PHYSICS - II A PHYSICAL OPTICS

PHYSICAL OPTICS Augustin – Jean Fresnel:

(10 May 1788 – 14 July 1827), was a French
Physicist who contributed significantly to the

3
establishment of the theory of wave optics. Fresnel
studied the behaviour of light both theoretically and
experimentally.
He is perhaps best known as the inventor of the
Fresnel lens, first adopted in lighthouses while he was
CHAPTER a French commissioner of lighthouses, and found in
many applications today.

v Introduction v Principle of superposition of waves

v Wavefront v Interference

v Huygens wave principle v Diffraction

v Coherent sources v Polarisation

3.1 Introduction : Physical optics or wave optics :

In geometrical optics, light is represented as a 1. In physical optics, light is considered as a wave.
ray which t r avels in a st r aight line in a 2. Huygen's wave principle and principle of
ho mogeneous medium. The phenomenon like superposition are used to explain interference and
diffraction
interference and diffraction can not be explained on
3. Electromagnetic wave nature of light is used to
the basis of particle nat ure o f light. These explain the concept of polarisation.
phenomenon can only be explained on the basis of Condition for applicability of geometrical
wave nature of light. This part of optics is called optics and wave optics:
physical optics or wave optics. The wave theory When the size of the object interacting with light
of light was presented by Christian Huygen in 1678. is much larger than the wavelength of light, we can
It should be pointed out that Huygen did not know apply geometrical optics
When the wavelength of light is comparable to
whether the light waves were longitudinal or
or less than the size of the object interacting with
transverse and also how they propagate through
light, we can apply wave optics.
vacuum. It was then explained by Maxwell by If 'b' is the size of the object interacting with
introducing electromagnetic wave theory in light, ' l ' is the distance between the object and the
nineteenth century. screen and ' l ' is the wavelength of light then,
Geometrical optics : (i) the condition for applicability of geometrical
1. In geometrical optics, light is assumed to be optics is
travelling in a straight line. This property is known b2
as rectilinear propagation. >> 1
ll
2. By using rectilinear propagation of light, laws (ii) the condition for applicability of wave optics
of reflection, refraction, total internal reflection etc. b2 b2
is » 1 or << 1
are explained geometrically. ll ll

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Note : If one (or both) of the waves undergoes changes

The object interacting with light may be a in frequency irregularly, the phase difference also
mirror, a lens, a prism, an aperture (pin hole), a slit changes irregularly then, the two waves are said to
and a straight edge. be incoherent.
3.2 Wavefront : 3.4(ii) Coherent sources :
Wavefront is defined as the locus of all the i) Two sources which can emit light waves of the
points which are being disturbed at the same same wavelength with zero or a constant phase
instant of time and are in the same phase of difference are called coherent sources.
vibration. ii) The amplitude of light coming from coherent
Depending on the shape and position of the sources may (or) may not be equal.
source of light, wave fronts are classified as follows. iii) Two independent sources of light, even though
a) Spherical wave front emitting same colour of light can not be coherent
b) Cylindrical wave front because the phase of the source of light varies rapidly
c) Plane wave front and randomly.
i) The shape of wavefront due to a point source iv) A real source and its virtual image can act as
is spherical. coherent sources.
ii) The shape of wavefront due to an extended v) Two virtual images of a source of light can act
source (an illuminated slit) is cylindrical. as coherent sources.
iii) A small part of a spherical (or) a cylindrical 3.4 (iii) Conditions for constant phase difference :
wave front originated from a distant source appears The phase difference between t wo
plane, hence it is called plane wave front. superimposing waves may arise due to the following
3.3 Huygen's wave principle : reasons.
i) According to Huygen, every point on the wave (a). The two waves may have started from the
front acts as a source of secondary wavelets. same point but may have different initial phases, f 1
ii) These secondary wavelets travel only in the and f 2 .
forward direction with velocity equal to velocity of light. (b). The two waves may have the same initial
iii) The common tangent (or) envelope of all the phase and have started from different points, and
secondary wavelets gives the position of new therefore may have to travel different distances before
wavefront at any instant of time. they come to the point of superposition. This
iv) Each portion of a wave front moves perpendicular difference between the distances travelled by the two
to itself at the speed of light in the medium. waves before they superpose is referred to as PATH
DIFFERENCE .
v) This principle can be used to construct the
position of new wavefront geometrically at a given In order to have constant phase difference, let
instant of time, if the position of wave front at an us consider two sources of light. The waves emitted
earlier instant of time was known. by the sources are given by
vi) Using this Huygen’s principle, the laws of y1 = a sin (w 1t - K1x1 + f 1 )
reflection, refraction and phenomenon of interference y 2 = a sin (w2 t - K 2 x2 + f 2 )
were proved successfully.
3.4(i) Coherent waves and incoherent waves : The phase difference between the two waves is
If two or more waves of the same frequency given by
can maintain the same phase or constant phase D f = (w 1 - w 2 )t + (K 2 x 2 - K 1x 1 )+ (f 1 - f 2 ) ...(1)
difference over a distance and time, such waves are
said to be coherent waves. The phase difference (Df ) will be constant i.e.,
Two coherent waves may differ in amplitude will not vary with time, if the following conditions
but should have same frequency. are satisfied.

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i) f 1 - f 2 = f 0 = Constant sources as shown in the figure (a). It is done in

i.e., the initial phase difference between the Young’s double slit experiment, Lloyd’s mirror etc.
waves emitted by the sources does not vary with
time, and (1
)
)
v e (2
ii) (w1 - w 2 )t = 0 S1 wa ve
wa
As t ¹ 0 , w1 = w2 S
th i n fi l m
S2
i.e. n1 = n 2 Þ l 1 = l 2 Þ K1 = K 2 
S1
æ ö
çç V = nl and K = 2p ÷ ÷ (a)

S2 (b)
çè l ø÷
(b) Division of amplitude :
i.e., The waves should have same frequency
The amplitude (or intensity) of a light wave is
and wavelength divided into two parts namely reflected and
So, from equation (1), transmitted components by partial reflection at a
2p .......(2) surface. The two parts, one wave reflected from top
Df = (D x )+ f 0 of a surface and other wave reflected from bottom
l
where f 0 = (f 1 - f 2 ) of the surface travel through different paths and
\ From equation (2), it is clear that D f is reunite to produce interference fringe pattern. This
constant (or the two sources are coherent) if and only is known as interference due to division of amplitude.
if they produce waves of same frequency (and hence Interference in thin films employs this technique
same wavelength) and have a constant initial phase which is shown in the figure (b).
difference. Thus coherent sources can be obtained either
Note 1: by the division of wavefront or by the division of
As, in general, the emission of light from atoms amplitude.
is random and rapid and independent of each other, 3.5 Principle of Superposition of waves :
f 0 cannot remain constant with time and hence two If two or more waves meet at a place
independent light sources cannot be coherent. simultaneously in the same medium, the particles of
Note 2 : the medium undergo displacements due to all the
Two independent laser sources emitting light waves simultaneously. The resultant wave is due to
waves of equal wavelengths can be coherent. the resultant displacement of the particles.
Because they can maintain the constant phase Principle of superposition of waves states
difference for long time. that when two or more waves are simultaneously
3.4 (iv) Methods of obtaining coherent sources: impressed on the particles of the medium, the
It is possible for the two sources to have a resultant displacement of any particle is equal to
definite and constant phase relation only when they the sum of displacements of all the waves.
both emit light coming from a single primary source. (or)
It is not possible from two separate sources. “when two or more waves overlap, the
Hence effectively, two sources derived from a resultant displacement at any point and at any instant
single source are kno wn as COHERENT is the vect or sum o f the instantaneous
SOURCES of light. Which are derived by two displacements that would be produced at the point
methods. by individual waves, if each wave were present
(a) Division of wavefront: alone”.
The light wavefront emerging from a narrow If y1, y2,.........yn denote the displacements of
slit is divided by passing it through two slits closely ‘n’ waves meeting at a point, then the resultant
spaced side by side. The two parts of the same displacement is given by
wavefront travel through different paths and reunite y = y1 + y2 + ...........+ yn
some where (on a screen) to produce fringe pattern. Note:- The term displacement (y) used here, is a
This is known as interference due to division of general one. If we consider ripples on the
wavefront. This method is useful only with narrow surface of a liquid, the displacement means the actual

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displacement of the surface above or below its and I = I1 + I2 from (5)

normal level. If the waves are electromagnetic, the Hence the resultant amplitude is the sum of the
displacement means the magnitude of the electric or two individual amplitudes. This condition refers to
magnetic field.
the constructive interference.
(a) Superposition of coherent waves : Consider Case 2. When f = f 1 - f 2 = p , 3p , 5p ..........
two waves y1 and y2 travelling in space with an Þ cos f = - 1
angular frequency w . Let the two waves arrive at and I = I1 - I2
\ A = A1 - A 2
some point O simultaneously. Let y1 and y2 represent
Hence the resultant amplitude is the difference
the displacements of the two waves at this point O.
of the individual amplitudes and is referred to as
\ y1 = A1 sin (wt + f 1 )& y 2 = A 2 sin (wt + f 2 )
destructive interference.
Then according to the principle of superposition (b) Superposition of incoherent waves:
the resultant displacement at the point O is given by. Incoherent waves are the waves which do not
y = y1 + y2 maintain a constant phase difference. The phase of
y = A1 sin (wt + f 1 )+ A 2 sin (wt + f 2 ) the waves fluctuates irregularly with time and
or
= A1 (sin wt cos f 1 + cos wt sin f 1 ) independently of each other. In case of light waves
+ A 2 (sin wt cos f 2 + cos wt sin f 2 ) the phase fluctuates randomly at a rate of about 108
= A cos f .sin wt + A sin f .cos wt per second. Light detectors such as human eye,
photographic film etc, cannot respond to such rapid
= A sin (w t + f )
changes. The detected intensity is always the average
where A cos f = A1 cos f 1 + A2 cos f 2 -----(1) intensity, averaged over a time interval which is very
and A sin f = A1 sin f 1 + A2 sin f 2 -----(2) much larger than the time of fluctuations. Thus
Here A and f are respectively the amplitude I av  I1  I 2  2 I1 I 2  cos   . The average
and initial phase of the resultant displacement at O. value of the cosf over a large time interval will be
Squaring and adding equations (1) &(2), we get zero and hence I av  I1  I 2
This implies that the superposition of incoherent
A= A12 + A22 + 2A1A 2 cos (f 1 - f 2 ) waves gives uniform illumination at every point and
is simply equal to the sum of the intensities of the
= A12 + A 22 + 2A1A2 cosf ..... (3) component waves.
where f = f 1 - f 2 , phase difference between 3.6 Relation between path difference and phase
difference:
the two waves.
i) The difference in the paths traversed by the two
Dividing equation (2) by equation (1), we get interfering light waves at the time of arrival at the
A sin f 1 + A 2 sin f 2 point of superposition is called path difference. ( Dx )
tan f = 1
A1 cos f 1 + A 2 cos f 2 ........ (4) ii) The difference in the phase angles expressed in
Since the intensity of a wave is proportional to radians between the two interfering waves at the time
square of the amplitude, the resultant intensity I of of arrival at the point of superposition is
the wave from equation (3) may be written as called phase difference (f ) .
We know that if a wave covers a distance of
I = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 cos f ........ (5) one wavelength, it differs in phase by 2p radians. If
where I1 and I2 be the intensities of the two waves. the wave travels a distance x, its phase changes by
It can be seen that the amplitude (intensity) of 2p
the resultant displacement varies with phase difference f = Dx
l
of the constituent displacements. Note : If a wave travels a distance d in a medium of
Case 1. When f = f 1 - f 2 = 0, 2 p , 4 p .......... refractive index m, as its optical path is md, its phase
Þ cos f = 1 2p
\ A = A1 + A2 from (3) changes by, f = (md)
l
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Diffracted beam of S1
3.7(i) Interference :
When t wo o r mo re coherent waves monochromaticlight

Interference
superimpose, the resultant intensity in the region of S1
S d
superposition is different from the intensity of S2

region
individual waves.
The variation in intensity in the region of Diffracted beam of S2
D
superposition of two or more waves of same T
frequency whose phase relationship does not Fig (a)
change with time is known as interference. The figure (a) shows a simple arrangement of
Interference of waves occurs according to double slit experiment. ‘ S’ is a monochromatic
principle of superposition. source. Light from ‘S’ is incident on two closely
spaced slits S1 and S2 . Their apertures are nearly
Constructive interference : At some points in
equal to wavelength of incident light. This is to get
the superposition region, the waves superpose in such diffracted beam from the slits. The slits are
a way that the resulting intensity is greater than the rectangular in shape with their lengths normal to the
sum of the intensities due to individual waves. This plane of the paper and they are at equal distances
is called Constructive interference. from S. The two slits S1 and S2 emit cylindrical
Condition :The resultant intensity will be coherent waves with zero initial phase difference
maximum when the two waves reach the point in (i.e.  = 0). Light waves from the slits spread out
phase i.e., the crest of 1st wave exactly falls on crest (due to diffraction) as shown in the figure (b) and
of 2nd wave and the trough of 1st wave falls on fall on the screen T which is at distance D. The
trough of 2nd wave. Then the waves are said to distance of screen D is very large compared to the
undergo constructive interference. distance of separation ‘d’ between the two slits. i.e.
D >> d. Due to superposition of wavefronts in
Destructive Interference : At some other
common diffracted region,an interference pattern of
points in the superposition region, the waves alternate bright (maxima) and dark (minima) bands
superpose in such a way that the resultant intensity or fringes are observed on the screen T.
is lesser than the sum of the individual intensities.
This is called destructive interference. Towards sec ond max
screen as second min
Condition : The resultant intensity will be first first max

maxima first min
minimum when the two waves reach the point with  O central max
0  first min
phase difference of p radians or 180 i.e., crest of 
 Towards first max
screen as first second min
the 1st wave exactly falls on the trough of the 2nd 

minima second max
 
 
wave. Then the waves are said to undergo destructive 



  Towards
interference. S1   
screen as screen
S            
central
3.7(ii)Young’s double slit experiment : 

S2  
  maxima

Thomas Young gave the first demonstration of 


 
 

the interference of light waves. Young admitted the 
 Towards
 screen as
sunlight through a single pin hole and then directed 
 first minima

the emerging light on to two pin holes. Finally, the
crest
light coming from the two pin holes was received Towards
on the screen. The spherical wavefronts emerging screen as
first maxima trough
from the pin holes interfered with each other and a
few coloured fringes were observed on the screen.
These fringes were faint and difficult to observe. To Fig (b)
remove this difficulty the pin holes were later Let us obtain a general expression for the path
replaced with narrow slits that collect a much more
difference between the two waves on arriving at a
light and the sun light was replaced by
monochromatic light. Young’s experiment is known point. Consider a point ‘P’ on the screen at a distance
as double-slit experiment. ‘y’ from the centre O of the screen as shown in figure

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P or y = A sin wt + A sin wt cos f + A cos wt sin f

S1 (or)
y
y = A (1 + cos f ) sin wt + A sin f cos wt ........(2)
q q
d O Suppose A (1 + cos f ) = R cos a ............(3)
(c) N

