefront AB is advancing
obliquely towards XY from air. It is
bounded by rays AA1 and BB1 which
are incident rays.
iii. When A reaches at A1 then B will
be at P. It still has to cover distance
PB1 to reach XY.
iv. According to Huygens principle,
secondary wavelets will originate from
A1 and it will spread over a hemisphere
in glass.
v.
All the rays between AA1 and BB1 will
reach XY and spread over the
hemispheres of increasing radii in glass.
The surface of tangency of all such
hemispheres is RB1. This gives rise to
refracted wavefront B1R in glass.
vi. A1R and B1R1 are refracted rays.
vii. Let c1 and c2 be the velocities of light in
air and glass respectively.
viii. At any instant of time t distance covered
by incident wavefront from P to B1 = PB1
= c1t
Distance covered by secondary wave
from A1 to R = A1R = c2t.
Proof of laws of refraction:
i.
From fig.

ii.

AA1M + MA1P = 90
and

(i)

MA1P + PA1B1 = 90
From equations (i) and (ii)

(ii)

In A1 RB1
sin r =

v.

A1R
c t
= 2
A1B1 A1B1

ct
sin i c1t / A1B1
=
= 1
sin r c 2 t / A1B1 c 2 t

sin i c1
=
sin r c 2

Also

vi.

Q.20. Show that velocity of light in rarer medium

is greater than velocity in denser medium.
[Oct 08]
To show velocity of light in rarer
Ans : i.
medium is greater than velocity in
denser medium, we have to prove
c1 > c2.
From figure

i > r
sin i
>1
sin r

AA1M = PA1B1 = i
Similarly,

2
>1
1

NA1R = N1B1R1 = r
We have

ii.

Since ,

N1B1R + A1B1R = 90
From equations (iii) and (iv)

(iv)

In A1PB1
sin i = PB1 = c1t
A1B1 A1B1

Wave Theory of Light

.(v)

.(viii)

Where 12 = R.I. of glass w.r.t air.

From the explanation, it is clear that
incident rays AA1, BB1, refracted rays
A1R, B1R1 and normal MN and M1N1 lie
on the same plane XY. Also incident ray
AA1 and refracted ray A1R lie opposite
side of normal MN. Hence laws of
refraction can be explained.

(iii)

.(vii)

c1 2 1
= 2
=
c 2 1

sin i > sin r

N1B1R1 + N1B1R = 90
and

.(vi)

Dividing equation (v) by (vi), we have

N1B1R1 = A1B1R = r
iii.

iv.

But

c1 2
=
c 2 1

2
>1
1

c1
>1
c2

c1 > c2
Hence velocity of light in rarer medium
is greater than velocity in denser
medium.

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

Q.21. Define wave number. Write down its unit
and dimension.
Definition:
Ans: i.
Wave number is defined as number of
waves per unit distance.
OR
Reciprocal of wavelength of the light is
called wave number.
It is given by
1
=

ii.
Unit: m1 in SI system and cm1 in CGS
system.
iii. Dimension: [M0L1T0]
Note:
1.
During refraction, speed and wavelength of
light changes but frequency remains same.
2.
Change in wavelength is due to change in speed
of light as it travels from one medium to another.
3.
More the denser medium less is the wavelength.
4.
Phase of light does not change during refraction.
10.7 Polarisation
*Q.22.What do you mean by polarisation? Explain
the concept of polarisation by considering
transverse wave on a rope.
[Oct 09]
Ans: Polarisation:
The phenomenon of restriction of the vibration
of light waves in a particular plane
perpendicular to direction of wave motion is
called polarisation of light.
Concept of Polarisation:
i.
Consider two slits S1 and S2 which are
kept parallel to each other. A string AB
is passed through both the slits. One end
of the string A is in our hand and the
other end B is fixed to a rigid support as
shown in fig. (a).
ii.
Now, A is given a jerk up and down so
that transverse wave is formed in the
string. It is observed that, transverse
wave pass through both the parallel slits
without loss in amplitude of vibrations
as shown in fig. (b).
iii. Now the slit S2 is kept perpendicular to slit
S1. In this case transverse wave travels up
to slit S2 but there are no vibrations in the
string through S2 as shown in fig. (c). This
means slit S2 does not allow the transverse
wave to pass through it.
In this case amplitude of vibrations
reduces to zero.

TARGET Publications

S2

S1

A
Fig. (a)
S1

S2
B

S1

Fig. (b)
S2
B

A
Fig. (c)

iv.

v.

