Light Reflection and Refraction

1. State the two laws of reflection of light. (Delhi 2011)

Answer:
Laws of reflection of light states that
(i) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
(ii) The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the mirror at the point of incidence
all lie in the same plane.

2. What is the magnification of the images formed by plane mirrors and why? (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Magnification of images formed by plane mirrors is unity because for plane mirrors, the size
of the image formed is equal to that of the object.

3. Draw a labelled ray diagram to show the path of the reflected ray corresponding to an
incident ray of light parallel to the principal axis of a convex mirror. Mark the angle of
incidence and angle of reflection on it. (AI 2019)
Answer:

4. If the image formed by a spherical mirror for all positions of the object placed in front of it
is always erect and diminished , what type of mirror is it? Draw a labelled ray diagram to
support your answer. (2018)
Answer:
If the image formed by a spherical mirror is always erect and diminished then it is convex
mirror.
5. An object is placed at a distance of 30 cm in front of a convex mirror of focal length 15
cm. Write four characteristics of the image formed by the mirror. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Four characteristics of the image formed by the given convex mirror are :
(i) Virtual
(ii) Erect
(iii) Diminished
(iv) Image is always formed behind the mirror between pole and focus.

6. An object is placed at a distance of 12 cm in front of a concave mirror of radius of

curvature 30 cm. List four characteristics of the image formed by the mirror. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Radius of curvature (R) = 30 cm, object distance is 12 cm in front of the mirror. Thus we can
say that object is placed between focus and pole. Four characteristics of the image formed by
die given concave mirror when object is placed between pole and focus are:
(i) Virtual
(ii) Erect
(iii) Enlarged
(iv) Image is formed behind the mirror

7. Name the type of mirrors used in the design of solar furnaces. Explain how high
temperature is achieved by this device. (AI 2016)
Answer:
Concave mirrors are used in the designing of solar furnaces.
When a solar furnace is placed at the focus of a large concave mirror, it focuses a parallel
beam of light on the furnace. Therefore, a high temperature is attained at the point after some
time.

8. “The magnification produced by a spherical mirror is -3”. List four informations you
obtain from this statement about the mirror/ image. (AI 2016)
Answer:
Negative sign of magnification indicates that the image is real and inverted. Since the image
is real and inverted, the mirror is concave and magnification of -3 indicates that the image is
magnified.

9. AB and CD, two spherical mirrors, from parts of a hollow spherical ball with its centre at
O as shown in the diagram. If arc AB = 12 arc CD, what is the ratio of their focal lengths?
State which of the two mirrors will always form virtual image of an object placed in front of
it and why? (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
Focal length of a mirror is given by
Focal length = Radiusofcurvature2
Since both the mirrors have same radius of curvature, therefore focal length of the two
mirrors will be same, i.e.,
f1f2 = 11
Since virtual image is always formed by convex mirror. The mirror AB will always form
virtual image.
.

10. The linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is +3. Analyse this value and
state the (i) type of mirror and (ii) position of the object with respect to the pole of the mirror.
Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of image in this case. (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
Positive value of the magnification indicates that image is virtual and erect.
(i) Since the image is magnified, the mirror is concave.
(ii) The object is between pole and focus of the mirror as shown

The image produced in second case will be real and inverted.

11. Draw a ray diagram to show the path of the reflected ray corresponding to an incident ray
of light parallel to the principal axis of a concave mirror. Mark the angle of incidence and
angle of reflection on it. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:

12. List two possible ways in which a concave mirror can produce a magnified image of an
object placed in front of it. State the difference if any between these two images. (AI2014)
Answer:
A concave mirror can produce a magnified image of an object when object is placed:
(1) In between its pole and its focus
(2) In between its focus and its centre of curvature.
Difference,between these two images:
The image produced in first case will be virtual and erect.
The image produced in second case will be real and inverted.
 13. The linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is +1/3. Analysing this value
state the (i) type of mirror and (ii) position of the object with respect to the pole of the mirror.
Draw any diagram to justify your answer. (AI 2014, Foreign 2014)
Answer:
(i) Convex mirror
(ii) Between infinity and the pole of the mirror.

14. The linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is -1. Analysing this value state
the (i) type of mirror and (ii) position of the object with respect to the pole of the mirror.
Draw any diagram to justify your answer. (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
(i) Concave mirror because the image is real, inverted.
(ii) Object is placed at C.

15. The linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is -1/5. Analysing this value
state the (i) type of spherical mirror and (ii) the position of the object with respect to the pole
of the mirror. Draw ray diagram to justify your answer. (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
(i) Concave mirror
(ii) Object is placed beyond C.

16. Draw ray diagrams for the following cases when a ray of light:
(i) passing through centre of curvature of a concave mirror is incident on it.
(ii) parallel to principal axis is incident on convex mirror.
(iii) is passing through focus of a concave mirror incident on it. (2020)
Answer:
(i) Ray of light passing through centre of curvature of concave mirror, after reflection

(ii) Ray of light parallel to the principal axis is incident on a convex mirror after reflection
appear to diverge from the principal focus of a convex mirror.