S2 i nq and A sin f = R sin a ............(4)

ds
D T then equation (2) becomes
Fig (C) y = R cos a sinwt + R sin a cos wt
or y = R sin (wt + a )
The waves emitted from the slits S1 and S2 are
initially in phase with each other. The difference in This equation clearly shows that superpositin
the path lengths of these two waves is S 2N on of two waves from slits S1 and S2 at P yields a similar
reaching P. We assume that the experiment is carried wave with resultant displacement y, resultant
out in air. Therefore the optical paths are identical amplitude R and resultant phase a .
with geometrical paths. The nature of interference We know that the intensity of a wave is
of the waves at P depends simply on how many proportional to the square of the amplitude,
waves are contained in the length of the path \ for individual wave, I0 = KA2
difference S2N. If S2N contain an integral number and for resultant wave, I = KR2
of wavelengths, t he t wo waves int erfere
(Here K is a proportionality constant)
constructively, producing maximum intensity of light
on the screen at P. If it contains an odd number of From equations (3) and (4)
half- wavelengths, then the waves interfere R2 = R2 cos2 a + R2 sin2 a
destructively and produce a minimum intensity at P. = A2 (1 + cos f )2 + A2 sin2 f
Since D >> d and D >> y, therefore, the angular
= A2 [1 + cos2 f + 2 cos f + sin2 f ]
position  of the point ‘P’ w.r.t centre of the
= A2 [ 2 + 2 cos f ]
separation bet ween the slits is given by
y = 2A2 [1 + cos f ]
sin   tan  
D æ ö
The path and hence phase difference produced = 2A2 çç2 cos 2 f ÷÷
çè 2 ø÷
between the two waves arriving at the point ‘P’ is
due to the difference in path length covered by each 2 f f
\ R2 = 4A2 cos Þ R = 2A cos -----(5)
wave. Thus the path difference at ‘P’ is given by 2 2
2 f
y or KR2 = 4 KA2 cos
x  S2 P  S1P  S2 N  d sin   d   -------(1) 2
D 2 f
2 or I = 4 I 0 cos -------(6)
and phase difference   x , 2
 Thus, we observe that the resultant intensity at P
Expression for intensity of interference pattern : depends on the value of phase difference f which
Suppose the equations for the waves reaching at in turn depends on the path difference D x .
point P coming from S1 and S2 are given by For a given point on the screen , path difference
y1 = A sin wt D x and hence phase difference f remains constant
and y2 = A sin (wt + f ) in case of coherent sources . Therefore, for a given
According to principle of superposition, the resultant point on the screen the intensity remains constant
displacement at P is given by and from point to point its value changes. Thus, we
get a fringe pattern on the screen with alternate bright
y = y1 + y2 = A sin wt + A sin (wt + f )
and dark fringes.

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(a) Bright fringes (or) Phase difference between the waves

Bright fringes occur wherever the waves from    2  n with n = 0, 1, 2, 3 --------
S1 and S2 interfere constructively. i.e. on reaching The correspoinding path difference, D x = nl
‘P’, the waves with crest (or trough) superimpose Hence Imax = 4I0
at the same time and they are said to be in phase.
Note :
The waves from S1 and S2 travel the equal
If I1 and I2 be the intensities and A1 and A2 be
optical length to O and arrive in phase. So bright
the amplitudes of individual waves, then
fringe will be formed at O. This bright fringe is called
central maxima or zero order bright. Above O, the I  I1  I 2  2 I1 I 2 cos 
next bright fringe occurs when the wave from S2 For bright fringes, f = ± 2p n Þ cos f = 1
travels one complete wavelength extra than the
wave from S1. Similarly below O next bright fringe \ Imax = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1 I 2
occurs when the wave from S1 travels one complete 2
wavelength extra than the wave from S2. In general,
i.e. Imax = ( I1 + I2 ) a (A1 + A2 )2
constructive interference occurs if S1P and S2P differ Thus maximum intensity is greater than the sum of
in path by an integral number of wavelengths . two intensities (I1 + I2) by an amount 2 I1I 2
Thus the condition for finding a bright fringe at (b) Dark fringes :
Dark fringes occur wherever the waves from
‘P’ is that S2P-S1P = nλ ,
S1 and S2 interfere destructively. i.e. on reaching
where n = 0,  1,  2,  3, ----- and n is called ‘P’ one wave with its crest and another wave with
the order of bright fringe. Hence for nth order bright its trough superimpose.Then the phase difference
fringe, the path difference is between the waves is  and the waves are said to be
d sin   n (from equation (1)) in opposite phase.
Destructive interference occurs at P, if S1P and
æy ö 
Þ d çç n ÷ ÷= nl
çè D ø÷ S2P differ by a odd integral multiple of .
2
n D Thus the condition for finding dark fringe
 yn  , Where yn is the position of nth 
d at P is that S2P - S1P = (2n -1)
maximum from O. 2
The bright fringe corresponding to n = 0, is called Where n =  1,  2,  3, ---------, and n is called
the zero - order fringe or central maximum. It means, order of dark fringe. Hence for nth order dark fringe,
it is the fringe with zero path difference between 
the path difference, d sin   (2n  1)
two waves on reaching the point P. 2
The bright fringe corresponding to n = 1 is called æy ö l  2n  1  D
Þ dçç n ÷ ÷= (2n - 1)  y n   
first order bright fringe i.e., if the path difference çè D ø÷ 2  2  d
between the two waves on reaching ‘P’ is  . Where yn is the position of nth minima from O.
Similarly second order bright fringe n = 2 is located The first dark fringe occurs when
where the path difference is 2  and so on. 
S2P-S1P = This is called first order dark
æ ö
2 f 2
From equation (6), I = 4I 0 cos ççç ÷ ÷
è 2 ø÷ 3
f (n = 1) fringe and similarly for S2P - S1P =
For maximum intensity cos = 1 2
2 second order dark fringe (n = 2) occurs and so on.
f æ ö
i.e. = 0, ± p , ± 2 p - - - - - - 2 f
2 From equation (6), I = 4I 0 cos ççç ÷ ÷
è 2 ø÷

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f
For minimum intensity cos = 0 2 I1I 2 while at minima the intensity is smaller by
2
an amount 2 I1I 2 as shown in figure.
f p 3p 5p
i.e., = ± ,± ,± ------- So in interference, energy is neither created
2 2 2 2
nor destroyed but redistributed i.e. conservation
(or) f = ± p , ± 3p , ± 5p - - - - - - of energy holds good in the phenomenon of
(or)   (2n  1) with n = 1, 2, 3 -------- interference.
The corresponding path difference,
l Imax  ( I1  I2 )2
D x = (2n - 1)
2 2 I1I2
I1  I2
Hence Imin = O 2 I1I2 Imin  ( I1  I2 )2
Note : phasediff () 0  23 4 5 6
If I1 and I2 be the intensities and A1 and A2 be the  3 5 3
path diff ( x) 0  2
amplit udes of individual waves, then 2 2 2

I = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 cos f (iii) For two coherent sources with equal intensity
i.e. I1 = I2 = Io(say), then
For dark fringes, f = ± (2n - 1)p Þ cos f = - 1 I  Io  Io  2 Io I o cos 
\ I min = I1 + I 2 - 2 I1 I2 f
= 2I 0 (1 + cos f )= 4I 0 cos 2
2 2
i.e Imin = ( I1 - I2 ) a (A1 - A 2 )2 f
\ I = Imax cos2 , as Imax = 4Io and Imin = 0
2
Thus at minima, the resultant intensity is lesser (iv) The intensity at a point due to ‘N’ identical
than the sum of two intensities (I1+I2), by an amount coherent sources will be I max = N2Io or
2 I1 I 2 . Amax = N A and the minimum intensity Imin = 0
Note: (i) In case of two coherent sources of If A0 is the amplitude of each wave
different intensities and different amplitudes i.e., if A1 = A2 = A0,
with a phase difference f ,  
then A  2A 0cos  A max cos
2 2
1) Resultant amplitude 1) Resultant intensity and Amin = 0
2 2 I = A12 + A 22 + 2A 1A 2 Cosf
A= A + A + 2AA
1 2Cosf
1 2
= I1 + I 2 + 2 I 1I 2 Cosf (v) Average intensity of the bands for coherent and
2) Maximum amplitude 2) Maximum Intensity incoherent sources is same and is given by
I max = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1 I 2 (for f = 00 ) I + I min
A max=A 1 +A 2(for f = 0 0
) 2
I ave = max
= ( I1 + I2 ) 2
4I 0 + 0
3) Minimum amplitude 3) Minimum intensity = = 2I 0 (if I1 = I2 = I0)
A min =A1 ~A 2(forf = 180 0 ) I min = I1 + I 2 - 2 I1I 2 (forf = 180 )
0 2
2
= ( I1 - I2 ) (c) Fringe width (  )
The distance between two adjacent bright (or
2 2
Imax æç Amax ö÷ ( I1 + I2 ) (A1 + A2 ) 2 dark) fringes is called the fringe width. It is denoted
\ =ç ÷ = =
Imin çè Amin ø÷
÷ ( I - I )2 (A - A )2
1 2 1 2
by  .
(ii) The intensity at maxima is larger than the The nth order bright fringe occurs from the
sum of individual intensities (I1 + I2) by an amount

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nl D used, then
central maximum at y n = .
d
nl D
The (n  1) th order bright fringe occurs from y= = cons tan t Þ nl = cons tan t
d
(n  1) D (or) n1b1 = n 2 b 2
the central maximum at y n 1  . \ n1l 1 = n 2l 2
d
vii) The distance of nth bright fringe from central
\ The fringe separation,  is given by
nl D
D maximum is (y n )bri = = nb
  y n 1  y n  d
d
In a similar way, the same result will be The distance of mth dark fringe from central
obtained for dark fringes also. (2m - 1) l D (2m - 1)
lD maximum is (y m )dark = = b
2 d 2
\ Fringe width, b =
d \ The distance between nth bright and mth dark
Thus fringe width is same every where on the fringes is
screen and the width of bright fringe is equal to the
(2m - 1)
width of dark fringe. (y n )bri - (y m )dark = nb - b
lD 2
\ b bright = b dark = b = (viii) When white light is used in YDSE the
d
interference patterns due to different component
Fringe width b is (i) directly proportional to the
colours of white light overlap (incoherently). The
wavelength l (ii) directly proportional to the slit - central bright fringes for different colours are at the
screen distance D (iii) inversly proportional to the same position. Therefore, the central fringe is white.
seperation of the slits ‘d’. In lb
For a point P for which S2 P - S1P = where l b
2
interference, maxima and minima are alternate and ( » 4000A° ) represents the wavelength for the blue
equally spaced as path difference between two colour, the blue component will be absent and the
consecutive maxima or minima is  . fringe will appear red in colour. Slightly farther away
Note : l
where S2 Q - S1Q = r where l r (» 8000 A°) is
2
(i) The fringe width ‘  ’ is independent of the order the wavelength for the red colour, the fringe will be
of the fringe, as long as d and q are small. predominantly blue.
(ii) Since    , b Red > b voilet , as l Re d > l voilet
Thus, the fringe closest on either side of the
central white fringe is red and the farthest will appear
(iii) In YDSE, if blue light is used instead of red
blue. After a few fringes, no clear fringe pattern is
light then b decreases ( l B < l R ) seen.
(iv) If YDSE apparatus is immersed in a liquid of (ix) At constant temperature, with increase of
refractive index  , then wavelength of light pressure the refractive index of the medium increases
l b and hence fringe width decreases.
l1= \ b '=
m m æ ö
çç P µ 1 µ density ÷ ÷
v) If YDSE is conducted in vaccum instead of air, çç V ÷
÷
çç ÷
÷
then b increases ( l vaccum > l air ) èAs d ­ , m­ \ b ¯ ø÷
vi) In certain field of view on the screen, if n1 fringes (x) If one of the slits is closed, diffraction bands are
are formed when light of wavelength l 1 is used and observed instead of interference.
n2 fringes are formed when light of wavelength l 2 is (xi) The linear position ‘y’ is related to the angular

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(xiii) In order to determine the shape of the

y
position  by, tan  and angular fringe width interference pattern on the screen we note that a
D particular fringe would correspond to the locus of
y  
    points with a constant value of S2P – S1P. Now, the
D D d
locus of the point P lying in the x – y plane such that
S2P – S1P (= D ) is a constant, is a hyperbola. Thus
the fringe pattern will strictly be a hyperbola;
s1 however, if the distance D is very large compared to
the fringe width, the fringes will be very nearly
straight lines as shown in figure.
 

s2

In a medium of refractive index m ,

D qair
D qm = (xiv)If the screen is placed perpendicular to plane
m
of the slits, the path difference between the waves
(xii) If the screen is placed parallel to plane of slits, at P is x  d cos  (see figure). This path difference
the path difference between the waves at P is decreases as  increases. Hence the order of t h e
x  d sin  . This path difference increases as  fringe decreases as we move away from O on the
increases. Hence the order of the fringe increases as screen.
we move away from O on the screen. n4
n 5
n = 2, Second bright n 6
P dcos
n 7
  n 8
 n = 2, Second dark S1 O
S2
s1 d
y1n = 1, First bright D
n = 1, First dark T
 With point sources, the type of fringes on the
 O n = 0, Central bright
ds screen are concentric circular fringes and with
n = 1, First dark
cylindrical sources, fringes are straight. In this
x situation if S1S2  n , the central fringe is bright
n = 1, First bright 
s2  and if S1S2  (2n  1) , the central fringe is dark.
2
n = 2, Second dark (xv) The number of fringes obtained on screen
n = 2, Second bright
depends on the amount of diffraction occurring at
the slits and this in turn depends on their width.
D The narrower the slits, the greater will be the number
With point sources (pin holes), the type of fringes of fringes due to increased diffraction but the fainter
on the screen are hyperbolic with straight central they will be, since less light gets through. In general,
bright fringe and with cylindrical sources, the fringes the slits have to be many wavelength wide so that
we get easily observable fringes.
are straight.
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(xvi) To know maximum number of possible Suppose P is a point of observation in front of

maxima on the screen slit S1 as shown in figure. Path difference between
nl the two waves from S1&S2 is
d sin q = nl (or) s in q = d
nl d D x = S2 P - S1P = D2 + d 2 - D
As sin q £ 1 , £1  n
d  æ d 2 ö÷1/ 2 æ 2 ö
d2
= D çç1 + 2 ÷ - D » D çç1 + d ÷÷- D =
Therefore the maximum number of complete çè D ø÷÷ èç 2D ø÷
2÷
2D
maxima on the screen will be 2[n] + 1
d2
Example : \ Dx = ------(1)
nl n 2D
If d = 3l then sin q = = As sin q£ 1 , But for missing wavelengths, intensity will be
3l 3
n can take values -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 zero. i.e., the corresponding path difference,
l
\ Maximum number of maxima is 7. D x = (2n - 1) ------- (2)
2
(xvii) Fringe visibility (or) band visibility (V): From equations (1) and (2)
It is the measure of contrast between the bright d2 l
and dark fringes = (2n - 1)
I max - I min 2D 2
d2
Fringe visibility, V = I + I \ Missing wavelength, l =
max min (2n - 1)D
where Imax = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1I2 By putting n=1, 2, 3, ......., the missing
wavelengths at P are
and Imin = I1 + I 2 - 2 I1I 2
d2 d 2 d2
l = , , , ..........
4 I1I 2 2 I1I 2 D 3D 5D
\ V= =
2 (I1 + I 2 ) (I1 + I 2 ) b) In the above case, if bright fringes are to
V has no unit and no dimensional formula. be formed exactly opposite to S1, then
Generally, 0<V<1. d2 d2
= nl Þ l =
Fringe visibility is maximum, if Imin= 0, then V=1. 2D 2Dn
By putting n=1, 2, 3, ....the possible wavelengths
For poor visibility, Imax = Imin, then V= 0.
at P are
i.e., if V=1, then the fringes are very clear and d 2 d 2 d2
l = , , , .....
contrast is maximum and if V=0, then there will be 2D 4D 6D
no fringes and there will be uniform illumination i.e., 3.7 (iii) Lateral displacement of fringes :
the contrast is poor. To determine the thickness of a given thin sheet
xviii) When one slit is fully open and another one is of transparent material such as glass or mica, that
partially open then the contrast between the fringes transparent sheet is introduced in the path of one of
decreases. the two interfering beams. The fringe pattern gets
i.e., if the slit widths are unequal, the minima displaced towards the beam in whose path the sheet
will not be completely dark. is introduced. This shift is known as lateral
displacement or lateral shift.
xix) Missing wavelengths in front of one slit in t
YDSE: P
S1
P y
S1
y
d d q O
O
S2
S2
D
D T