Instead of transverse vibration, if we

produce longitudinal vibration then it will
pass through slit without change in
amplitude of vibrations even the slits may
parallel or at right angles to each other.
From the above experiment it is
concluded that transverse vibrations can
pass through the slits only in certain
conditions. i.e. vibrations are restricted
in certain plane. This phenomenon is
called polarisation.

Note:
1.
There is no effect of position of slit on the
propagation of longitudinal waves. This means
longitudinal wave cannot be polarised.
2.
There is effect of position of slit on the
propagation of transverse waves. This means
transverse waves can be polarised. So,
polarisation is the property of transverse
waves only.
Q.23. Explain in brief the transverse nature of light.
Ans: Explanation of transverse nature of light:
i.
Consider a tourmaline crystal C1 with its
crystallographic axis perpendicular to
the direction of propagation of light.
ii.
Ordinary light (unpolarised light) is
made to incident on crystal C1 as shown
in fig. (a).
iii. The components of electric field vector
which are in the plane of paper pass
through the crystal and the components
of electric field vector which are
perpendicular to plane of paper are
blocked.
Wave Theory of Light

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

23.

The angle between the original direction of

incident ray and reflected ray is
(A) angle of deviation due to reflection
(B) angle of emergence
(C) angle of reflection
(D) angle of refraction

24.

When wavefront strikes a reflecting surface,

(A) it comes to rest
(B) it penetrate the reflecting surface
(C) the surface bends
(D) the points on the surface becomes
source of secondary wavelets

25.

A rays of light of frequency 4 1014 Hz is

refracted through glass of R.I 1.5.
If c = 3 108 m/sec in air, the percentage
change in the wavelength from air to glass is
(A) 50%
(B) 25%
(C) 20%
(D) 33%

26.

The frequency of a beam of light in air is

8 1014 Hz. The wave number of the beam of
light in air is
(B) 2.67 106 m1
(A) 1.67 106 m1
6
1
(C) 3.67 10 m
(D) 4.67 106 m1

27.

31.

In case of refraction of light for normal

incidence, there is no deviation because
(A) i = 90 then r = 0
(B) i = 0 then r = 0
(C) i = 0 then r = 90
(D) i = 90 then r = 90

32.

Which of the following is correct?

c
sin i
(B) 12 = 2
(A) 12 =
sin r
c1
(C)

(A)

sin1
2

(B)

2
2 cos1

(C)

2 cos1
2

(D)

2 sin1
2

The velocity of light in air is c. Its velocity in

a medium of refractive index 1.4 will be
c
(A) c
(B)
1.4
(C) c 1.4
(D) c + 1.4

29.

The refractive index of glass is 1.68 and that

of an oil is 1.2. When a light ray passes from
oil to glass, its velocity will change by a factor
(A) 1/1.2
(B) 1.68 1.2
1
1
(D)
(C)
1.4
1.68 1.2

30.

The laws of refraction of light are valid for

(A) plane mirror
(B) concave mirror
(C) convex mirror
(D) glass lens

2 =

1
2

(D)

2 =

sin r
sin i

33.

A monochromatic beam of light is refracted

into water and then into glass. If a, w and g
are its wavelengths in air, water and glass
respectively, then
(A) a = w = g
(B) a > w > g
(C) a < w < g
(D) a >w or g & w = g

34.

The velocity of light in vacuum is 3 108 m/s.

Determine the velocity, wavelength and
frequency of, green light of wavelength 5270
A.U. in glass. Refractive index of glass is 1.5.
(A) 2 108 m/s, 3513 AU, 5.7 1014 Hz
(B) 3 108 m/s, 4513 AU, 6.7 1014 Hz
(C) 4 108 m/s, 8900 AU, 7.7 1014 Hz
(D) 5 108 m/s, 7000 AU, 8.7 1014 Hz

35.

Monochromatic light of wavelength 6870 A.U

is refracted through water surface. Determine
its wavelength and frequency in water, if its
frequency in air is 4.4 1014 Hz. Refractive
index of water is 1.33.
(A) 7100 A.U, 3 1014 Hz
(B) 4933 A.U, 4 1014 Hz
(C) 6565 A.U, 6 1014 Hz
(D) 5165 A.U, 4.4 1014 Hz

36.

A monochromatic light of wavelength 4310

A.U is incident on the surface of a glass slab
of R.I 1.6. Determine the wavelength and
frequency of light in glass, if its frequency in
air is 5.8 1014 Hz.
(A) 5993 A.U, 2 1014 Hz
(B) 4693 A.U, 4 1014 Hz
(C) 3000 A.U, 7 1014 Hz
(D) 2694 A.U, 5.8 1014 Hz

A ray of light is made to pass from vacuum

into a medium of refractive index . Angle of
incidence is twice the angle of refraction.
Angle of incidence is given by

28.