(iii) Ray of light passing through focus of a concave mirror after reflection will emerge
parallel

17. Draw the following diagram in which a ray of light is incident on a concave/convex
mirror, on your answer sheet. Show the path of this ray, after reflection, in each case.

Answer:
The path of the rays are shown in figure.

18. The image of an object formed by a mirror is real, inverted and is of magnification -1. If
the image is at a distance of 40 cm from the mirror, where is the object placed? Where would
the image be if the object is moved 20 cm towards the mirror? State reason and also draw ray
diagram for the new position of the object to justify your answer. (AI 2016)
Answer:
Since the image formed by the mirror is real and inverted, therefore the mirror is concave and
magnification of the mirror will be
m = –vu ⇒ -1 = –vu ⇒ v = u
i.e., object and image both are formed at the centre of curvature, i.e., 40 cm from the mirror.
Now, if the object is moved 20 cm towards the mirror, the object will be at the focus of the
mirror and therefore the image will be formed at infinity.

19. To construct a ray diagram we use two rays of light which are so chosen that it is easy to
determine their directions after reflection from the mirror. Choose these two rays and state
the path of these rays after reflection from a concave mirror. Use these two rays to find the
nature and position of the image of an object placed at a distance of 15 cm from a concave
mirror of focal length 10 cm. (Delhi 2015, AI 2012)
Answer:
We use two rays of light, one passing through the centre of curvature of a concave mirror,
and another is parallel to the principal axis. After reflection, the ray passing through the
centre of a concave mirror is reflected back along the same path and the ray parallel to the
principal axis will pass through the principal focus.
u = -15 cm, f= -10 cm
From ray diagram, v = -30 cm, i.e., beyond C Nature of image is real, inverted and magnified.

20. Draw a ray diagram to show the path of the reflected ray in each of the following cases.
A ray of light incident on a convex mirror :
(a) strikes at its pole making an angle 0 from the principal axis.
(b) is directed towards its principle focus.
(c) is pardllel to its principal axis. (Foreign 2015)
Answer:

21. A spherical mirror produces an image of magnification -1 on a screen placed at a

distance of 50 cm from the mirror.
(a) Write the type of mirror.
(b) Find the distance of the image from the object.
(c) What is the focal length of the mirror?
(d) Draw the ray diagram to show the image formation in this case. (Delhi 2014, AI 2014)
Answer:
(a) Concave mirror
(b) Magnification, m = –vu or v = u
∴ Distance of the image from the object is, v – u = 0
(c) As the image is formed at centre of curvature i.e., v = R.
∴ focal length of the mirror, f = −502 = -25 cm
(d) Refer to answer 23(ii).

22. A spherical mirror produces an image of magnification -1.0 on a screen placed at a

distance of 30 cm from the pole of the mirror.
(i) Write the type of mirror in this case.
(ii) What is the focal length of the mirror?
(iii) What is the nature of the images formed?
(iv) Draw the ray diagram to show the image formation in this case. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
(i) The mirror is concave mirror.
(ii) Distance the image from the mirror = – 30 cm
Magnification, m = −vu
Here m = – 1 and v = – 30 cm
-1 = –(−30)u
∴ u = – 30 cm
As v = u, object is placed at centre of curvature. Therefore, focal length of the mirror,
f = −302 = – 15 cm

23. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on a screen 48 cm in front of a
mirror by keeping the flame at a distance of 12 cm from its pole.
(a) Suggest the type of mirror he should use.
(b) Find the linear magnification of the image produced.
(c) How far is the image from its object?
(d) Draw ray diagram to show the image formation in this case. (AI 2014)
Answer:
(a) Concave mirror
(b) Linear magnification,
m = −vu = −(−48)−12 = -4
(c) The distance between the image and the object
= 48 – 12 = 36 cm

24. A student wants to obtain an erect image of a candle flame using a concave mirror of
focal length 15 cm. What should be the range of distance of the candle flame from the
mirror?
State the nature and size of the image he is likely to observe. Draw a ray diagram to show the
image formation in this case. (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
To obtain an erect image of an object, the object should be placed in between pole and focus.
Range of distance of the candle flame from the mirror is in between 15 cm.
Nature of the image = Virtual and erect
Size of the image = Enlarged

25. Mention the types of mirrors used as (i) rear view mirrors, (ii) shaving mirrors. List two
reasons to justify your answer in each case. (Delhi 2013, Delhi 2012)
Answer:
(i) Convex mirror is used as rear view mirror because
(a) it gives erect image.
(b) it gives diminished image thus provides wider view of traffic behind the vehicle.
(ii) Concave mirror is used as shaving mirror because
(a) it gives erect image when mirror is close to the face.
(b) it gives enlarged image of the face so that a person can shave safely.
 26. State the types of mirrors used for (i) headlights and (ii) rear view mirrors, in
motorcycles. Give reason to justify your answer in each case. (AI 2012)
Answer:
(i) Concave mirrors are used in headlights of cars to get powerful beams of light.
(ii) Convex mirrors are used as rear-view mirrors of vehicle to get a wider field of view and
and erect image of traffic behind.