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PHYSICAL OPTICS PHYSICS - II A
(m - 1)t
Suppose S 1 and S 2 are the co herent (b) the number of fringes shifted n = r
l
monochromatic sources. The point O is equidistant (iv) Due to the presence of transparent sheet, the
from S1 and S2, where we obtain central bright phase difference between the interfering waves at a
2p
fringe. Therefore, the optical path S1O = S2O. Let given point is given by = (m - 1)t .
a transparent sheet of thickness ‘t’ and refractive l
v) If YDSE is performed with two different
index ‘  ’ be introduced in one of the beams as shown colours of light of wavelengths l 1 & l 2 but by
in the figure. The optical path lengths S1O and S2O placing the same transparent sheet in the path of one
are now not equal and central bright fringe shifts to of the interfering waves then n1l 1 = n 2l 2
P from O. The light waves from S1 to P travel partly
in air and partly in sheet. The distance travelled in where n1 and n2 are the number of fringes shifted
with wavelengths l 1 & l 2
air is (S1P - t) and that in the sheet is ‘ mt ’. The optical
path from S1 to P = (S1P  t)  t .The optical path vi) When two different transperant sheets of
from S2 to P = S2 P . thickness t1, t2 and refractive index m1 , m2 are placed
To get central zero fringe at P D S1P = D S2p in the paths of two interfering waves in YDSE, if
Þ S1P- t + mt = S2P the central bright fringe position is not shifted, then
 S2 P  S1P  (  1)t (m1 - 1)t1 = (m2 - 1)t 2
Since   1 , this implies S2P > S1P hence the 3.7 (iv) Conditions for observing sustained
fringe pattern must shift towards the beam from S1. interference with good contrast :
y
But S2 P  S1P  d sin   d , 1. The initial phase difference between the
D y
where ‘y’ is the lateral shift.  (  1)t  d interfering waves must remain constant.
D b D Otherwise the interference will not be sustained
 Lateral shift (y) = ( m - 1)t = (m - 1)t
i.e., the sources must be coherent.
d l
(or) Thickness of sheet 2. The frequencies and wavelengths of the two
yd yl waves should be equal. (If not, the phase
t= =
(m- 1)D (m- 1)b difference will not remain constant and so the
From the above it is clear that interference will not be sustained )
(i) For a given colour, shift is independent of order 3. The light must be monochromatic. (This
of the fringe i.e. shift in zero order maximum = shift eliminates the overlapping of patterns as each
in 9th minima (or) shift in 6th maxima = shift in 2nd wavelength corresponds to one interference
minima. Since the refractive index depends on pattern)
wavelength hence lateral shift is different for different 4. The amplitudes of the interfering waves must
colours. be equal (This improves contrast with
lateral shift
(ii) The number of fringes shifted = fringe width Imax = 4I0 and Imin = 0)
y (m- 1)t 5. The sources must be close to each other.
\ n= =
b l (Otherwise due to small fringe - width, fringes
(or) nl = (m- 1)t may be so close to each other that eye cannot
Therefore, number of fringes shifted is more for
resolve them resulting in uniform illumination)
shorter wavelength.
(iii) If a transparent sheet of thickness ‘t’ and its 6. The sources must be narrow (A broad source
will be equal to a large number of narrow sources
relative refractive index  r (w.r.t surroundings) be
and each set of two sources will give its own
introduced in one of the beam of interference, then
pattern and overlapping of patterns will result in
( r  1)tD uniform illumination )
(a) the lateral shift y 
d
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7. If the interfering beams are polarized, they must paths and they made to converge with lens to get
be in the same state of polarisation otherwise interference.
instead of interference, unpolarised light will If ‘r’ is the angle of incidence of light in the
result. film (medium2), the optical path difference between
3.7 (v) Applications of interference : two reflected rays = 2t cos r . The proof is beyond
1) It is used to determine refractive index of liquids our syllabus.
or gases. (I) When one of the rays is reflected at the
2) Thickness of transparent thin sheets can be boundary of rarer to denser medium, as shown in
determined 
figure (a) a path change of occurs.
3) Reflectivity of the surfaces of lenses or prisms 2
can be tested.
4) It is used to determine the wavelength of light 1
1
 with an accuracy up to eight significant digits. 2 film t
5) It is used in holography to produce three- 2 film t
dimensional images. 3
3
2  1 & 3
6) Quality of the surface polish can be checked.  3   2  1
7) It is used to know the difference between the (a) (b)
wavelengths of two closely spaced spectral lines.

**3.7 (vi) Interference in thin films : Hence true path difference = 2t cos r 
2
A thin film is a thin sheet of transparent material 
such as glass, mica or thin surface of a soap bubble For maxima, 2t cos r   n
2
and its thickness about order of one wavelength in

the visible region. 2t cos r  (2n  1) , where n = 0, 1, 2, 3 --
2
ave
s  
tedw - similarly for minima 2tcosr   (2n 1)
M e d iu m 1
fle
c 2 2
Re  a ir   f il m
2  t cos r  n  , where n = 1, 2, 3,-----
F ilm M e d iu m 2 t
For nearly normal incidence r  0 .

S1 M e d iu m 1 
2t  (2n  1) (For maxima)
S2  2
2t  n (For minima)
When the light is incident on a parallel thin (II) When both reflected rays are reflected from
film of refractive index  and thickness ‘t’, a small denser to rarer boundary (or) rarer to denser
portion of it gets reflected from the top surface and a boundary, phase change between them is zero as
major portion is transmitted in to the film. Again a shown in figure (b).
small part of the transmitted component is reflected Hence true path difference = 2t cos r
back into the film by the bottom surface and the rest For maxima, 2t cos r  n , where n = 0, 1, 2, 3---
of it transmitted from the lower surface of the film. l
The second reflected wave transmits major For minima, 2mt cos r = (2n - 1)
2
where n = 1, 2, 3-----
component light at the upper surface. These two For nearly normal incidence r  0 2 t  n , (For
rays derived from the same incident ray but appear maxima)
to come from two sources located below the film. 
2t  (2n  1) , (For minima)
The reflected waves 1 and 2 travel along parallel 2

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Problem 3.1 : Problem 3.5 :

In YDSE, the interfering waves have amplitude in the In a YDSE, a total of 241 fringes can be seen on the
ratio 3 : 2. Find the ratio of (a) Amplitude and (b) screen. The set up is completely immersed in water.
Intensities between the bright and dark fringes. What will be the number of fringes now seen on the
Amax (A1 + A2 )1 3 + 2
screen?
Sol. (a) A = = =5 2d
min (A1 - A2 )1 3 - 2 Sol. The total number of fringes is given by 1

Imax A 2max
(b) I  2  25 ( I a A 2 ) 2d 2d
min A min assuming to be an integer.   1  241
 
Problem 3.2 : 2d
  240
Two coherent sources are 0.18 mm apart and the 
fringes are observed on a screen 80cm away. It is Now, let  | be the changed wavelength when
found that with a certain monochromatic source of the YDSE set up is submerged in water.
light, the fourth bright fringe is situated at a distance
of 10.8 mm from the central fringe. Calculate the Then the total number of fringes will be
wavelength of light. 2d 2d   4
1   1  240    1
Sol. The distance of the nth
fringe from the central  '   3
n D (Q mfor water = 4 / 3) = 321
fringe is y  . It is given that D = 80cm,
d
d = 0.18mm = 0.018cm, y = 10.8mm = 1.08 Problem 3.6 :
cm and n= 4. A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths 6500
0 0
yd 1.08  0.018 0
A and 5200 A is used to obtain interference fringes
    6075  108 cm  6075 A
nD 4  80 in a Young’s double slit experiment. i) Find the distance
Problem 3.3 : of the third bright fringe on the screen from the central
0
In YDSE, the two slits are separated by 0.1mm and maximum for wavelength 6500 A . (ii) What is the
they are 0.5m from the screen. The wavelength of least distance from the central maximum where the
0
bright fringes due to both the wavelengths coincide ?
light used is 5000 A . Find the distance between 7th
Distance between the slits is 2mm, distance between
maxima and 11th minima on the screen. the slits and the screen L = 120 cm.
Sol. Given, d = 0.1mm, D = 0.5m and Sol. (i) The distance of the mth bright fringe from the
central maximum
0
  5000 A  5.0  107 m
(2  11  1) D 7 D ym 
m L
; y3  

3 L 3  6500  10
10

 1.20
 1.17mm
y  ( y11 )dark  ( y7 )bright   d d 3
2  10
2d d ii) Let the nth bright fringe of wavelength l
3
= 8.75  10 m = 8.75 mm m
coincide at a distance y from the central
Problem 3.4:
mm L n n L
In Young's double slit experiment how many maximas maximum then y  
can be obtained on a screen (including the central d d
maximum) on both sides of the central fringe if m  6500 5
0
  n  
0 n  m 5200 4
 =2000 A and d = 7000 A 0
i.e., 5th bright fringe of wavelength 5200 A
Sol: For maximum intensity on the screen
coincides with the 4th bright fringe of wavelength
d sin   n (or) 0
n 6500 A
 n  2000   n sin   
10

 d m m L 5 5200  10  1.20
 ym    1.56 mm
 7000  3.5 d 2  10 3
Problem 3.7:
maximum value of sin  =1
In YDSE bi–chromatic light of wavelengths 400 nm
 n=–3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 560 nm are used. The distance between the slits is
 7 maximas. 0.1 mm and the distance between the plane of the slits
276 AKASH MULTIMEDIA
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and the screen is 1m. The minimum distance between Problem 3.9 :
two successive regions of complete darkness is : A parallel beam of light of intensity Io is incident an a
Sol. Let nth minima of 400 nm coincides with mth minima glass plate, 25% of light is reflected by upper surface
of 560nm, then and 50% of light is reflected by flower surface . The
ratio of maximum to minimum intensity in
400   560 
 2n  1     2m  1   interference region of reflected rays is (Assume that
2 2 
cohen light reflected from lower surface l refracts
2 n  1 7 14
or    .... from upper surface it entirely come out)
2 m  1 5 10 25 I
i,e., 4th minima of 400 nm coincides with 3rd minima of Sol. I1  I X 
100 4
560 nm. I 3I
The intensity of transmitted light is I '  I  
Location of this minima is, 4 4
The intensity of light reflected for lower surface is
 2  4 - 11000  400  10-9  3 I 50 3 I
Y1 = = 14 mm I2  X 
2  0.1 4 100 8
/n
=I
 2  4 - 11000  400  10-9  I
I 1

Y1 = = 14 mm
2  0.1
Next 11th minima of 400 nm will coincide with 8th 3I 3I
4 8
minima of 560 nm.
2 2
I 3I  1 3
Location of this minima is, 2 4 8   2  8

 2  11 - 11000 400  10-9  Im ax  I1  I 2     
   
Y2 = = 42mm 1min  I1  I 2  2 2
2  0.1  I 3I  1 3
 Required distance Y2 – Y1 = 28 mm.  4 8  2  8
   
Problem 3.8 : Problem 3.10 :
The maximum intensity in Young's double slit The maximum intensity in the case of n identical
W W
experiment is I0 . Distance between the slits is d = incoherent waves each of intensity 2 2 is 32 2 the
m m
5  , where  is the wavelength of monochromatic value of n is
light used in the experiment. What will be the intensity Sol. I = n Io , 32 = n 2
of light in front of one of the slits on a screen at a n =16
distance Problem 3.11 :
D = 10d. Compare the intensities of two points located at
yd  
Sol. Path difference x  respective distance and from the central maxima
D 4 3
d 5 in a interference pattern of YDSE
Here, y   (as d= 5  )
2 2   is the fringle width
and D  10 d  50  2  
Sol.      I  4 I 0 cos2  
4 4 2  4
 5   5  
so x      Corresponding phase
 2   50  4 
  
2  2 
 I  4 I0 cos2   I0
3 3  2  3 
difference
\ required ratio = 2 :1
2p  p
f    Problem 3.12 :
l 4 2
2
In Young's double slit experiment intensity at a point
I  I0 cos
2 is (1/4) of the maximum intensity. Angular position of
this points is:
2   I0
= I 0 cos   = 2 
 4 2 Sol. I  Im ax cos  
 2
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PHYSICAL OPTICS PHYSICS - II A


Im ax 2   D f at B = , \ I = 2I0,
 4  Im ax cos  2  2
D f at C =  , \ I=0
 1  
cos  or   ratio = 2 : 1 : 0
2 2 2 3
Note : If P and Q are in same phase initially then on reaching
2  2  A the right wave from Q will be ahead in phase by an
   3     .x where x  d sin 
x
  1    2
 d sin  , sin   ,   sin  3d  amount x
3 3d  P Q A
Problem 3.13 : Problem 3.15 :
In the Young's double slit experiment apparatus shown In an arrangement of double slit arrangement fig. The
in figure, the ratio of maximum to minimum intensity slits are illuminated by light of wavelength 600 nm.
on the screen is 9. The wavelength of light used is  , The distance of the first point on the screen from the
then the value of y is : centre maximum where intensity is 75% of central
Screen
maximum is
* S1

Screen
d/2 y 0.25 cm
120cm
d/2
* S2
D D Sol. Imax = I1= 4a2 (at central maximum)
3 3
2 I2 = 75% of I1 (at point P)    4a 2  3a 2
4 4
Im ax  I1  12  9
Sol :     Resultant amplitude at 'P' is A = 3 a
Im in  I1  I 2  1
If  is phase difference
x 1 I1 A2  a12  a22  2a1 a2 cos 
or 3 x
x 1 I2 
3a 2  a2  a2  2a 2 cos  :  
1 I 3
 x=2  I2  4 , I1  4 I 2 Then corresponding path difference
2px l
f   x
i.e., if I 2  I 0 then I1  4 I0 l 6 d
 Path difference x  y D
 2
I 0  4 I0 cos2   3 y  4.8  105 m
2
 2   yd  2
Problem 3.16 :
D
     D   3  y  3d White coherent light (400 nm – 700 nm) is sent through
the slits of a young's double slit experiment. The
Problem 3.14 : separation between the slits is 0.5 mm and the screen
Figure here shows P, Q as two equally intense coherent is 50cm away from the slits. There is a hole in the
sources emitting radiations of wavelength 20 m. The screen at a point 1mm from the centre.
separation PQ is 5.0 m and phase of P is ahead of the a) Which wavelengths will be absent in the light
phase of Q by 900. A, B and C are three distant points coming from the hole?
of observation equidistant from the mid point of PQ. 1 mm
The intensity of radiations at A, B and C bear the ratio xD D
Sol. y =  (2n  1)
(AIIMS - 2000) d 2d
B  1 103
103   2n  1
2 2 0.5
2000
P  nm  In the given wavelength range 400m
C Q A 2n  1
and 667 nm will the absent
Sol :  at A=0  I= 4I0