26

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Wave Theory of Light

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

TARGET Publications

37.

A light wave has a frequency of 4 1014 Hz

and a wavelength of 5 107m in a medium.
The refractive index of the medium is
(A) 1.5
(B) 1.33
(C) 1.0
(D) 0.66

38.

Time taken by the sun light to pass through

window of thickness 4 mm, whose refractive
index is 1.5, is
(B) 2 108 sec
(A) 2 101 sec
(C) 2 1011 sec
(D) 2 1011 sec

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

A rocket is going away from the earth at a

speed 0.2c, where c = speed of light. It emits a
signal of frequency 4 107. What will be the
frequency observed by an observer on the
earth?
(A) 4 106 Hz
(B) 3.2 107 Hz
(D) 5 107 Hz
(C) 3 106 Hz
The R.I of glass is 3/2 and refractive index of
water is 4/3. If the speed of light in water is
2.25 108 m/s what will be speed of light in
glass?
(B) 2 108 m/s
(A) 2.25 108 m/s
(C) 3 108 m/s
(D) 2.98 108 m/s
When light travels from air to water its speed
is retarded by [W = 4/3]
3
4
(A)
107 m/s
(B)
107 m/s
4
3
(D) 7.5 107 m/s
(C) 2.25 108 m/s
The ratio of velocity of light in glass to water
if R.I of glass and water with respect to air is
3/2 and 4/3 respectively will be
(A) 9 /8
(B) 8/9
(C) 3/4
(D) 2/3
The number of waves of electromagnetic
radiation of wavelengths 5000 in a path of 4
cm in vacuum is
(B) 8 104
(A) 7.5 104
(C) 9 106
(D) 10 106
One cannot see through fog because
(A) fog absorbs light
(B) light is scattered by the droplets in fog
(C) light suffers total reflection at the
droplets in fog
(D) the refractive index of fog is infinity

Wave Theory of Light

45.

An unpolarised beam of transverse waves is

one whose vibrations
(A) are confined to a single plane
(B) occur in all directions
(C) have not passed through a polarised disc
(D) occur in all directions perpendicular to
their direction of motion

46.

The transverse nature of light is shown by

(A) interference of light
(B) refraction of light
(C) polarisation of light
(D) dispersion of light

47.

The polarisation of an electromagnetic wave is

determined by
(A) the electric field only
(B) the magnetic field only
(C) both the electric and magnetic fields
(D) the direction of propagation of
electromagnetic waves

48.

The plane of vibration and the plane of

polarisation of a beam of light
(A) are identical to each other
(B) are orthogonal to each light
(C) make an angle, which depends on the
colour of the light
(D) rotate with respect of each other along
the path of the beam

49.

Polaroids used to control the intensity of light

coming through windows of
(A) trains and aeroplanes
(B) nicol prism
(C) biprism
(D) ammeter

50.

Which of the following phenomenon is used

to test and measure the optical activity of
crystal like quartz?
(A) Interference
(B) Polarisation
(C) Diffraction
(D) Refraction

51.

Unpolarised light consists of electric field

vectors in
(A) any one plane
(B) plane of paper
(C) perpendicular to plane of paper
(D) all possible planes

52.

Waves that cannot be polarised are

(A) radio waves
(B) X-rays
(C) visible light
(D) sound waves

27

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

53.

A ray of light strikes a glass plate at an angle

of 60. If reflected and refracted rays are
perpendicular to each other, the R.I. of glass is
1
3
(A)
(B)
2
2
(C) 2/3
(D) 1.732

54.

When unpolarised light is passed through

crossed polaroids then light passes through
first polaroid is
(A) also passes through second polaroid
(B) blocked by second polaroid
(C) partially passes through second polaroid
(D) passes with greater intensity

55.

The critical angle does not depend upon

(A) wavelength
(B) refractive index
(C) temperature
(D) frequency

56.

When unpolarised light is incident on a plane

glass at Brewsters angle, then which of the
following statements is correct?
(A) Reflected and refracted rays are
completely polarised with their planes of
polarisation parallel to each other
(B) Reflected and refracted rays are
completely polarised with their planes of
polarisation perpendicular to each other
(C) Reflected light is plane polarised but
transmitted light is partially polarised.
(D) Reflected light is partially polarised but
refracted light is plane polarised

57.

58.

59.