27. With the help of a ray diagram explain why a convex mirror is preferred for rear view
mirrors in the motor cars. (Foreign 2011)
Answer:
Convex mirror is preferred for rear view mirrors in motor cars because no matter where the
object is located in front of convex mirror, it always gives erect and diminished image of the
object, so that driver is able to see the large traffic view in small area and the image is erect.
This can be interpreted from the following diagram.

28. (a) If the image formed by a mirror for all positions of the object placed in front of it is
always diminished, erect and virtual, state the type of the mirror and also draw a ray diagram
to justify your answer. Write one use such mirrors are put to and why?
(b) Define the radius of curvature of spherical mirrors. Find the nature and focal length of a
spherical mirror whose radius of curvature is +24 cm. (AI2017)
Answer:
(a) If the image formed by a mirror for all positions of the object placed in front of it is
always diminished, erect and virtual then the mirror is convex mirror.
The ray diagrams for the formation of image by a convex mirror for the first position when
the object is at infinity and the second position when the object is at a finite distance from the
mirror are shown.

Use of Convex Mirrors

Convex mirrors are commonly used as rear-view (wing) mirrors in vehicles because they
always give an erect, though diminished image. Also, they have a wider field of view as they
are curved outwards. Thus, convex mirrors enable the driver to view a large area.

(b) Radius of Curvature: The radius of the sphere of which the reflecting surface of a
spherical mirror forms a part, is called the radius of curvature of the mirror. It is represented
by the letter R.
∵ The radius of curvature is equal to twice the focal length.
∴ R = 2f
If R = +24 cm ∴ f = R2 = 242 = 12 cm
Since the radius of curvature is positive, the mirror is convex mirror. Hence the nature of the
image is virtual and erect.

29. (a) Define the following terms in the context of spherical mirrors:
(i) Pole
(ii) Centre of curvature
(iii) Principal axis
(iv) Principal focus

(c) Consider the following diagram in which M is a mirror and P is an object and Q is its
magnified image formed by the mirror.

State the type of the mirror M and one characteristic property of the image Q. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(a) (i) Pole : The centre of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is a point called the
pole. It lies in the surface of the mirror and its represented by the letter P.
(ii) Centre of curvature: The reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is a part of a sphere
which has a centre. This point is called the centre of curvature of spherical mirror and is
represented by the letter C.
(iii) Principal axis : An imaginary line passing through the pole and the centre of curvature of
a spherical mirror and normal to the mirror at its pole is called principal axis.
(iv) Principal focus : Incident rays parallel to principal axis, after reflection either converge to
as appear to diverge from a fixed point on the principal axis known as principal focus of the
spherical mirror.

(c) The object is placed between focus and pole of the mirror and a magnified image is
formed behind the mirror.
∴ The mirror is concave and image formed is virtual and erect.

30. List the sign conventions for reflection of light by spherical mirrors. Draw a diagram and
apply these conventions in the determination of focal length of a spherical mirror which
forms a three times magnified real image of an object placed 16 cm infront of it. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Sign Convention for Reflection by Spherical Mirrors : While dealing with the reflection of
light by spherical mirrors, we shall follow a set of sign conventions called the New Cartesian
Sign Convention, the conventions are as follows:
(i) The object is always placed to the left of the mirror. This implies that the light from the
object falls on the mirror from the left-hand side.
(ii) All distances parallel to the principal axis are measured from the pole of the mirror.
(iii) All the distances measured to the right of the origin (along + x-axis) are taken as positive
while those measured to the left of the origin (along – x-axis) are taken as negative.
(iv) Distances measured perpendicular to and above the principal axis (along +y-axis) are
taken as positive.
(v) Distances measured perpendicular to and below the principal axis (along-y-axis) are taken
as negative.

Given that m = -3 (real image), u = -16 cm

Magnification, m = −vu

31. What is meant by power of a lens? What does its sign (+ve or -ve) indicate? State its S.I.
unit related to focal length of a lens. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Refer to answer 63.
Positive sign (+) of power indicates that lens is convex and negative sign (-) of power
indicates that lens is concave.
If focal length (f) is expressed in metres, then, power is expressed in dioptres. The SI unit of
power is dioptre. Thus, 1 dioptre is the power of lens whose focal length is 1 metre. 1 D = 1
m-1

32.The refractive indices of glass and water with respect to air are 3/2 and 4/3 respectively. If
speed of light in glass is 2 × 108 m/s, find the speed of light in water. (AI 2016)
Answer:

33.The absolute refractive indices of glass and water are 4/3 and 3/2 respectively. If the speed
of light in glass is 2 × 108 m/s, calculate the speed of light in (i) vacuum, (ii) water. (AI 2015)
Answer:
Given that: ng = 43, nw = 32, vg = 2 × 108 m/s
Absolute refractive index of a medium, nm = cv
where, c is the speed of light in vacuum and v is the speed of light in medium.