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3
n=1 l = 2000 nm  2cm. Position of central maxima will not change
1.5
2000 while 10th maxima will be obtained at y = 4cm.
n=2   667nm
3
2000 Problem 3.20 :
n=3   400 nm
5 A plate of thickness t made of a material of refractive
2000 index  is placed in front of one of the slits in a double
n=4   285.7nm
7 slit experiment. What should be the minimum
(b) In the above problem which wavelengths have a thickness t which will make the intensity at the centre
of the fringe pattern zero?
strong intensity at the hole?
xD 1 103 Sol. Intensity at the centre will be zero if path
Sol : y  103  n  
d 2 0.5
1000 difference = .
 nm 2
n  
n=1 l = 1000 nm (or)    1 t  (or) t  2    1 .
2
n=2 l = 500 nm Problem 3.21 :
n=3 l = 333.3 nm In a Young's double slit experiment, the fringes are
\ l = 500 nm will have strong intensity displaced by a distance x when a glass plate of refractive
index 1.5 is introduced in the path of one of the beams.
Problem 3.17:
When this plate is replaced by another plate of same
Two coherent sources are 0.15 mm apart and fringes thickness, the shift of fringes is (3/2)x. The refractive
are observed 1 m away with monochromatic light of index of second plate is:
wavelength 6000Å . Find (a) The fringe width in air..
   1 tD
(b) The fringe width in a liquid of refractive index 5/2. Sol: Shift 
d
Sol. (a) Fringe width
D 6000  1010  1 x
1.5  1 tD
Eq.(i)
  i.e.  = 4 mm d
d 0.15  103 3    1 tD
 4 and x  Eq.(ii)
(b) Fringe width in a medium  '    1.6mm 2 d
 5/ 2 2 0.5
Dividing Eq.(i) by Eq.(ii) 
Problem 3.18 : 3  1
Young's double slit experiment is performed in a    1.75
liquid. The 10th bright fringe in liquid lies where 6th
Problem 3.22 :
dark fringe lies in vacuum. The refractive index of
the liquid is approximately: A thin sheet of a transparent material (   1.60 ) is
placed in the path of one of the interfering beams in a
10 D  2  6  1  D 0
Sol.   YDSE using sodium light,   5890 A. The central
d  2  d
fringe shifts to a position originally occupied by the
10  D  D
    5.5 or   1.8 12th bright fringe. Calculate the thickness of the sheet.
 d d
Sol. x  (  1)t  n It is given that
Problem 3.19 : 0
  1.60, n  12,   5890 A
In Young's double slit experiment the y co–ordinates
of central maxima and 10th maxima are 2cm and 5 12  5890  10 10
t  1.18  10 5 m  0.12  m
cm respectively. When the YDSE apparatus is 1.60  1
immersed in a liquid of refractive index 1.5 the Problem 3.23 :
corresponding y co–ordinates will be: A double slit apparatus is immersed in a liquid of
refractive index 1.33. It has slit separation of 1mm
Sol: Fringe width b µ l . Therefore, and hence b will
and distance between the plane of slit and screen 1.33m.
decrease 1.5 times when immersed in liquid. The distance The slits are illuminated by a parallel beam of light
0
between central maximum and 10th maxima is 3cm in whose wavelength in air is 6300 A .
vacuum. When immersed in liquid it will reduce to
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(a) Calculate the fringe width (b) One of the slits of wavelength will form maxima exactly as point 'O' the
the apparatus is covered by a thin glass sheet of centre of the screen?
refractive index 1.53. Find the smallest thickness of Sol : (m1 - m 2 )t = nl
the sheet to bring the adjacent minima on the axis.
(1.52 - 1.40)10.4 O
Sol. (a) As fringe width   ( D / d ) and by presence of
l = mm
medium the wavelength becomes (  /  ), so the n
10.4 ´ 0.12
fringe-width in liquid will be = mm
n
D 1.33  6300  10 10
'
d

1.33  1  103
= 0.63 mm = 1248 nm
n
(b) Now as the distance of a minima from adjacent
n = 1   1 2 4 8 n m is not present in the given range
maxima is (  '/ 2 ), so according to given problem, shift
p 1248
D ' n=2 l = = 624 nm
y0  (r  1)t  with  r   2
d 2 M

D   p  D  n=3 l = 1248 = 416nm

  1 t  i.e., t  3
d  M  2 M d 2( p   M ) 1248
n= 4 l = = 312 nm is not present in the
6300  1010 4
So, t   1.575 m
2(1.53  1.33) given range
Problem 3.24 :
\ 416 nm and 624 nm will form maxima at '0'
An YDSE is carried out in a liquid of refractive index
m = 1.3 and thin film of air is formed in front of the Problem 3.26:
lower slit as shown in the figure . A monochromatic beam of light falls on YDSE
(a) If a maxima of third order is formed at the origin apparatus at some angle (say  ) as shown in figure.
O find the thickness of the air film. The wavelength of Thin sheet of glass is inserted in front of the lower slits
D
light in air is 0.78 m m and =1000 s2. The central bright fringe (path difference = 0) will
d
be obtained :
1  
Sol.    1 t  m  S 1

0
d c S 2

0.3t = 3 x 0.78 m m
air film
 
Sol. If d sin     1 t, central fringe is obtained
t  7.8 m at O.
D
(b) In the above problem find the distance of fourth  
If d sin     1 t, central fringe is obtained above
maxima from 0. O and
 D 0.78
 106  103  0.6mm
 
If d sin     1 t, central fringe is obtained below O.
Sol:   
 d 1.3 Problem 3.27 :
Shift in the fringe pattern will be upwards \ the A parallel beam of light 500nm is incident at an angle
refractive index of the air film is less than the medium 300 with the normal to the slit plane in a young's double
Find the maxima Þ : 0.6mm below 0 \ – 0.6mm
slit experiment . The intensity due to each slit is I0
 7 x 0.6mm = 4.2mm above 0 point 0 is equidistant from s1 and s2. The distance
 The fourth maxima are 4.2mm above 0 and 0.6mm
below 0. between slits is 1mm. The intensity as '0' is

Problem 3.25 :
YDSE is carried with two thin sheets of thickness 10.4
d O
mm each and refractive index m1 = 1.52 and m2 = 300 D=3m

1.40 covering the slits s1 and s2 respectively . If white

light of range 400nm to 780nm is used then which

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Problem 3.29 :
Sol : d sin q = nl
In the figure shown in YDSE, a parallel beam of light
10- 3 ´ 1 = n´ 500´ 10- 9 is incident on the slit from a medium of refractive
2
n = 1000 index n1. The wavelength of light in this medium is l 1 .
Þ 1000th bright fringe is formed at 0 A transparent glass of thicknesses t and of refractive
index n3 is put in front of one of the slits. The medium
\ intensity at '0' is 4I .
between the screen and the plane of the slits is n2. The
Problem 3.28 : phase difference between the light waves reaching
Light of wavelength   500nm falls on two narrow point - 'O' (symmetrically relative to the slits is
4
slits placed a distance d  50  10 cm apart, at an
n3
0
angle   30 relative to the slits shown in figure. On n1 n2
the lower slit a transparent slab of thickness 0.1 mm O
and refractive index 3/2 is placed. The interference l1
pattern is observed on a screen at a distance D = 2m
from the slits. Then calculate
2p æ ö÷
çç n3 - 1÷
Sol : Æ= ÷t
l 2 çè n2 ø÷
 æ ö
d C = 2p n2 ççç n3 - n2 ÷÷÷÷t
n1l 1 è n2 ø

D T ( n1 l 1 = n 2l 2 )

(a) position of the central maxima? (b) the order of 2p

minima closest to centre C of screen ? (c) How many Æ= (n3 - n2 )t
n1l 1
fringes will pass over C, if we remove the transparent
slab from the lower slit? Problem 3.30 :
An interference is observed due to two coherent sources

 C S1 placed at origin and S2 placed at ( 0, 3 , 0 ). Here 
Sol. P is the wavelength of the sources. A detector D is moved
along the positive x-axis. Find x-coordinates on the
(a) Path difference, x-axis (excluding x = 0 and x   ) where maximum
intensity is observed.
x  d sin   d sin   (  1)t For central maxima,
Sol. At x = 0, path difference is 3 . Hence, third order
(  1)t
x  0  sin    sin  maxima will be obtained. At x   , path difference is
d zero. Hence, zero order maxima is obtained. In between
(3/ 2  1)(0.1) 1
sin    sin 300 sin   first and second order maximas will be obtained.
50  103 2
0 0 , therefore,
  30 (b) At C,  0 S2 
x  d sin   (  1)t =
3
 1
(50  104 )    (3/ 2  1)(0.1) = 0.025 - 0.05 = - 0.025
 2 S1   X
P
mm Substituting x  n , we get x
x 0.025 First order maxima:
n   50 .
 500  106 S2 P  S1 P   (or) x2  9 2  x  
Hence at C, there will be 50th maxima. Therefore, closed
or x 2  9 2  x   Squaring both sides, we get
to C order of minima are -49 (c) Number of fringes shifted
upwards on removing the slab x  9 2  x 2   2  2 x
2 Solving this, we get
3 
  1 0.1 x  4 Second order maxima: S 2 P  S1 P  2
= (  1)t   2   100 (or) x2  9 2  x  2
 500  10 6

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(or ) x 2  9 2  ( x  2 ) 3l l
s1 P - s2 P = ¹ ...(1) or
Squaring both sides, we get 2 2
3l
x2  9 2  x 2  4 2  4 x 4l 2 + x 2 - x =
2
5 7l
Solving, we get x    1.25 Solving this equation we get x =
4 12
Hence, the desired x coordinates are, Problem 3.33 :
x  1.25 and x  4 A narrow slit s transmitting light of wavelength l is
Problem 3.31 : placed a distanced above a large plane mirror as
shown. The light coming directly from the slit and
Two coherent light sources A and B with separation that coming after the reflection interfere at a screen
2  are placed on the x-axis symmetrically about the placed at a distance D from the slit (a) what will be the
origin. They emit light of wavelength  . Obtain the intensity at a point just above the mirror i.e just above
positions of maxima on a circle of large radius, lying 0(b) at what distance from o does the first maximum
in the x-y plane and with centre at the origin. occurs?
Sol.
P Sol. S and its image s' act as two coherent sources
a) just above 0 the direct light from s and reflected light
from the mirror will have a phase difference of p . \

 Resultant intensity = zero
A  O B
s

y
d
For P to have maximum intensity, d cos   n
O
n
2 cos   n cos   where n is integer d
2
For n  0,   900 , 2700 s'
D
0 0
n  1,   60 ,120 , 240 ,3000 0 xD
b) y = ( distance between the 2 sources is 2d)
2d
n  2,   00 ,1800 l
x= ( Q phase difference due to
So, positions of maxima are at 2
  0 0 , 60 0 , 90 0 ,120 0 ,180 0 , 240 0 , 270 0 and 300 0 reflection is p which corresponds to a path
i.e., 8 positions will be obtained. l
difference of ) for maxima
Short cut : In d = nl then number of maximum on the 2
circle is 4n l D
Problem 3.32 :
\ y=
4d
Two coherent point sources S1 and S2 vibrating in
Problem 3.34 :
phase emit light of wavelength  . The separation
between the sources is 2  . The smallest distance from As shown in the figure Q, above point O is the position
s2 on a line passing through S2 and perpendicular to of first bright fringe. On the other side of O, D is the
position of 11th bright fringe with respect to Q. If the
s1s2, where a minimum of intensity occurs is:
wavelength of light used is 6000A0 then the value of
Sol. Path difference at s2 is 2 . Therefore for minimum S1B will be
intensity at P let x be the minimum distance from s2. screen
slit
P S1
Then B
-Q
90 0
X S O

S1 D
2 S2 S2

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Sol. D will be 10th bright fringe with respect to 0 i.e. n = 10,

l
  6000  10 10 m
m x s1
Path difference
o
D x= S1B= nl , D x = 10´ 6´ 10 - 7
s2
= 6  10 6 m

Problem 3.35: 
In the figures PO and QB are the extreme rays of a = -
wavefront AB of monochromatic light of wavelength ò (1 + a x)dx
0

l . The value of angle q for which the ray QB and æ a x 2 ö÷ æ a  2 ö÷
ççx + çç +
= ÷ =  ÷
ray OB interfere constructively is
O
çè 2 ø÷
÷
0
çè 2 ø÷
÷
a 2
q
q =
A d 2
l
q
For destructive interference at 0 Dx =
2
P B
a 2 l l
= a=
2 2 2
AO
Sol. = cos 2q Problem 3.37 :
OB In YDSE the screen is at a distance D from the plane
AO = OB cos= 2q of the slits and slits are illuminated by plane
on reflection at O the ray monochromatic light of wavelength l . P is a point
suffers a phase difference of p which is equivalent to on the screen at a distance y from the central
l maximum . If by some special arrangement the slits
a path difference of . For constructive interference
2 be moved symmetrically apart with relative
path difference should be l velocity v, estimate the number of fringes crossing
l the point p per unit time.
\ AO + OB = for constructive interference
2 Sol. Let l = distance between the slits
l d dl yl
OB cos q + OB = = cos q V= path diff x =
2 OB dt D
l d l dx y dl yv
OB (1 + cos) = .2 cos 2 q = = . =
2 cos q 2 dt D dt D
l l Since a change in optical path difference of l
cos q = Þ q = cos- 1
4d 4d corresponds to one fringe , so the number of fringes
crossing point P per unit time is
** Problem 3.36
dx 1 yv
In the figure shown , a parallel beam of light is incident =
dt l lD
on the plane of the slits of a youngs double slit
experiment light on the slit s1 passes through a medium Problem 3.38 :
of variable refractive index m = 1 + a x ( where x is l
In fi gur e shown S1O - S2O = S3O - S2 O = .
the distance from the plane of the slits as shown) upto 4
Intensity at O due to any one of the slits is I0. What is
a distance '  ' before falling on s1 rest of the space is
the intensity due to all three coherent sources S1, S2
filled with air. If at '0' a minimum is formed, then the
and S3 at O?
minimum value of positive constant a in terms, of  S1
and wavelength l in air is g 
S2 O

Sol. Path difference Dx =  ò mdx S3

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Sol: Phase difference corresponding to the given path
Problem 3. 41 :
difference.
2A 0 A R  5A 0 Which of the following graphs represent the variation
of the path difference (Dl )between the interferring
waves in a double slit experiment with the ‘angular
position’ (q) of the point on the screen?