28

Refractive index of material is equal to

tangent of polarising angle. It is called
(A) Lamberts law
(B) Braggs law
(C) Brewsters law
(D) Malus law
When a light wave suffers reflection at the
interface from air to glass, the change in phase
of reflected wave is equal to
(A) 0
(B)
(C) /2
(D) 2
According to Brewsters law, at polarising
angle the reflected and refracted rays are
(A) parallel to each other
(B) antiparallel to each other
(C) perpendicular to each other
(D) at 40 to each other

TARGET Publications

60.

It is believed that the universe is expanding

and hence the distant stars are receding from
us. Light from such a star will show
(A) shift in frequency towards longer
wavelengths
(B) shift in frequency towards shorter
wavelength
(C) no shift in frequency but a decrease in
intensity
(D) a shift in frequency sometimes towards
longer and sometimes towards shorter
wavelengths

61.

Angle of polarisation for a transparent

medium
(A) does not depend of wave length of light
(B) increases as wavelength increases
(C) decreases as wavelength increases
(D) changes irregularly with increase in
wavelength

62.

The refractive index of certain glass is 1.5 for

yellow light of wavelength 591 nm in air. The
wavelength of the light in the glass will be
(A) 591 am
(B) 394 nm
(C) 886.5 nm
(D) 295.5 nm

63.

A ray of light strikes a glass plate at an angle

of 60. If the reflected and refracted rays are
perpendicular to each other, the index of
refraction of glass is
(A)
(C)

1
2
3/2

(B)
(D)

3
2
1.732

64.

The angle between polariser and analyser is

30. The ratio of intensity of incident light and
transmitted by the analyser is
(A) 3 : 4
(B) 4 : 3
3 :2
(D) 2 : 3
(C)

65.

For a given medium, the polarising angle is

60. The critical angle for this medium
(A) 4723
(B) 6010
(C) 2330
(D) 3516

66.

The angle of incidence is 60 and the angle of

refraction is 30. The polarising angle for the
same medium is
(A) 55
(B) 45
(C) 30
(D) 60
Wave Theory of Light

Std. XII Sci.: Perfect Physics - II

TARGET Publications

67.

68.

69.

In a doubly refracting crystal, optic axis is a

direction along which

Section C

1.

2.143 108 m/s, 1.25 108 m/s, 1.714

2.

35 16, 2 108 m/s

(A)

plane polarised light does not suffer

deviation

(B)

any beam of light does not suffer

deviation

3.

16 22, 2 108 m/s

(C)

double refraction does not take place

4.

2500

(D)

O-ray and E-ray undergo maximum

deviation

5.

2667 A.U

6.

2.25 108 m/s, 4500 1010 m, 5 1014 Hz

Dichroism is the property where

7.

24 44, 2 108 m/s

(A)

unequal absorption of O-ray and E-ray

takes place

8.

35 16

(B)

equal absorption of O-ray and E-ray

takes place

(C)

plane of polarisation rotates

(D)

unequal reflection of O-ray and E-ray

takes place

Section D
1. (B)
5. (A)
9. (A)
13. (B)
17. (B)
21. (C)
25. (D)
29. (C)
33. (B)
37. (A)
41. (D)
45. (D)
49. (A)
53. (D)
57. (C)
61. (C)
65. (D)
69. (B)

Which of the following polaroid is formed by

stretching polyvinyl alcohol by the stress?
(A)

P-polaroid

(B)

H-polaroid

(C)

K-polaroid

(D)

N-polaroid

ANSWERS
Section A

1.

4.5 105 m1

2.

1.5

3.

1.847

4.

6150

5.

53 3

6.

5857

7.

30

8.

67 33

9.

1.54

10.

180 km h1

11.

i.

1.67

iii.

1.25

ii.

(D)
(B)
(B)
(B)
(C)
(C)
(B)
(D)
(A)
(C)
(B)
(C)
(B)
(B)
(B)
(B)
(D)

3.
7.
11.
15.
19.
23.
27.
31.
35.
39.
43.
47.
51.
55.
59.
63.
67.

(C)
(D)
(A)
(A)
(D)
(A)
(C)
(B)
(D)
(B)
(B)
(A)
(D)
(D)
(C)
(D)
(C)

4.
8.
12.
16.
20
24.
28.
32.
36.
40.
44.
48.
52.
56.
60.
64.
68.

(C)
(B)
(D)
(B)
(B)
(D)
(B)
(A)
(D)
(B)
(B)
(B)
(D)
(C)
(A)
(B)
(A)

1.33

12.

6.66 1014 Hz, 2903

13.

2 108 m/s, 2.25 108 m/s, 1.125

14.

1.245

15.

37, 1.327

16.

0.41

Wave Theory of Light

2.
6.
10.
14.
18.
22.
26.
30.
34.
38.
42.
46.
50.
54.
58.
62.
66.

29