Note: The values given in are not correct as the speed of light in vacuum is 3 × 108 m/s

34.“A ray of light incident on a rectangular glass slab immersed in any medium emerges
parallel to itself.” Draw labelled ray diagram to justify the statement”. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:

35. To construct a ray diagram we use two light rays which are so chosen that it is easy to
know their directions after refraction from the lens. List these two rays and state the path of
these rays after refraction. Use these two rays to locate the image of an object placed between
‘f’ and ‘2f’ of a convex lens. (Foreign 2012)
Answer:
The two rays are :
(i) A ray of light from the object, parallel to the principal axis, after refraction from a convex
lens, passes through the principal focus on the other side of the leps and in case of concave
lens, a ray appears to diverge from the principal focus located on the same side of the lens.
(ii) A ray of light passing through the optical centre of a lens will emerge without any
deviation.

When object is placed between F and 2F.

36.(a) Water has refractive index 1.33 and alcohol has refractive index 1.36. Which of the
two medium is optically denser? Give reason for your answer.
(b) Draw a ray diagram to show the path of a ray of light passing obliquely from water to
alcohol.
(c) State the relationship between angle of incidence and angle of refraction in the above
case. (2020)
Answer:
(a) Here, alcohol is optically denser medium as its refractive index is higher than that of
water. When we compare the two media, the one with larger refractive index is called the
optically denser medium than the other as the speed of light is lower in this medium.
(b) Since light is travelling from water (rarer medium) to alcohol (denser medium), it slows
down and bends towards the normal.

where i = angle of incidence and r = angle of refraction.

(c) According to Snell’s law,
sinisinr=μalcohol μwater =1.361.33 = 1.0225
∴ sin i = 1.0225 × sin r

37.State the laws of refraction of light. Explain the term absolute refractive index of a
medium’ and write an expression to relate it with the speed of light in vaccum. (2018)
Answer:
(a) Laws of refraction of light:
(i) The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal to the interface of two transparent media
at the point of incidence, all lie in the same plane.
(ii) The ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is constant, for
the light of a given colour and for the given pair of media.
This law is also known as Snell’s law of refraction.
sinisinr = constant,
where i is the angle of incidence and r is the angle of refraction.
This constant value is called refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first
when the light travels from first medium to second medium.
⇒ constant = n21 = v1v2 ∴sinisinr = v1v2
If n is the absolute refractive index of the medium, c is the velocity of light in vacuum and v
is the speed of light in a given medium, then n = cl v.

38.What is meant by power of a lens? Write its SI unit. A student uses a lens of focal length
40 cm and another of -20 cm. Write the nature and power of each lens. (2018)
Answer:
Refer to answer 65.
Given that: Focal length of lens A, fA = +40 cm
Focal length of lens B, fB = -20 cm
Lens A is converging. Lens B is diverging.
39. (a) Draw a diagram to show the refraction of light through a glass slab and mark angle of
refraction and the lateral shift suffered by a ray of light while passing through the slab.
(b) If the refractive index of glass for light going from air to glass is 3/2, find the refractive
index of air for light going from glass to air. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(a) Refer to answer 68.
(b) Refractive index of glass w.r.t air is 3
gna = 32

Now, refractive index of air w.r.t glass will be

ang = 1gna = 1(3/2) = 23

40. State the laws of refraction of light. If the speed of light in vacuum is 3 × 108 m s-1, find
the speed of light in a medium of absolute refractive index 1.5. (Delhi 2014, AI 2014)
Answer:
Refer to answer 74.
The speed of light in vacuum = 3 × 108 m/s
Absolute refractive index =1.5
∴ The speed of light in a medium

41. What is the principle of reversibility of light? Show that the incident of light is parallel to
the emergent ray of light when light falls obliquely on a side of a rectangular glass slab. (AI
2011)
Answer:
Principle of reversibility of light states that the light will follow exactly the same path if the
direction is reversed.
Using Snell’s law of refraction, sinisinr1=sinesinr2
Since r1 = r2, so i = e
so PQ is parallel to RS.
So, we conclude that incident ray is parallel to the emergent ray.

42. What is understood by lateral displacement of light? Illustrate it with the help of a
diagram. List any two factors on which the lateral displacement in a particular substance
depends. (Foreign 2011)
Answer:
When a ray of light is incident obliquely on a parallel sided glass slab, the emergent ray shifts
laterally. The perpendicular distance between the direction of the incident ray and emergent
ray is called lateral shift.
Diagram : Refer to answer 68.
Tire factors on which the lateral displacement depends are:
(i) thickness of the refracting material.
(ii) the refractive index of the material.

43.Rishi went to a palmist to show his palm. The palmist used a special lens for this purpose.
(i) State the nature of the lens and reason for its use.
(ii) Where should the palmist place/hold the lens so as to have a real and magnified image of
an object?
(iii) If the focal length of this lens is 10 cm, the lens is held at a distance of 5 cm from the
palm, use lens formula to find the position and size of the image. (2020).
44. One half of a convex lens of focal length 10 cm is covered with a black paper. Can such a
lens produce an image of a complete object placed at a distance of 30 cm from the lens?
Draw a ray diagram to justify your answer.
A 4 cm tall obj ect is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a concave lens of focal
length 20 cm. The distance of the object from the lens is 15 cm. Find the nature, position and
size of the image. (AI 2015)
Answer:
Yes, the lens will produce an image of complete object.