90 0 Dl Dl
A0
2 2  
  .x   
  4 2
Let A0 be the amplitude due to either of the slits. O - p /2 O q
- p /2 p /2 q p /2
2 (c) (b)
A R  5A 0 , I R  5I 0 as I  A
Problem 39 : Dl Dl

Which of the following graphs best represent the

variation of phase difference between he interferring
waves in a double slit experiment with the distance y
from the central maximum? - p /2 O p /2 q - p /2 O p /2 q
(c) (d)

Phase Phase Sol. D L = d sin q

difference difference p
\ DL versus q is a sine curve, with q £ 2
y y
(a) (b) Problem 3.42 :
The slits in a double slit interference experiment are
Phase Phase illuminated by orange light (l = 600nm) . A thin
difference difference
transparent plastic of thickness t is placed in front of
one of the slits. The number of fringes shifted is plotted
(c) y (d) y across the refractive index mof the plastic (the graph
æ2p ö is an shown below) .The value of t is :
D f = (d sin q)çç ÷
Sol : Phase difference çè l ø÷
÷
æ2p ö÷ (Q y < < D 60
No. of fringes shifted (N)

» d tan q . ççç ÷
è l ø÷ \ q » small) 50
dy æ ö
ç 2p ÷ 40
= .ç ÷
÷
D çè l ø
30
i.e., D f µ y ,
20
\ The required graph is a straight line.
Problem 3.40 : 10

The graph between the path difference versus phase m

0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00
difference is a / an
1) straight line 2) parabola 1) 8.8 mm 2) 649 mm
3) sine curve 4) none of these 3) 24 mm 4) 600 nm
Sol. Since, a path difference of l corresponds to a phase æt ö t
i.e., N = ççç ÷ ÷m- which is a straight line
difference of 2p èl ø÷ l
l t
\ Dx = Df or, \ Dx µ Df .
\ Slope of the line is
2p l
a straight line
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t 40 Problem 3.45 :
\ - 9
=
600 ´ 10 m (2.00 - 1.00) Light of wavelength 520nm passing through a double
slit produces interference pattern of relative intensity
or, t = 24 mm verses deflection angle q as shown in the figure. The
Problem 3.43 : separation d between the slits is
A Young’s double slit experimental set up is completely
submerged in a transparent liquid. Which of the
1
following graphs best represent the variation of total
number of fringes N observed on the screen with the
index of refraction m of the liquid ? 3
0 .7 5 1 2 q
( in d e g r e s s )
l
N N
Sol : For first dark q = 2d
p 520 ´ 10- 9
m m
0.75´ =
(a)
180 2d
(b)

d = 1.98 x 10–2mm » 2´ 10- 2 mm

N N
Problem 3.46 :
In a YDSE if a slab whose refractive index can be
m m
(d) varied is placed in front of one of the slits then the
(c)
variation of resultant intensity of mid - point of screen
Sol. If L is the size of the screen and b is the size of a fringe,
with m will be represented by (assume slits of equal
Ld | l
then N= | where l = m width and there is no absorption by slab)
l D
æLd ö Io Io
N = ççç ÷÷÷m Þ N a M
èl D ø 1) 2)
\ The graph is a straight line, with +ve slope and passing m= 1 m m= 1 m
through the origin.
I0 I0
Problem 3.44 :
The graph between the shift s of the interference
pattern in a double slit experiment with the thickness t
of a transparent slab introduced in front of one of the
3) 4)
slits is best represented by m= 1 m= 1

Sol : m= 1 Þ D x = 0 I = max imum

s s
D x = (m- 1)t m - Þ D x - Þ D x increases from

t t
l
2 l
(a) (b) 0 to to
Þ Intensity first decreases then increases
\ Correct answer is (3)
s s
3.8 (i) Diffraction Introduction :
t t According to rectilinear propagation of light, if
(c) (d)
an opaque obstacle or aperture is placed between
Shift S = (m- 1)t , a straight line with positive slope the source of light and a screen a sharp shadow or
(m> 1) and passing through the origin. an illuminated region is obtained on the screen as
\ Correct answer is (d) shown in figures (a) and (b).

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dark XY is the screen placed in the path of light.

light
According to rectilinear property of light AB is
S sh a d o w S li g h t the illuminated portion of the screen and above A
ligh t and below B is the region of the geometrical shadow.
aperture
o b sta c le dark Considering MN as the primary wavefront,
screen
(a) (b)
screen according to Huygen’s construction, if secondary
wavefronts are drawn as shown in the figure 13.19(a)
In 17th century, Grimaldi discovered that, if the
one would expect encroachment of light in the
size of obstacle or aperture is comparable with the
geometrical shadow. Thus shadow formed by small
wavelength of light, the light deviates from rectilinear x
apertures are not sharp.
propagation near the edges of obstacle or aperture.
This property of bending of waves around the encroachment
of light
edges of a small obstacle or aparture is called M
A
diffraction. S
N
As a result of diffraction, when light passes B encroachment
through a small aperture or opaque obstacle, it of light
spreads to some extent into the region of the
( a)
geo metrical shadow also . Hence due to
Y
encrochement of light, the edges of the shadow (or
x
illuminated region) do not remain well defined and
sharp but become blurred and fringed. A
encroachment
The bending of light waves around the edges M of light
of an obstacle is called diffraction.
S
(or) N encroachment
The encroachment of light in the geometrical of light
B
shadow region is called diffraction.
( b)
Note(a): Diffraction takes places for all type of
waves mechanical or non-mechanical, transverse or Y
longitudinal. Fig 13.19
Note (b): Diffraction of sound and radio waves is Suppose an opaque obstacle MN is placed in
easier than light because wavelength of sound and the path of light as in figure 13.19 (b). According to
radio waves is much larger. rectilinear propagation A B is geometrical shadow
Examples of diffraction: region, above A and below B are illuminated
Diffraction phenomena is a part of our common region. According to Huygen’s construction, if the
experience. The light filtering through the tree leaves secondary wavefronts are drawn as shown in figure
does not form sharp illuminated regions on the ground 13.19(b). There should be illumination in the
but often casts bright patches with blurred edges on geometrical shadow region AB also. This explains
the ground. The luminous border that surrounds the that diffraction effects are observed only when a
profile of a mountain just before the sun rises behind portion of the wavefront is obstructed by the
it is due to diffraction. Coloured spectra that one sees obstacle.
while viewing a distant source of light through a fine
cloth, are the examples of diffraction of light.
Cause of Diffraction: d
According to Huygen’s wave theory of light,
each progressive wave produces secondary waves   d
d
lets, the envelope of which forms the secondary
or   d
wavefront. In figure 13.19 (a) S is a source of (a ) (b )
monochromatic light and MN is the small aperture.
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all points in the plane of the obstacle or aperture.

The resultant amplitude at any point of the screen is
obtained by the mutual interference of secondary
wavelets from different elements of unblocked
d portions of wavefront. Fresnel explains diffraction
in terms of half period zones. Diffraction at straight
(c) edge, narrow wire or small opaque disc are examples
Figure illustrates the passage of waves through of this type. Mathematical treatment of Fresnel
an opening. When the aperture is large (in size d) diffraction is very complicated
compared to the wavelength  , the waves do not Slit
bend round the edges as shown in figure 13.18(a)  P
i.e. the ray approximation (rectilinearly) continues
to be valid and we need not consider diffraction S
effects or wave nature. When the opening is small,
the bending of waves round edges is noticeable as
shown in the figure (b) i.e the wave nature is T
predominant, example light waves. When the Fig 13.24
opening is very small, the waves spread over entire (b) Fraunhoffer diffraction :
surface behind the opening as shown in the figure In this type of diffraction, the source of light
(c) i.e. the opening behaves as a point source of and the screen are effectively at infinite distances
waves, and emits spherical waves. The opening acts from the obstacle. Fraunhoffer diffraction pattern
as an independent sources of waves, which can be easily observed in practice. The required
propagates in all directions. conditions for Fraunhoffer diffraction are achieved
The diffraction effect is observable quite close using convex lenses, one lens to make the light from
to the opening when the size of opening is very small the source parallel and another to focus the light
  d . When t he o pening is large ( d   ) after diffraction on to the screen. The diffraction is
diffraction effect is observable at finite distance from thus produced by interference between parallel rays.
the opening. Since in YDSE the two slits apertures The incident wavefront as such is plane and the
nearly equal to wavelength of light hence to get secondary wavelets, which originate from the
fringes, screen should be placed at certain distance unblocked portion of the wavefront, are in the same
from the slits. phase at every point in the plane of the of aperture.
Diffraction at single slit, double slit are the
3.8 (ii) Fresnel and Fraunhoffer types of examples of this type. Mathematical treatment of
diffraction: fraunhoffer diffraction is quite simpler.
The diffraction phenomena are bro adly
classified into two types. Fresnel diffraction and  P

Fraunhoffer diffraction. S Lens

(a) Fresnel diffraction:
Lens T
In this type of diffraction the source of light and
screen are effectively at finite distances from the Slit
diffracting device [obstacle or aperture]. Observation
of Fresnel diffraction phenomenon does not require 3.8 (iii) Fresnel’s assumptions :
any lenses. Because of finite distance of source the According to Fresnel, diffractional effects at a
incident wavefront is not planar. The wavefront point infront of a wavefront are nothing but
involved are either spherical or cylindrical. As a result, interference of secondary wavelets coming from
the phase of secondary wavelets is not the same at wavefront at that point.

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In order to study such diffractional effects, Note(b): If point is located in tangential direction to
geometrically wavefront must be divided into small the wavefront, then An is half that of maximum value
regions of approximately equal areas. Such regions since q = 90° and cos 900 = 0.
are called “Half period zones” or “Fresnel zones” or Note(c): If position of a point is in radially inward
“Half period strips”. The wavelets coming from these direction to the wavefront then An is zero since
zones, interfer at a point either constructively or
destructively to produce diffractional effects at that q = 180° and cos 1800 = –1.
point. Wavelets from a zone reaching a point differ 3.8 (iv) Resultant amplitude at an external point
from those coming from its neighbouring zone by a due to plane wavefront:
l Co nsider a plane wavefront ABCD
phase difference of p or path difference of or the
2 perpendicular to the plane of the paper as shown in
T
half time period i.e., . (Hence the name Half period figure and ‘P’ is an external point at a distance ‘b’
2
zones) perpendicular to ABCD. To find the resultant
n th zo n e
b+ n
l
2
intensity at P due to the wavefront ABCD, Fresnel’s
b + (n - 1)
l
2
method involves dividing the wavefront into number
b+
l of half period elements or zones called Fresnel’s
2

P
zones. B
b b
3
M3 2
l 2
b+ (2 n - 1) A M2
b
2
qn 4 
M1 b
2

O
 P
b

According to Fresnel, the amplitude of

disturbance (An) that a point infront of a wavefront c
Fig 13.22

due to wavelets coming from nth zone is Circles are constructed with ‘P’ as centre and
 2 3
a) Directly proportional to area of nth zone radii equal to b  , b  , b  etc     . They
2 2 2
will cut out circular areas of radii OM1,OM2, OM3,
é l ù
i.e., A n µ pl êb + (2n ­ 1)ú etc----- on the plane wavefront as shown in figure.
êë 4 úû These circular zones are called half period zones or
b) Inversely proportional to the average distance half period elements. Each zone differs from its
of nth zone from the point neighbour by a phase difference of  or path
1 
An µ difference of and half time period with respect to P.
i.e., l 2
b + (2n - 1) Thus the secondary waves starting from the point
4
O and M1 on reaching P will have phase difference
c) directly proportional to the “obliquity factor” 
(1 + cosqn ) . where qn is the angle between normal  or path difference . Therefore a Fresnel’s half
2
to the nth zone and line joining nth zone and point. period zone with respect to an actual point P is a thin
annular zone of the primary wavefront in which the
A n µ (1 + cosqn ) secondary waves from any two corresponding points

\ Amplitude of disturbance due to wavelets of neighboring zones differ in path by .
from nth zone at a point is A n µ pl (1 + cos qn ). 3
2
rd b
3 zone M 3 2
Hence ‘An’ for a given l completely depends on 2
nd
zone M 2 b
2
2

obliquity factor. 1
st
zone M 1 b

2
zeroeth zone O b
 P
Note(a): If position of a point is in radially outward M1

direction to the wavefront, then An is maximum since M2

(a )
M3
q = 0° and cos 00 = 1.
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M3
M2
numbered zones the displacement will be in the
M1

negative direction at the same instant. Therefore the
O
amplitude ‘A’ of the resultant oscillation at point ‘P’
(b ) can be A = A1 - A2 + A3 - A4 + A5 ------.
Fig 13.23

O is the pole of wavefront ABCD with respect The resultant amplitude or intensity at a
to an external point P. M 1, M2, M3 etc, are the half point P is maximum when the number of zones
period zones constructed on the primary wavefront. superposed is odd. The resultant amplitude or
OM1 is the radius of first zone. OM2 is the radius of intensity at a point P is minimum when the
number of zones superposed is even.
second zone and OM3 is the radius of third zone. P
If t he who le wavefro nt ABCD is
is the point at which the resultant intensity (or
unobstructed, the number of half period zones that
amplitude) has to be calculated.
can be constructed with reference to the point P is
OP  b,OM  r , OM  r ,OM  r and
1 1 2 2 3 3 infinite. As the amplitudes are of gradually
 2 3 diminishing order tends to zero, we can prove that
M1P  b  , M2P  b  , M 3P  b  the resultant amplitude at ‘P’ due to whole plane
2 2 2 A1
wavefront is A  .
2
 Area of first half period zone is A2
Therefore the intensity at a point P, I  1
 2  4
=   b   4   b Note: The resultant amplitude at a point due to whole
 2    cylidrical wavefront is A = A1. Therefore intensity,

r12    b    b 
2
 2  I µ A12 .
As ‘  ’ is small,  2  0 . 3.8 (v) Fresnel’s diffraction pattern due to straight
edge :
The radii of first half period zone r1  b ,
X 2l
b+ P¢
similarly the radii of second half period zone M2 2
l
B b+
2
2 2 M1
r2  2b and its area =   OM 2  OM1   b .
S A
P
Thus, the area of each half period zone is equal a b
to b . Area of the zone is independent of the order
Y T
of the zone. éêëA µ m 0 ùúû The radii of the 1st 2 nd , D

3rd........ half period zones are 1b, 2b, 3b..... . Let ‘S’ be narrow slit illuminated by a source
Therefore, the radii are proportional to the square of monochromatic light of wavelength  . The
roots of natural numbers. The effect at ‘P’, length of the slit is perpendicular to plane of the
depends only on obliquity factor. Here the area of paper. AD is the straight edge and the length of edge
the each zone is the same.
is parallel to slit. XY is the cylindrical wavefront. P
Let A1, A2, A3 etc, represent the amplitude due is the point on the screen and SAP is perpendicular
to1st, 2nd, 3rd etc, half period zones at P. As we to the screen. The screen is perpendicular to the plane
consider the zones outwards from O, the obliquity of paper. Below the point P is the geometrical
increases and hence the quantities A1, A2, A3 etc are shadow and above P is the illuminated portion. At
of continuous decreasing order. Due to the phase
point ‘P’ no sharp bo undary exist bet ween
difference  between two consecutive zones, if the
geometrical shadow and illuminated portion. The
displacements of the particles due to odd numbered
illuminated region above P contains alternating bright
zones is in the positive direction, then due to the even
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and dark fringes. Such display is called a diffraction moves farther from P, more number of half period
pattern, which can be explained by the concept of strips above B are also cut off and the intensity
half period zones. On the cylindrical wavefront, with gradually falls. Thus within the geometrical shadow
increase of zone order, area of the half period zone
the intensity, gradually falls off depending on the
decreases.
position of P ' with respect to P. However, with
Let P ' be a point on the screen in illuminated
white light coloured bands will be observed and
portion. To calculate the resultant effect at P ' due
bands of shorter wavelength are nearer to the point P.
to wavefront XY, let us join S to P ' . This line
3.8 (vi) Diffraction at opaque disc:
meets the wavefront at B. The effect at P ' due to Suppose S is a point source of light. X is an
wavefront above B is same at all points on the screen
opaque disc placed some distance from it
where as it is different at different points due to the symmetrically Y is the screen. If rectilinear
wavefront between B and A. Now the point P '
propagation were true the geometrical shadow must
will be maximum intensity, if the number of half be completely dark. But the observation shows that
period strips enclosed between B and A is odd and
there is a bright spot at the centre of the geometrical
intensity at P ' will be minimum if the number of shadow region. In addition there are concentric rings
half period strips enclosed between B and A is even.
observed around this central bright spot. These rings
Thus there will be a fringe pattern above P. are due to the diffraction of light at the sharp edges
of the opaque disc.
min
m ax
min m ax
min
max
min
m ax illum inated
S portion
S
in tensity
geometric X
opaque sh adow
Y
screen 3.8 (vii) APPLICATIONS OF DIFFRACTION
:
The width of these fringes goes on decreasing
1. The wavelength of x-rays are determined by x-
above P.
ray diffraction.
Due to increase in obliquity, the intensity of 2. Structure of crystalline solids are determined
bright band decreases and intensity of dark band by x-ray, electron and neutro n diffraction
increases if P ' moves away from P.. B e y o n d measurements.
certain point C there is uniform illumination. If P ' is 3. The wavelengths of either monochromatic or
a point below P, to calculate the resultant effect at composite radiations can be measured accurately by
P ' due to wavefront XY, let us join S to P' . This diffraction technique using diffraction grating
line meets the wavefront at B. B is the new pole of 4. Velocity of sound in liquids (organic or
wavefront with reference to point P ' , then the half inorganic) can be estimated with the help of ultra
period strips below B are cut off by the obstacle and sonic diffraction technique.
only uncovered half period strips above B will be 5. Ultra sound scanning uses the principle of
diffraction to assess the size and shape of ulcers,
effective producing the illumination at P ' . As P '
tumors etc, in human body.