Given that h = 4 cm, f = 20 cm, u = -15 cm

Lens formula: = 1v – 1u = 1f
∴ 1v – 1(−15) = 120 or 1v = 120 – 115 = −160
⇒ v = -60 cm
Magnification, m = vu = −60−15 = 4
Nature of image: Virtual, erect and enlarged Position of image : In front of lens 60 cm from
the lens
Size of image : Four times of object, i.e.,
(4 × 4) cm = 16 cm

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

CLASS: 10

TOPIC: PRACTICE QUESTIONS

SUBJECT: PHYSICS

OBJECTIVE: TO ENHANCE NUMERICA L ABILITY.

1. Find the focal length of a convex mirror of radius of curvature 1 m.

Q.2. Focal length of a convex mirror is 50 cm. What is its radius of

curvature?

Q.3. Radius of curvature of a concave mirror is 25 cm. What is its focal

length?
Q.4. A concave mirror produces 10 cm long image of an object of height
of 2 cm. What is the magnification produced?

Q.5. An object 1 cm high is held near a concave mirror of magnification

10. How tall will be the image?

Q.6. An object 4 cm in size is placed at a distance of 25 cm from a

concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. Find the position, nature and height
of the image.

Q.7. A converging mirror forms a real image of height 4 cm, of an object

of height 1 cm placed 20 cm away from the mirror. Calculate the image
distance. What is the focal length of the mirror?

Q.8. A 4.5 cm needle is placed 12 cm away from a convex mirror of focal

length 15 cm. Give the location of the image and the magnification.
Describe what happens as the needle is moved farther from the mirror.

Q.9. An arrow 2.5 cm high is placed at a distance of 25 cm from a

diverging mirror of focal length 20 cm., Find the nature, position and size
of the image formed.

Q.10. The image formed by a convex mirror of focal length 20cm is a

quarter of the object. What is the distance of the object from the mirror?

Q.11. Find the size, nature and position of image formed by a concave
mirror, when an object of size 1cm is placed at a distance of 15cm. Given
focal length of mirror is 10cm.

Q.12. An object 2cm high is placed at a distance of 16cm from a concave

mirror, which produces 3cm high inverted image. What is the focal length
of the mirror? Also, find the position of the image.
Q.13. An erect image 3 times the size of the object is obtained with a
concave mirror of radius of curvature 36cm. What is the position of the
object?

Q.14. A 2.5cm candle is placed 12 cm away from a convex mirror of focal

length 30cm. Give the location of the image and the magnification.

Q.15. An object is placed in front of a concave mirror of focal length

20cm. The image formed is 3 times the size of the object. Calculate two
possible distances of the object from the mirror.

Q.16. The image formed by a convex mirror is virtual, erect and smaller in
size. Illustrate with figure.

Q.17. A concave mirror produces a real image 10mm tall, of an object

2.5mm tall placed at 5cm from the mirror. Calculate focal length of the
mirror and the position of the image.

Q.18. An object is placed at a large distance in front of a convex mirror of

radius of curvature 40cm. How far is the image behind the mirror?

Q.19. An object is placed 15cm from a convex mirror of radius of

curvature 90cm. Calculate position of the image and its magnification.

Q.20. The image formed by a convex mirror of focal length 30cm is a

quarter of the object. What is the distance of the object from the mirror?

Q.21. When an object is placed at a distance of 60cm from a convex

mirror, the magnification produced is 1/2. Where should the object be
place to get a magnification of 1/3?

Q.22. An object is placed 18cm front of a mirror. If the image is formed at

4cm to the right of the mirror. Calculate its focal length. Is the mirror
convex or concave? What is the nature of the image? What is the radius of
curvature of the mirror?
Q.23. A convex mirror used for rear view on an automobile has a radius of
curvature of 3m. If a bus is located at 5m from this mirror, find the
position, nature and magnification of the image.

Q.24. An object 3cm high is held at a distance of 50cm from a diverging

mirror of focal length 25cm. Find the nature, position and size of the
image formed.

Q.25. An converging mirror of focal length 20cm forms an image which is

two times the size of the object. Calculate two possible distances of the
object from the mirror.

Q.26. The linear magnification of a convex mirror of focal length 15cm is

1/3. What is the distance of the object from the focus of the mirror?

Q.27. The focal length of a convex mirror is 12.5 cm. How far is its centre
of curvature (i) from the pole (ii) from the focus.

Q.28. Find the focal length of a concave mirror that produces four times
larger real image of an object held at 5cm from the mirror.

Q.29. An object is held at 30cm in front of a convex mirror of focal length

15cm. At what distance from the convex mirror should a plane mirror be
held so that images in the two images coincide with each other?

Q.30. Draw any three ray diagrams to show how the size and nature of
image of an object change when it move from centre of curvature of
concave mirror towards the pole of the mirror.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

CLASS: 10

TOPIC: PRACTICE QUESTIONS

SUBJECT: PHYSICS

OBJECTIVE: TO ENHANCE NUMERICA L ABILITY.

1. A convex lens of focal length 10 cm is placed at a distance of 12 cm from a wall. How far
from the lens should an object be placed so as to form its real image on the wall?

Q.2. If an object of 7 cm height is placed at a distance of 12 cm from a convex lens of focal

length 8 cm, find the position, nature and height of the image.

Q.3. An object 4 cm high is placed at a distance of 10cm from a convex lens of focal length
20cm. Find the position, nature and size of the image.

Q.4. A small object is so placed in front of a convex lens of 5 cm focal length that a virtual
image is formed at a distance of 25 cm. Find the magnification.

Q.5. Find the position and nature of the image of an object 5 cm high and 10 cm in front of a
convex lens of focal length 6 cm.

Q.6. Calculate the focal length of a convex lens, which produces a virtual image at a distance
of 50 cm of an object placed 20 cm in front of it.

Q.7. An object is placed at a distance of 100 cm from a converging lens of focal length 40
cm. What is the nature and position of the image?

Q.8. A convex lens produces an inverted image magnified three times of an object at a
distance of 15 cm from it. Calculate focal length of the lens.

Q.9. An object placed 4 cm in front of a converging lens produces a real image 12 cm from
the lens. What is the magnification of the image? What is the focal length of the lens? Also
draw the ray diagram to show the formation of the image.

Q.10. A lens of focal length 20 cm is used to produce a ten times magnified image of a film
slide on a screen. How far must the slide be placed from the lens?

Q.11. Determine how far an object must be placed in front of a converging lens of focal
length 10 cm in order to produce an erect image of linear magnification 4.
Q.12. A convex lens of focal length 6 cm is held 4 cm from a newspaper, which has print 0.5
cm high. By calculation, determine the size and nature of the image produced.

Q.13. A convex lens of focal length 0.10 m is used to form a magnified image of an object of
height 5 mm placed at a distance of 0.08 m from the lens. Find the position, nature and size of
the image.

Q.14. An erect image 2 cm high is formed 12 cm from a lens, the object being 0.5 cm high.
Find the focal length of the lens.

Q.15. The filament of a lamp is 80 cm from a screen and a converging lens forms an image of
it on a screen, magnified three times. Find the distance of the lens from the filament and the
focal length of the lens.

Q.16. An object 2 cm tall is placed on the axis of a convex lens of focal length 5 cm at a
distance of 10 cm from the optical centre of the lens. Find the nature, position and size of the
image formed. Which case of image formation by convex lenses is illustrated by this
example?

Q.17. A converging lens of focal length 5 cm is placed at a distance of 20 cm from a screen.

How far from the lens should an object be placed so as to form its real image on the screen?

Q.18. An object 5 cm high is held 25 cm away from a converging lens of focal length 10 cm.
Find the position, size and nature of the image formed. Also draw the ray diagram.

Q.19. At what distance should an object be placed from a convex lens of focal length 18 cm
to obtain an image at 24 cm from it on the other side? What will be the magnification
produced in this case?

Q.20. The magnification produced by a spherical lens is +2.5. What is the nature of image
and lens?

Q.21. What is the nature of the image formed by a convex lens if the magnification produced
by a convex lens is +3?
Q.22. What is the nature of the image formed by a convex lens if the magnification produced
by a convex lens is –0.5?

Q.23. What is the position of image when an object is placed at a distance of 10 cm from a
convex lens of focal length 10 cm?

Q.24. Describe the nature of the image formed when an object is placed at a distance of 30
cm from a convex lens of focal length 15 cm.

Q.25. At what distance from a converging lens of focal length 12 cm must an object be
placed in order that an image of magnification 1 will be produced?

Problems on concave lens:

Q.26. A concave lens produces an image 20 cm from the lens of an object placed 30 cm from
the lens. Calculate the focal length of the lens.

Q.27. The magnification of a spherical lens is +0.5. What is the nature of lens and image?

Q.28. If an object is placed at a distance of 50 cm from a concave lens of focal length 20 cm,
find the position, nature and height of the image.

Q.29. An object is placed at a distance of 4 cm from a concave lens of focal length 12 cm.
Find the position and nature of the image.

Q.30. An object is placed at a distance of 50 cm from a concave lens produces a virtual image
at a distance of 10 cm in front of the lens. Draw a diagram to show the formation of image.
Calculate focal length of the lens and magnification produced.

Q.31. A 50 cm tall object is at a very large distance from a diverging lens. A virtual, erect and
diminished image of the object is formed at a distance of 20 cm in front of the lens. How
much is the focal length of the lens?
Q.32. A concave lens of focal length 15 cm forms an image 10 cm from the lens. How far is
the object placed from the lens? Draw the ray diagram.

Q.33. An object 60 cm from a lens gives a virtual image at a distance of 20 cm in front of the
lens. What is the focal length of the lens? Is the lens converging or diverging? Give reasons
for your .

Q.34. A concave lens of 20 cm focal length forms an image 15 cm from the lens. Compute
the object distance.

Q.35. A concave lens has focal length 15 cm. At what distance should the object from the
lens be placed so that it forms an image at 10 cm from the lens? Also find the magnification
produced by the lens.

Q.36. Calculate the image distance for an object of height 12 mm at a distance of 0.20 m
from a concave lens of focal length 0.30 m and state the nature and size of the image.