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3.8 (viii) Differences between interference and diffraction

Interference Diffraction

1. Interference is the result of 1. Diffraction is result of superposition

superposition of waves from two of wave from different points of the
wavefronts originating from the same wave front
same source.
2. Interference fringes are all of 2. Diffraction fringes are not of the
the same width. same width

3. All maxima are bright, minima 3. Maxima are of decreasing intensity,

are almost perfectly black minima are not perfectly dark.

4. Over a large region on screen, 4. Over a small region on screen diffraction

interference is observed. is observed

3.8 (ix) Differences between Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhoffer diffraction

Fresnel diffraction Fraunhoffer diffraction

1. The source and the screen 1. The source and the screen
are at finite distance from the are effectively at infinite
aperture or obstacle distance from the aperture
or obstacle.

2. Lenses are not used 2. Lenses are used

3. Wavefront is spherical
or cylindrical 3. Wave front is plane

4. Mathematical treatment is complex 4. Mathematical treatment is simple.

5. The centre of the diffraction pattern 5. The centre of the, diffraction pattern
may be bright or dark depending is always bright.
upon the no.of Fresnel zones

6. The diffraction pattern is a projection 6. The diffraction pattern is an image of

of the obstacle modified by the diffraction the source modified by the diffraction at
the obstacle
7. The distance of different points on the 7. The angular inclinations are important
screen are important

8. It is a general case 8. It is a special case of Fresnel's diffraction

9. Eg. Diffraction at straight edge, narrow 9. Eg. Diffraction at single slit double slit,
wire or small opaque disc diffraction grating

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3.9 Aieee syllabus : between secondary waves originating from A and

3.9 (i) Fraunhoffer diffraction at a single slit :
BL BL
When the double slit in Young’s experiment is B. Then in ABL, sin    or
AB a
replaced by a single narrow slit illuminated by a
monochromatic source, a broad pattern with a central BL  a sin 
bright region is seen on both sides, there are alternate If the path difference BL is equal to  the
dark and bright regions, the intensity becoming wavelength of the light used, then P ' will be a point
weaker away from the centre. To understand this of minimum intensity. The whole wavefront can be
consider given figure 13.28 which shows a parallel considered to be of two halves OA and OB and if
beam of light (plane wavefront) incident normally the path difference between the secondary waves
on a single slit AB of width ‘a’. The diffracted light from A and B is  , then the path difference between
goes on, to meet a screen. The mid point of the slit 
is O. the secondary waves from A and O will be .
2
 Similarly for every point in the upper half OA, there
to P' P'
is a corresponding point in the lower half OB and
A the path difference between the secondary waves
M2 
M1  
 from these points is . Thus, minimum intensity
O to P P 2
M1  L
occurs at the point P ' . If the direction of the
M2 
B secondary waves is such that BL  a sin   2 ,
asin  then also the point where they meet the screen will
be of minimum intensity. This is so because the
T secondary waves from the corresponding points of
Fig 13.28
According to Fraunhoffer, when a plane 
the lower half differ in path by . The process
wavefront is incident on the slit AB and each point 2
on this wavefront is a source of secondary explains that in the given path difference between
disturbance. Consider the secondary waves travelling two extreme waves if there is an integer number of
in the direction parallel to OP and brought to focus wavelengths exists, there is a minimum intensity at a
at P by using convex lens. The secondary waves given point P. In general
from points equidistant from O and situated in the a sin q n = n l , n = 1, 2, 3, - - -
upper and lower halves OA and OB of wavefront
travel the same distance in reaching P and hence the nl
\ sin qn = , with n = 1, 2, 3, - - - -
path difference is zero. The secondary waves a
superpose one another and P will be a point of where n is the angular positio n of n th
maximum intensity. minimum. If, however the path difference is odd
Now consider the secondary waves travelling

in the direction OP ' inclined at an angle  to the multiples of
, the direction of the secondary
2
direction of OP. All the secondary waves travelling
maximum can be obt ained. In this case.
in this direction reach the point P ' on the screen.
The point P ' will be maximum or minimum intensity 
a sin n  (2n  1) , n = 1, 2, 3, .......
depending on the path difference between the 2
secondary waves originating from the corresponding (2n+ 1)l
sin qn = , n= 1, 2,3, - - -
points of the wavefront. If BL is the path difference 2a

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Thus, the diffraction pattern due to single slit  y D

consisting of central bright maximum at P followed  d  D   n , i.e., y  d (n )
by secondary maxima and minima on both sides. D D
So that, y3  y1  (3   )  (2 ) and hence,
d d
0.50  (2  6  107 )
d  2  104 m = 0.2 mm
3  10 3
phase diff 3 2  P  2 3 Problem 3.48:
3  2   2 3
path diff a a a In a single slit diffraction experiment first minimum
a a a

Fig 13.29 for  1  660nm coincides with first maxima for

The intensity decreases as we go to successive wavelength  2 . Calculate  2 .
maxima away from the centre, on either side. The Sol. Position of minima in diffraction pattern is given by;
width of central maxima is twice as the other d sin   n
maximum in size. For first minima of 1 , we have
1
d sin 1  (1)1 or sin 1  ..... (i) T h e
d
O y first maxima approximately lies between first and second

p maxima. For wavelength  2 its position will be,
D 3
d sin  2   2  sin 2  3 2 .... (ii)
2 2d
The two will coincide if,
Fig 13.30 T 1 3 2
1  2 or sin 1  sin 2   or
For first minima a sin    d 2d
2 2
y D  2  1   660nm = 440 nm.
a   (sin   tan  )  y  3 3
D a
3.9 (ii) Condition for Fresnel and Fraunhoffer
2l D
Width of central maxima w= 2y= diffraction:
a An aperture of size ‘a’ illuminated by a parallel
Note(a): If lens is placed close to the slit, then D = beam of light sends diffracted light into an angle of
f. Hence ‘f’ be the focal length of lens, then width
approximately   . This is the angular size of the
2f l a
of the central maximum w= . bright central maximum. At a distance ‘Z’, the
a
Note(b): If this experiment is performed in liquid Z
diffracted beam acquires a width due to
other than air, width of diffraction maxima will a
1 diffraction. To know at what value of Z, the
decrease and becomes times. With white light, spreading due to diffraction becomes comparable to

the central maximum is white and the rest of the the size of the aperture, we thus approximately equal
diffraction bands are coloured. Z
with ‘a’. This gives the distance beyond which
a
Problem 3.47: divergence of the beam of width ‘a’ become
A screen is placed 50 cm from a single slit, which is
o Z a2
illuminated with 6000 A light. If distance between significant. Therefore  a or Z  .
the first and third minima in the diffraction pattern is
a 
3.00 mm, what is the width of the slit ?
We define a quantity ZF called Fresnel distance
Sol. In case of diffraction at single slit, the position of minima a2
is given by d sin   n . Where d is the aperture size by the following equation ZF  . If Z is much

and for small  : sin     ( y / D ) smaller than ZF, the spreading due to diffraction is

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smaller compared to the size of the beam. Then the To a human eye, when the object or image is
approximation of geometrical optics is applicable. situated at the least distance of distinct vision (D),
If Z becomes comparable with the distance ZF, the minimum separation (d) between two nearby
Fresnel diffraction approach is adopted. For object points should be of order of 0.1 mm. If the
distances much greater than ZF, the spreading due object points are separated by a distance larger than
to diffraction dominates over that due to ray optics, 0.1mm, they are clearly visible and are well resolved.
Fraunhoffer diffraction approach is adopted. The Further, two point objects appear to be just resolved,
a2 if the angle (  ) subtended by them at the eye is 1
equation Z  also shows that ray optics is valid
 minute of an arc. Hence the resolving limit of
in the limit of wavelength tending to zero. human eye is 0.1 mm or 1 minute.
Problem 3.49: 3.9 (iv) Resolving power of microscope:
For what distance is ray optics a good approximation
A microscope resolves the linear distance
when the aperture is 3 mm wide and the wavelength is
500 nm? between two close objects. In figure MN is the
Sol. For distance Z  ZF , ray optics is the good appropriate aperture of the objective of a microscope. O and
Fresnel distance O' are two point objects separated by a distance xm.
a 2 (3  10 3 )2 M
zF    18m 
 5  10 7 xm O '
O  I
3.9 (iii) Resolving power : I'
N
When two objects or their images are very close Fig 13.32
to each other, they appear as one and it may not be
possible for the eye to see them separately. Optical Due to diffraction I and I ' are surrounded by
instruments are used to assist the eye in resolving alternate dark and bright diffraction rings. The two
the objects or images. The method adapted to see images are said to be just resolved if the position of
the close objects as separate objects is called central maximum of I ' corresponds to the first
resolution. minima of image of I. By geometry we can prove
The ability of an optical instrument to that, the path difference between extreme rays from
produce distinctly separate images of two objects O' on reaching I is 2 xm sin  . If this path difference
located very close to each other is called its 
resolving power. We use the term resolving power 2 xm sin   1.22 , then centre of I corresponds

in two different senses. In case of microscopes and to first minima of image I ' and the two images
telescopes, we talk of geometrical resolution where appears just resolved. This result is obtained from
the geometrical positions between two near by
diffraction due to lens.
objects are to be resolved and in case of
spectroscopes we refer to spectral resolution where 1.22 
 Resolving limit ( x m )  2  sin 
difference of wavelength of light in a given source
are to be resolved. Resolving power is normally Where  is the wavelength of light in vacuum and
defined as the reciprocal of the smallest value  is the refractive index of the medium between
(resolving limit) subtended or separated w.r.t to the the object and the objective.
objective of optical instrument by two point objects, 1 2 sin 
which can just be distinguished as separate.  Resolving power = x  1.22
O m
where  sin  is called numerical aperture of the
d  Eye
objective. Smaller the limit of resolution or higher
O' D the resolving power, more details of object will be
Fig 13.31 visible in the image.

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3.9 (v) Resolving power of telescope: 3.10 Polarization :

A telescope gives us geometric resolution 3.10 (i) Concept of polarization
between two far away objects subtending a very Interference and diffraction phenomenon
small angle. Let ‘a’ be diameter of the objective of proved wave nature of light. However, they could
the telescope. Consider the rays of light from two not explain whether the light waves are longitudinal
neighbouring points of a distant object. The image or transverse in nature. All kinds of waves under
of each point object is a Fraunhoffer diffraction suitable conditions exhibit interference and
pattern. Similar to microscope the two images are diffraction.
said to be resolved if the position of central According to Maxwell, electromagnetic waves
maximum of one corresponds to first minima of are transverse waves. It is obvious that light waves
image of other. m
M are also transverse waves. It is the concept of
 I' polarisation, which established the fact that light
I waves are transverse in nature.
A wave in which, the direction of vibrations
MN  a
N is strictly confined to a single direction in the plane
13.33 and perpendicular to the direction of propagation
If  m is the resolving limit of a telescope. The of the wave is said to be polarized wave.
Before looking into the polarization of light
reciprocal of  m measures the resolving power of waves we take up the case of mechanically produced
the telescope. Since the proof is beyond our syllabus, waves in a string.
1.22 
we are just writing Resolving limit ( m ) =
a
(a)
1 a
Re solving power  
 m 1.22
where a is the diameter of the objective of telescope
(b )
and  is the wavelength of light.
The resolving power of telescope increases
with increase in the diameter of the objective but the
effect of spherical aberration becomes appreciable. (c )
Hence in case of large telescope objectives, the In figure
central position of the objective is covered with a a) one dimensional wave in vertical plane.
stop to minimize the spherical aberration this will b) vibrations of wave parallel to the vertical slit.
not effect on resolving power. c) vibrations of wave perpendicular to horizontal
Problem 3.50: slit.
0
Assume that light of wavelength 6000 A is coming Suppose that we set a string to vibrate in a
from a star. What is the limit of resolution of a vertical plane as shown in figure (a) in such a way
telescope whose objective has a diameter of 100 inch? that oscillations are strictly confined to vertical plane
Solution: only. The wave is said to be vertically polarised. If
A 100 inch telescope implies that a = 100 inch = 254 we place a board with vertical slit in the path of the
cm. Thus if, wave, the waves passes through it as in figure (b).
0
  6000 A  6  105 cm then, When the slit is rotated through 90° with respect to
1 .2 2  first position, the wave would be stopped completely
    2.9  107 radians as in figure (c). This explains to us the waves on
a