Q.37. A concave lens has focal length of 20 cm. At what distance from the lens a 5 cm tall
object be placed so that it forms an image at 15 cm from the lens? Also calculate the size of
the image formed.

Q.38. An object is placed 20 cm from (a) a converging lens and (b) a diverging lens of focal
length 15 cm. Calculate the image position and magnification in each case.

Q.39. A 2.0 cm tall object is placed 40 cm from a diverging lens of focal length 15 cm. Find
the position and size of the image.

Q.40. Find the position and size of the virtual image formed when an object 2 cm tall is
placed 20 cm from (a) diverging lens of focal length 40 cm and (b) converging lens of focal
length 40 cm.

Q.41. The magnification produced by a spherical lens is +0.75. What is the nature of image
and lens?
Q.42. The magnification produced by a spherical lens and a spherical mirror is +0.8. What is
the nature of lens and mirror?

Q.43. The magnification produced by a spherical lens and a spherical mirror is +2.0. What is
the nature of lens and mirror?

Q.44. The lens A produces a magnification of –0.6 whereas lens B produces magnification of
+0.6. What is the nature of lens A and B.

Q.45. An object is 2 m from a lens which forms an erect image one-fourth (exactly) the size
of the object. Determine the focal length of the lens. What type of the lens is this?

CASE BASED QUESTIONS

We can see when the pencil immersed in water it appears like bent at the water air interface. Also,
the letters appears to be raised when we will see that letters through a glass slab placed over it. If
the media used are different that means the bending of light is different in different media. And
hence we can say that the light does not travel along a straight line path through different media.
According to the velocity of light in that medium the bending of light takes place. Thus, we can say
the phenomenon in which light ray bends or changes its direction when traveling from one medium
to other is called as refraction of light. And also we can observed that if the ray of light is traveling
from rarer medium to denser medium it bends towards the normal whereas when the ray of light
travels from denser medium to rarer medium it bends away from the normal. And the extent of
bending of light in a particular medium depends on the refractive index of the medium mostly. More
the refractive index more is the bending or denser is the medium and less will be the velocity of light
in that medium.

If less is the refractive index then less will be the bending or medium is rarer and velocity of light will
be more in that medium. Like the refractive index of air is found to be 1.0003 and that of water is
found to be 1.33. And hence water is more denser than air, air is rarer medium as compared to
water. Thus, velocity of light in air medium is greater than velocity of light in water medium.

The absolute refractive index of the medium is given by

Absolute Refractive index= (speed of light in air)/(speed of light in medium) = c/v

Thus, for different media refractive index is different and accordingly the velocity of light is also
different.

1) If the refractive indices of glass and ice are 1.52 and 1.31 respectively. Then in which medium the
velocity of light is more? What it’s value?

( Velocity of light in air= 3*108 m/s)

2) How you can define rarer and denser medium on the basis of optical density?

3) If the Refractive index of diamond is found to be highest i.e. 2.42 then what it indicates?

4) What will happen if we took a glass filled with kerosene instead of water? What would be the
observations?

Case study: 2

We have, the object distance is the distance of the object from the pole of the mirror. And we
always know that object is placed in front of mirror that means on left side and hence object
distance u is always taken as negative. The distance of the image from the pole of the mirror is taken
as image distance. The image distance may be positive or negative on the basis of nature of image
formed. And the distance of principal focus from the pole is called as focal length of the mirror. Thus,
the relationship between the object distance u, image distance v and focal length f is given by mirror
formula.

Thus,

Mirror formula:

1/v + 1/u = 1/f

And magnification in case of mirror gives the extent to which the image is magnified as compared to
object size. Magnification is given by the ratio of height of image (h’) to the height of object (h).

Thus, magnification = (height of image)/(height of object)

Thus, m = h’/h

Also, in terms of object distance and image distance magnification is given by,

Magnification m = h’/h = -v/u

As we know that, image height is positive if the image formed is virtual while height of image is
negative for real images.

Similarly in case of lenses, lens formula is given by

1/v – 1/u = 1/f

And magnification in case of lenses is given by

Magnification m = h’/h = v/u

The power of lens depends on the focal length of the lens and it is the ability of the lens to diverge or
converge the number of rays incident on it. Also, power of lens is defined as the reciprocal of focal
length of the lens.

Thus, P = 1/f

Questions:

1) If the focal length of the lens is measured in meter what will be the unit of power of lens

2) What is the sign of power of convex and concave lens?

3) If the lenses placed in contact of powers P1, P2, P3, P4 are used then what is the net power of lens
system?

4) If the magnification produced is negative and positive in case of mirrors then what about the
nature of images formed there?

Answers:

1) If the focal length of the lens is used in meter then the power of the lens is measured in dioptre or
D or m-1.

2) As the focal length of convex lens is positive and hence the power of convex lens is positive.

Also, as the focal length of concave lens is negative and hence the power of concave lens is negative.

3) If in a lens system four lenses of power P1, P2, P3 and P4 are in contact then net power of lens
system is the algebraic sum of given power of lenses.

P= P1 + P2 + P3 + P4

4) If the magnification produced is negative then the image formed is real. And if the magnification
produced is positive then the image formed is virtual.