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the string are transverse and polarized. In case of

longitudinal waves in string, either orientation of Ey
the slit cannot stop the waves as the vibrations will
 Ex 
be along the direction of propagation of the wave.
Hence the concept of polarization is meaningless
Un polarized
for longitudinal waves: only transverse waves can Un polarized light
be polarized. light
(b) (c ) (d)
An electromagnetic wave consists of electric
and magnetic fields vibrating perpendicular to each The random orientation of the plane of
other and to the direction of propagation. If in a polarization leads to an equal probability of all
light wave the directions of vibrations of electric directions about the propagation direction as shown
vector ( E ) is strictly confined to a single direction (b). Thus light in which the planes of polarization
in the plane perpendicular to the direction of are symmetrically distributed about the propagation
propagation of the wave, such a light wave is said direction of the wave is known as the unpolarized
to be plane polarized light. In the polarized wave light.
coming towards the eye, the electric vector appears The direct ion of polarizat ion of t he
executing a linear vibration normal to ray direction. electromagnetic wave is defined to be the direction
Then vibrating electric vector E and the direction of in which electric field E vibrates. As all directions of
wave propagation form a plane called plane of vibration are possible, the resultant beam of EM
polarization. It should be noted that plane of radiation is a superposition of waves emitted by the
polarisation is the plane of vibration. individual atomic sources. The result is an
An optical vector unpolarized light wave.
Geometric representation of unpolarised,
Direction of polarised and partially polarised light:
propagation
We may resolve each electric vector (optic
vector) in unpolarized light into two rectangular
Plane of polarization components lying parallel and perpendicular to a
An ordinary light source consists of a large chosen direction, hence we use only two vectors as
number of atomic emitters, each atom radiates a shown in figure, for representing unpolarized light.
plane polarized wave train for about 10-8 sec. As The components lying parallel are called arrow
time goes on, the orientation of the plane of components while the co mponents lying
polarization changes randomly and rapidly at the rate parpendicular are called dot components.
of 108 times the second. Our eyes, cannot respond
to such rapid changes. In the time that the eye Due to the random distribution of optical vectors,
responds to light, millions of wave trains are emitted the amplitude of the component vectors will be equal.
by the source. Further, the frequencies of the wave Therefore if the intensity of the incident unpolarized
trains are not exactly equal. Thus, ordinary light I0
comprises of a heterogeneous group of wave trains light is IO, the intensity of each component will be .
2
having different wavelengths and vibrating in If the two perpendicular components of electric
different planes perpendicular to the direction in vectors are not equal in magnitude then the light said
which the wave is propagating. to be partially poralised.
We can obtain a linearly polarized wave from
an unpolarized wave by eliminating one of the
(a)
component of the electric vector. Hence light attains

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one sidedness, the phenomena of which is called Thus the reflected light is partially polarised. This
polarisation. Ray diagrams as shown in figures a, b can be verified by putting a tourmaline crystal in its
represents the linearly polarized light. path. (When the crystal is rotated the intensity
decreases but never becomes zero. On further rotation
(a) intensity again increases). The components of light
whose vibrations are parallel to the plane of incidence
(or perpendicular to the transparent surface) are more
(b) refracted. Thus the refracted or transmitted light is
also partially polarised.
2. The degree of polarisation in reflected light
Polarized light varies with the angle of incidence. In 1811 Brewster
discovered that when light is incident at a particular
If electric vector in some plane is either more or angle on transparent substance the reflected light is
less than its perpendicular plane, the light is said to completely plane polarised with vibrations in plane
be partially polarized and it is represented as shown perpendicular to the plane of incidence (Dot
in figures a, b, c. components). The particular angle of incidence
(i = qp ) of light on a transparent surface for which
(a)   
the reflected light is completely plane polarised is
called angle of polarisation (or polarizing angle or
Partially polarized light
‘Brewster’s angle).
3. Brewster’s law: Brewster proved that the
(b)       tangent of angle of polarisation qp , is numerically
equal to the refractive index of the material of the
Partially polarized light
reflecting surface.
m= tan qp This is called Brewster’s law

(c) When angle of incidence i = qp (Polarising angle)

(i) The reflected light is completely plane polarised
(ii) The refracted light is partially polarised
Partially polarized light (iii) The reflect ed and refracted rays are
perpendicular to each other
3.10 (ii) Production of linearly polarized light : (iv) The intensity of refracted ray is high because it
Linearly polarized light may be produced from contains all the arrow components and also few dot
unpolarized light using the following methods components.
sin qp
(i) Reflection, (ii) Refraction, 4. m= tan qp =
cos qp
(iii) Double refraction and (iv) Selective absorption proof
(dichroism) sin qp sin qp
=
3.10 (iii) Polarisation by Reflection: sin r cos qp
1. Malus in 1808 found that light reflected from
sin r = cos qp
a transparent plate shows partial or complete
polarisation. The components of light whose
vibrations are perpendicular to the plane of incidence
(
sin r = sin 900 - qp )
(or parallel to transparent surface) are most reflected. r = 900 – qp

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be incident at polarising angle (57.50) as shown in

r + qp = 900
the diagram.
r + R = 900 (\ qp = R )
\ ÐBOC = 900
Plane polarised 570.50
Unpolarised i = qP
light A
R< B
< 32.5 0

O
<
In accordence with Brewster’s law the reflected
r
light is plane polarised with vibrations perpendicular
C to the plane of incidence (Dot components) and the
Partially polarised transmitted light is partially polarised
In one reflection about 15% of light with
- 1 æ3ö÷= 57.50 vibration perpendicular to plane of paper is reflected
For glass qp = tan ççç ÷
è2ø÷ After passing through a number of plates the
emerging light becomes plane polarised with
- 1 æ4ö÷= 530
For water qp = tan ççç ÷ vibrations in the plane of paper (Arrow components).
è3ø÷ The refracted light is also completely polarised
When i < qp or i > qp both reflected and 3.10 (v) Polarisation by double refraction:
refracted rays are partially polarised 1. Bartholinus discovered that when a beam of
ordinary unpolarised light (monochromatic) is passed
Problem 3.51:
through a calcite crystal, two refracted rays are
When light of a certain wavelength is incident on a obtained instead of one. This phenomenon is called
plane surface of a material at a glancing angle 30°,
double refraction or birefriengence.
the reflected light is found to be completely plane
polarized Determine If a calcite crystal is placed on an ink mark, two
a) refractive index of given material and images of the mark are seen. If the calcite crystal is
b) angle of refraction. now rotated slowly, one ink mark remains stationary.
Sol. a) Angle of incident light with the surface is 30°. The This is known as ordinary image. The second image
angle of incidence = 90°–30° = 60°. Since reflected
rotates along with the rotation of the crystal in the
light is completely polarized, therefore incidence takes
direction of the rotation of the crystal. It is known as
place polarizing angle of incidence  p .
extra ordinary image.
  p  60 2. The two refracted beams are both completely
Using Brewster’s law plane polarised and are of equal intensities with
 =tan p =tan60°  = 3 perpendicular polarisation.
b) From Snell’s law 3. The one which always obeys the ordinary laws
of refraction is called ordinary ray. (O-ray).
sin i sin 60
 ,  3 4. The other ray which does not obey the laws of
sin r sin r
refraction is called extra ordinary ray. (E- ray).
3 1 1
or sin r    , r = 30° 5. Ordinary ray contains vibrations perpendicular
2 3 2
to the optic axis of the crystal and extra ordinary ray
3.10 (iv) Polarisation by Refraction (Pile of contains vibrations in the plane of optic axis of the
plates): calcite crystal.
A pile of glass plates is formed by taking 20 to sini
6. Refractive index of O- ray, m0 = remains
30 microscope slides in a tube arranged at an angle sinr1
32.50 to the axes of tube and hence light is made to constant

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Refractive index of E - ray, me = sin i do not remain

optic axis

sin r2 me > m0
V0
constant. It changes with the angle of incidence. Ve Ve<V0
r1
PPL E E - wave
O - wave
O
UP
L i Negative crystal: In a crystal if the speed of E-ray
PPL
in a direction perpendicular to optic axis is more
r2 than that of O-ray (i.e., me < mo ) the crystal is said
to be negative eg: calcite, tourmaline
optic axis
O O
E
me < m0
V0=Ve
Ve>V0
7. The speed of O - ray (V 0) is same in all
directions and so for a point source of light inside O- wave E- wave
the crystal the wave front is spherical. The speed of
3.10 (vi) Polarization by Dichroism :
E - ray (Ve) changes with direction in the crystal.
The shape of wave front is ellipsoidal. Biot discovered that certain crystals absorb light
selectively. When natural light passes through a
O-ray E-ray
crystal such as tourmaline, it splits into two
i. Obeys laws of i. Does not obey laws
components, which are polarized in mutually
refraction of refraction
perpendicular planes. The crystal strongly absorbs
ii. Image due to O-ray ii. Image due to e-ray
light that is polarized in a direction parallel to a
is stationary rotates when the crystal
particular plane in the crystal but freely transmits
is rotated
the light component polarized in perpendicular
iii. m is constant iii. m varies with angle
direction. This difference in the absorption for the
of incidence rays is known as selective absorption or dichroism.
iv. Vibrations are iv. Vibrations are parallel U PL

perpendicular to the to the optic axis

optic axis (arrow components)
(dot components) T o u r m a li n e
C ry s t a l
v. Speed is same in all v. Speed is different
directions and so in directions and so
CPL
for it wavefront will for it wavefront will
Crystals that exhibit selective absorption are
be spherical be ellipsodal
dichroic also anisotropic. The difference in
Optic axis of the crystal: The direction within the absorption in different directions may be understood
crystal along which O–ray and E–ray have same from electron theory. When the frequency of
speed is called optic axis of the crystal. incident light wave is close to the natural frequency
of the electron cloud, the light waves are absorbed
Positive crystal: In a crystal, if the speed of E- ray
strongly. Thus when unpolarized light passes
in a direction perpendicular to optic axis is lesser through proper thickness of certain material, the
then that of O-ray (i.e., (me > mo ) the crystal is said transmitted light will be plane polarized. Polarizing
to be positive. Eg: ice, quartz, rutile sheets work on this principle.

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Polarizer : 3.10 (vii) Uses of polaroids:

A polarizer is an optical device that transforms i) Polaroid films are used in 3D films or pictures.
unpolarized light into polarized light. If it produces ii) To examine whether a given light is unpolarized,
linearly polarized light, it is called a linear polarizer. partially polarized or plane polarized.
A linear polarizer is associated with a specific iii) To eliminate the unwanted glare from the
direction called the transmission axis of the polarizer. objects, by polarising sun goggles
If natural light is incident on a linear polarizer only 3.10 (viii) Effect of polarizer on natural light :
those vibrations which are parallel to transmission If one of waves of an unpolarized light of
axis are allowed through the polarizer while the intensity I0 is incident on a polaroid and its vibration
vibrations that are in perpendicular direction are amplitude A0 makes an angle  with the transmission
totally blocked.
axis, then the component of vibration parallel to
P o la ri z i n g
UPL      d e v ic e CPL
transmissio n axis will be A 0 cosq while
Analyser: perpendicular to it A 0 sinq . Now as polaroid will
Analyser is a device, which is used to identify
pass only those vibrations which are parallel to its
the direction of vibration of linearly polarized light. A
transmission axis, the intensity I of emergent light
polarizer and an analyser are fabricated in the same
wave will be
way and have the same effect on the incident light.
Transmission axis
The tourmaline crystal is a natural polarizer. Man
A 0 sin q
made polarizing materials are called polaroids.
When polyvenyl alcohol is subjected to large strain
and stained with an ink containing iodine the sustance A 0 cos q
becomes do ubly refractive and sho ws t he
phenomenon of dichroism. Practical linear polarizers
are fabricated using dichroic crystals. Out of the
polarizers based on double refraction, Nicol prism is I α(Ao cosθ)2 =KAo 2cos 2θ (or)
a widely used. I=I 0 cos 2 θ [as I 0 =KA o 2 ] In unpolarized light, all
UPL 1220 68 0

E-ray values of  starting from 0 to 2 are equally

  

 probable, therefore I= I 0 < c o s 2 θ >
480O-ray
 2π
calcite  Canada balsam layer Io I
I=  cos 2θdθ= 0
Blackended surface 2π 0 2
I
The construction of Nicol prism is as shown in I  0
figure. A Nicol prism consists of two parts of calcite 2
crystal which are cemented together with Canada Thus, if unpolarized light of intensity I 0 is incident
balsam whose refractive index lies between the on a polarizer, the intensity of light transmitted
refractive indices of the calcite for the O-ray and E- I0
through the polarizer is . The amplitude of
ray,  o  1.66 .  e  1.486 and  CB  1.55 . The 2
Ao
values of refractive indices and angle of incidence of polarized light is
2
rays at Canada balsam are such that E-ray is
transmitted while O-ray is internally reflected. Then, 3.10 (ix) Effect of Analyser on plane polarized
we get only linearly polarized E-ray coming out of light:
Nicol prism with direction of vibration as shown in When unpolarized light is incident on a
figure. polarizer, the transmitted light is linearly polarized.

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If this light further passes through analyser, the

intensity varies with the angle between the
transmission axes of polarizer and analyser.
Malus states that “the intensity of the polarized mm
light transmitted through the analyser is proportional P A
to cosine square of the angle between the plane of
Fig.
transmission of analyser and the plane of
Thus for linearly polarized light we obtain two
transmission of polarizer.” This is known as Malus
positions of maximum intensity and two positions
law.
Transmission axis of polarizer Transmission axis of Analyser of minimum (zero) intensity, when we rotate the axis
Io
U PL I0  I0 of analyser w.r.t to polarizer by an angle 2 .
 2 I= C os 2θ
2 In the above cases if the polariser is rotated with
Ao respect to analiser then there is no change in the
polarizer Ao
Analyser Ao outcoming intensity.
2 A cos 
2 Note: In case of three polarizers P1, P2 and P3. If 1
Fig.
is the angle between transmission axes of P1 and P2,
Therefore the intensity of polarized light after
I0 2
2 is the angle between transmission axes of P2 and
passing through analyser is I= Cos θ P3 . Then the intensity of emerging light from P3 is
2
Where I0 is the intensity of unpolarized light. I0
The amplitude of polarized light after passing through I cos 2 1 cos 2 2 .
2
Ao Problem 3.52:
analyser A  cos  .
2 Two polaroids are oriented with their transmission
I0
Case (i): If =0° axes are parallel then I= axes making an angle of 30° with each other. What
2
fraction of incident un polarized light is transmitted ?
Sol. If unpolarized light is passed through a polaroid P1, its
intensity will become half.
1
P So I1  I0 with vibrations parallel to the axis of P1.
Fig. A 2
Now this light will pass through the second polaroid P2
Case (ii) :
(Analyser) whose axis is inclined at an angle of 30° to
If   90 axes are perpendicular, then I = 0 the axis of P1 and hence vibrations of I1. So in accordance
with Malus law, the intensity of light emerging from P2
will be
2
 1   3 3
I2  I1 cos2 30   I 0     I 0
2  2  8

P A So the fractional transmitted light

Fig. I2 3
  37.5%
I0 I0 8
Case (iii) : If   180 axes are parallel then I=
2 Problem 3.53:
Unpolarized light falls on two polarizing sheets placed
one on top of the other. What must be the angle between
the characteristic directions of the sheets if the intensity
Case (iv) : of the transmitted light is one third of intensity of the
P A incident beam?
If  270 axes are perpendicular then I = 0 Sol. Intensity of the light transmitted through the first