Case study:3

As we know that, in case of concave mirrors when a ray of light parallel to principal axis strikes the
mirror and after reflection it passes through principal focus of the concave mirror. Also, a ray which
is passing through the principal focus of the concave mirror after reflection goes parallel to the
principal axis. And the ray of light which is passing through the centre of curvature of concave mirror
after reflection retraces the same path in backward direction. Because of converging property of
concave mirrors they are used in solar furnaces to concentrate more light to produce huge amount
of heat energy. They are also used in search lights, torches, head lights of vehicles so that a strong
parallel beam of light will be produced. Also, in case of shaving mirrors concave mirrors are used to
see larger face of the person.

While convex mirrors are used as rear view mirror in vehicles to see the traffic behind the person for
safe driving. As these mirrors are curved outwards they has wider field of view. In convex mirrors the
image formed is always diminished, virtual and erect.
In concave mirror, when the object is at infinity the image formed will be at focus F and which is
highly diminished, point sized, real and inverted.

Questions:

1) In case of concave mirror when the image formed is virtual and erect?

2) In which case the image formed is of same size as the object in case of concave mirrors?

3) Which mirrors are called as converging and diverging mirror?

4) The focal length of concave mirror is______ and the focal length of convex mirror is _______.

Answers:

1) In case of concave mirrors, when the object is placed between pole P and focus F of the mirror
then the image formed is behind the mirror which is enlarged, virtual and erect.

2) When the object is placed at centre of curvature C of the mirror then image formed is also at
centre of curvature C which is of same size, real and inverted.

3) Concave mirror is called as converging mirror while convex mirror is called as diverging mirror.

4) The focal length of concave mirror is positive and the focal length of convex mirror is negative.

Question 1:

Read the following and answer any four questions from (i) to (v).

The spherical mirror forms different types of images when the object is placed at different
locations. When the image is formed on screen, the image is real and when the image does
not form on screen, the image is virtual. When the two reflected rays meet actually, the image
is real and when they appear to meet, the image is virtual. A concave mirror always forms a
real and inverted image for different positions of the object. But if the object is placed
between the focus and pole. the image formed is virtual and erect. A convex mirror always
forms a virtual, erect and diminished image. A concave mirror is used as doctor’s head mirror
to focus light on body parts like eyes, ears, nose etc., to be examined because it can form
erect and magnified image of the object. The convex mirror is used as a rear view mirrors in
automobiles because it can form an small and erect image of an object.

(i) When an object is placed at the centre of curvature of a concave mirror, the image
formed is
(a) larger than the object
(b) smaller than the object
(c) same size as that of the object
(d) highly enlarged.

ANSWER: C

(ii) No matter how far you stand from a mirror, your image appears erect. The mirror
is likely to be
(a) plane
(b) concave
(c) convex
(d) either plane or convex.

ANSWER: D

(iii) A child is standing in front of a magic mirror. She finds the image of her head
bigger, the middle portion of her body of the same size and that of the legs smaller. The
following is the order of combinations for the magic mirror from the top.
(a) Plane, convex and concave
(b) Convex, concave and plane
(c) Concave, plane and convex
(d) Convex, plane and concave

ANSWER: C

(iv) To get an image larger than the object, one can use
(a) convex mirror but not a concave mirror
(b) a concave mirror but not a convex mirror
(c) either a convex mirror or a concave mirror
(d) a plane mirror.

ANSWER: B
(v) A convex mirror has wider field of view because
(a) the image formed is much smaller than the object and large number of images can be
seen.
(b) the image formed is much closer to the mirror
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) none of these.

ANSWER:C

Question 2:

Read the following and answer any four questions from (i) to (v).

The lenses forms different types of images when object placed at different locations. When a
ray is incident parallel to the principal axis, then after refraction, it passes through the focus
or appears to come from the focus. When a ray goes through the optical centre of the lens, it
passes without any deviation. If the object is placed between focus and optical center of the
convex lens, erect and magnified image is formed. As the object is brought closer to the
convex lens from infinity to focus, the image moves away from the convex lens from focus to
infinity. Also the size of image goes on increasing and the image is always real and inverted.
A concave lens always gives a virtual, erect and diminished image irrespective to the position
of the object.

(i) The location of image formed by a convex lens when the object is placed at infinity is
(a) at focus
(b) at 2F
(c) at optical center
(d) between Fand 2F

Answer: A

(ii) When the object is placed at the focus of concave lens, the image formed is
(a) real and smaller
(b) virtual and inverted
(c) virtual and smaller
(d) real and erect

Answer: B

(iii) The size of image formed by a convex lens when the object is placed at the focus of
convex lens is
(a) small
(b) point in size
(c) highly magnified
(d) same as that of object

Answer: C

(iv) When the object is placed at 2F in front of convex lens, the location of image is
(a) at F
(b) at 2 F on the other side
(c) at infinity
(d) between F and optical center

Answer: B

(v) At which location of object in front of concave lens, the image between focus and
optical centre is formed
(a) anywhere between centre and infinity
(b) at F
(c) at 2F
(d) infinity

Answer: A