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polarizer I1  I0 / 2 , where I0 is the intensity of the iii) Polaroid sheets are used as polarizers and
incident unpolarized light. analysers.
Intensity of the light transmitted through the second 3.10 (x) Applications of polarization:
2
polarizer is I 2 =I1cos  where  is the angle between 1. Polarization is used to study asymmetries in
the characteristic directions of the polarizer sheets. molecules and crystals using the phenomenon
But I2 =I0 /3 (given)
of optical activity. When plane polarized light
passes through certain substances the plane
2 0 I2 0 I
 I2 =I1cos = 2 cos = 3 of polarization of the light is rotated about the
direction of propagation of light through certain
 cos 2θ=2/3
angle. This phenomenon is called optical
2
  cos1 activity.
3
2. Polarization of scattered sunlight is used for
Problem 3.54: navigation in solar - compass in polar regions.
Unpolarized light of intensity 32 Wm-2 passes 3. In calculators and watches, numbers and letters
through three polarizers such that the transmission are formed by liquid crystals t hrough
axis of the last polarizer is crossed with the first. If polarization of light called liquid crystal display
the intensity of the emerging light is 3 Wm-2, what is (L.C.D).
the angle between the transmission axes of the first
4. By determining the polarizing angle and using
two polarizers ? At what angle will the transmitted
intensity be maximum? Brewster’s law refractive index of dark
transparent substance can be determined.
Sol. If is the angle between the transmission axes of first 5. It is used to reduce glare by wearing polaroid
polaroid P1 and second P2 while  between the sun glasses with vertical transmission axis.
transmission axes of second polaroid P2 and third P3, 6. Used to study t he helical structure of
then according to given problem .
nucleic acids.
    90 or   (90  )....(1)
x LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS x
Now if I0 is the intensity of unpolarized light incident 1. Describe Young’s double slit experiment and
on polaroid P1, the intensity of light transmitted
give the necessary theory to explain formation
1 1 W of dark and bright interference pattern.
through it, I1  I 0  (32)  16 2 ........(2)
2 2 m 2. Describe Young’s double slit experiment and
Now as angle between transmission axes of polaroids derive an expression for the fringe width of the
P1 and P2 is  , in accordance with Malus law, intensity interference pattern.
of light transmitted through P2 will be 3. Explain how plane polarized light is obtained
I =I cos 2θ=16cos 2θ -----(3) And as angle between
2 1
by reflection and refraction.
transmission axes of P2 and P3 is  , light transmitted x SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS x
through P3 will be 1. Distinguish between geometric and physical
(wave) approximations of light.
I 3  I 2 cos2   16 cos2  cos2     (4)
2. Interference pattern can not be obtained when
According to given problem, I3 = 3 W/m2 two different sources of same wavelength are
used. Why?
So, 4(sin 2)2  3 i.e., sin 2  ( 3 / 2) or,, 3. Write about the main features in which
2  60 i.e.,   30 Fraunhofer and Fresnel approaches of
45. Uses of polaroids : diffraction differ?
i) These are used widely as polarising sun-glasses. 4. Explain how plane polarized light is obtained
ii) Polaroid films are used in 3-D films or pictures. by reflection.
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5. Explain double refraction (birefringence) of 9. Is the law of conservation of energy valid in

light. interference of light?
6. Mention some (at least three) applications of 10. What are coherent sources? How are these
diffraction. usually obtained?
7. What are the applications of polarization of 11. On reflection of light wave from rarer medium.
light? What is the effect on its
8. Explain why two waves of significantly (a) path difference (b) phase
different frequencies can not be coherent? 12. What is the shape of interference fringes as seen
9. Do sound waves exhibit diffraction? Give on a screen perpendicular to the line joining the
reason to your answer. sources in Young’s interference experiment, if
10. Radio waves diffract more easily than visible the sources are (a) pinholes (b) slits?
light waves. Give reason. 13. Why are parallel slits preferable to the pin holes
x VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS x that Young used in demonstrating interference?
14. If one of the two identical slits is covered, what
INTERFERENCE
change would occur in the intensity of light at
1. If we move from first order to second order the centre of the screen?
bright in YDSE, how does the path difference
15. Is it necessary to have intensities of waves equal
change. Does it increase or decrease? If so,
in interference? What will happen if intensities
how much in terms of wavelength  ?
of interfering waves are not equal?
2. How does the spacing between fringes in
16. In Young’s double slit experiment why do we
Young’s double slit experiment change.
use monochromatic light? If white light is used,
(a) if the slit separation is increased? how would the pattern change?
(b) if the colour of the light is changed from red 17. What change in interference pattern takes place
to blue? in Young’s double slit experiment (a) if the
3. If slits in Young’s double slit experiment are experiment is performed under water instead of
illuminated with white light which colour blue air and (b) if one of the slits is covered with a
or red fringe will be closer to the central maxima? transparent sheet?
4. Two waves of same frequency have amplitudes 18. State the principle of superposition of the waves.
A and 2A. They interfere at a point where 19. Is it necessary that the interference fringes with
their phase difference is 60 o. What is the light emanating from two independent source?
resultant amplitude? If not why?
5. Can Young’s double slit experiment be 20. If a transparent thin sheet is introduced in the
conducted with sound? How can we carry out path of one of the interfering beams. Is the
this experiment? amount of shift in fringe pattern is same for all
6. The maximum intensity at bright fringe is 4 times wavelengths?
that of either wave. Does this violate energy 21. What is resultant intensity at a point due to two
conservation? If not, why? identical sources of each of intensity Io
7. Can the head lights of a distant car produce (a) If the sources are coherent
interference pattern? If so, how it is observed? (b) Sources are incoherent
If not, why? 22. How do you count order of fringe, when screen
8. Why is it impossible to obtain interference
is placed perpendicular to plane of slits.
fringes in a double slit experiment if the slit
separation is less than the wavelength of light 23. Write the difference between coherent and
used? incoherent waves.

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24. The initial phase difference between two 17. In deriving the single slit diffraction pattern, it
coherent waves is  . What type of fringe occur was started that the intensity is zero at angles of
at centre of the screen in YDSE. n / a . Justify this by suitably dividing the slit
DIFFRACTION to bring out the cancellation.
1. Can diffraction be without interference? Can POLARIZATION
interference be without diffraction? 1. How could the index of refraction of a flat piece
2. Is it possible that no minima is recorded in a of glass be determined?
single slit diffraction pattern? If yes, under what 2. By what percent does the intensity of light
condition? If not, why? decrease if unpolarized light is polarized by an
3. What will the single slit diffraction pattern look ideal polarizer?
like, if   d ? 3. Is it possible to produce interference effects
4. In single slit diffraction what is the effect of between O-beam and E-beam which are
increasing (a) the slit width and (b) distance separated by the calcite crystal from the incident
between slit and screen? unpolarized beam by recombining them?
5. Describe what happens to a Fraunhoffer single Explain your answer.
slit diffraction pattern, if (a) the whole apparatus 4. If an analyser is rotated about the incident light
is immersed in water (b) red light is replaced
as axis, what variation in intensity of emergent
by blue light?
light will you observe if the incident light is (a)
6. What is the phase and path difference between unpolarized (b) plane polarized and (c)
two wavelets from two successive Fresnel half
partially polarized?
periods zones.
5. Ice is doubly refracting. Why do not we see
7. What are the assumptions in Fresnel and
two images of objects viewed through an ice
Fraunhoffer diffraction.
crystal ?
8. Define Fresnel distance.
6. It is well established that sound, like light,
9. What do you say about fringe width and shows interference and diffraction effects. Does
intensity in Fresnel diffraction due straight edge. this also imply that sound like light will show
10. Would interference and diffraction effects still polarization?
be observed if light waves were longitudinal
7. Distinguish between positive and negative
instead transverse?
crystals.
11. Young’s double slit experiment is known for
8. What is O-ray and E-ray.
interference. Is it also a diffraction experiment?
If yes, why? 9. State the plane of polarization.
12. In the analysis of double slit experiment which 10. What is an optics axis in a crystal.
approach Fraunhoffer or Fresnel is suitable to 11. If a polarizer is placed in front of each slit, what
be considered? changes be observed in the interference fringes
13. What is resolution and limit of resolution.
(a) when the two polarizing axes are parallel?
14. What is resolving power.
15. Write the value of limit of resolution of human eye. (b) when t he t wo polarizing axes are
perpendicular?
16. What is the effect of wavelength on magnifying
power and resolving power in a telescope. 12. Write the principle in polarization by dichroism.

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A. As a result of interference energy is redistributed

x ASSESS YOURSELF x
on the screen. The average energy which appears
1. Can we say that light sources emitting waves to be absent at the site of the dark fringe is
of different wavelength are coherent? adjusted at the site of the bright fringe. The
A. No. because waves with different wavelength redistribution of energy that arrives at the screen
are not coherent is done according t o the principle of
2. Suppose that in a double - slit experiment, conservation of energy.
filters are placed over the slits so that
6. What changes you observe in the
l = 436nm (blue) light goes through one slit
interference pattern when a piece of red glass
and l = 546nm (green) light goes through
and another of blue glass are placed over the
the other. Will it be possible to see an
interference pattern on the screen? slits, one after another separately, between
screens B and C in Young’s double slit
A. It is not possible to see the interference pattern
experimental arrangement?
as the waves emerging from the slits are not
A. Separation of interference fringes depends on
coherent.
wavelength of monochromatic rays; interference
3. How does the fringe width of interference
pattern proves that wavelength of red rays is
pattern change if red and green colour lights
greater than that of blue. Fringe width with red
are used?
light is greater than that with blue light.
A. When red glass is used fringe width will be more
than that when green one is used because fringe 7. The diffraction effect of water waves for
different sizes of obstacles are shown in the
lD
width b = d . b µ wavelengthl . figure. Do all kinds of waves behave the same
4. Why the slit S is used in Young’s double slit way as far as diffraction phenomenon is
experiment shown in Fig ? concerned?
Towards
screen as
first

maxima

O

 Towards

 screen as first

 
minima
 



 
 Towards
S1  
 screen as
S            
 
central
S 2   maxima
  

A. 




 
 

Towards
A. Yes.

 screen as
first minima
8. We can hear around the edges of a doorway,



Towards
screen as
first maxima but we can not see around them. Why?
S is used as it acts as a single source of light A. If l / b is very very small diffraction effect will
whose wavefront illuminates S1 and S2 together be negligible (light waves). If l / b is large
and ensures that phase difference of the wavelets diffraction is more pronounced (with sound
emanating from the slits S 1 and S2 remains waves), l wavelength of the waves, b size of
constant with time. the aperture or obstacle.
5. Consider a dark fringe in double – slit
9. Can two polarized waves interfere? Give the
experiment at which no light energy is
arriving. Waves from both slits travel to this conditions for their interference?
point, but the waves cancel. Where does the A. Plane polarization of waves must be the same
energy go? and the waves must be coherent.

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SYNOPSIS iv) Two images of a source of light (two virtual

sources) (or) one image (virtual) and one real
1. Wave front : source can act as coherent sources.
i) The locus of all the particles of the medium which 4. Relation between path difference and phase
are in the same phase or in the same state of difference:
vibration is called wavefront. i) The difference in the paths traversed by the two
ii) Depending on the shape of the source of light, light waves at the time of arrival at a point is
wave fronts are classified as follows. called path difference.( x )
a) Spherical wavefront ii) The difference in the phase angles expressed in
b) Cylindrical wavefront radians between the two waves at the time of
c) Plane wavefront arrival at a point is called phase difference    .
iii) A point source of light at a finite distance can 2
produce spherical wavefront.    x

iv) A linear source of light (an illuminated slit) at a
5. Principle of Superposition :
finite distance can produce cylindrical
wavefront. i) When two (or) more waves superpose, then the
resultant displacement of a particle is the vector
v) A small part of a spherical (or) a cylindrical
sum of all the individual displacements caused
wavefront originated from a distant source
due to those waves individually.
appear plane, hence it is called plane wave front.
2. Huygen's wave principle : Y  Y1  Y2
i) According to Huygen every point on the primary
wavefront acts as a source of secondary 6. Expression for resultant amplitude and
wavelets. intensity
ii) These secondary wavelets travel with same i) When two coherent waves of amplitudes A1, A2
velocity equal to that of light and travel in and intensities I 1 , I 2 meet at a point and
forward direction only. superimpose the resultant amplitude 'A' and
iii) The common tangent (or) envelop of all the resultant intensity I are given by
secondary wave lets gives the position of new a) A  2 2
A1  A2  2 A1 A2 cos 
wavefront.
iv) This principle can be used to geometrically 
construct the position of new wavefront at a b) If A1 = A2 =a then A  2a cos
2
given instant of time if the position of wave front
at an earlier instant of time was known. c)   1  2  2 1 2 cos 
v) Using this priniple Huygen successfully proved
2 
laws of reflection, refraction and phenomenon d) If I1 =I2 =I0 then I  4I0 cos
of interference. 2
3. Coherent sources : Where  is the phase difference between them
i) Two sources which emit light of the same as they meet.
wavelength with zero or a constant phase ii) a) If the phase difference is    2n   (even
difference are called coherent sources. multiples of  ). where n = 0, 1, 2, 3 ......
ii) The amplitude of light coming from coherent i.e when   0,2,4......2n
sources may (or) may not be equal. (or)
iii) Two independent sources of light even though  
b) If the path difference x  2n   (even
emitting same colour of light can not be coherent multiples of half wavelength). 2
because the phase of the source of light varies i.e when x = 0,  ,2  .......n 
rapidly and randomly. The amplitude and intensity are maximum.

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Amax   A1  A 2  Y 1+Y 2
Y2

Y1
2
Im ax   I1  I2   A1  A 2 
2

Note : If A1 = A2 = a then A max = 2a

iv) Destructive Interference : If the two waves
If I1 = I2 = I0 then Imax = 4I0 reach the point with a phase difference
of ,3,5...... radians then it is said to be
iii) a) If the phase difference  =  2n  1  (odd
destructive interference. In this process the
multiples of  ) where n = 1, 2, 3 ......
resultant displacement of the paricle is
minimum.
i.e when   ,3,5.......  2n  1  Y1

(or) Y=Y1-Y2
b) If the path difference x = (2n - 1)  /2 (odd
multiples of  / 2 ) Y2

 3 5
, , .......
 2n  1  v) Interference obeys law of conservation of energy.
i.e when x =
2 2 2 2
vi) The pattern of intensity of maximum and minimum
The ampitude and Intensity are minimum. caused by interference is called interference
fringes.
A min   A1  A 2 
8. SUSTAINED INTERFERENCE :
The interference pattern in which the intensity
2
Im in   I1  I2   A1  A 2 
2 of the positions of maxima and minima are
visible is called sustained interference.
9. INTERFERENCE WITH NONCOHERENT
Note : If A1 = A2 = a then Amin  0 SOURCES :
If the sources are noncoherent, interference
If I1 = I2 = I0 then Imin  0 takes place but we cannot observe any fringe
2 pattern. The phase difference between the two
Im a x

 I1  I2  
A 1  A2
2
sources changes so rapidly and randomly that
iv) Im in 2 2
 I1  I2  A 1  A2  the interference maxima and minima are not
observed by the eye and the screen appers to be
7. INTERFERENCE uniformly illuminated
i) The modification in the distribution of intensity a) In this case resultant intensity is just sum of
of light in the region of superposition of waves the two intensities. I  I1  I2
is called interference.
10. YOUNG'S DOUBLE SLIT EXPERIMENT:
ii) The phemenon of interference is explained by
Huygens wave theory. P
iii) Constructive interference : If two waves reach S1 y

the point in phase i.e with phase difference   central

d
0, 2,4...... then it is said to be constructive S C o bright
x
interference. In this process the resultant S2 D

displacement of the particle is maximum.

screen
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i) a) S 1 and S 2 are the two monochromatic b) The phase difference    2n  1 

coherent sources separated by a distance 'd'
placed at a distance 'D' from the screen. c) The distance of nth minima from the central
b) P is the point of observation at a distance 'y' maxima is
from the central bright fringe. xD  2n  1 D
y  Where n = 1,2,3.....
ii) If the displacement of the interfering waves d 2d
coming from s1 and s2 are y1  asin t and 11. FRINGE WIDTH :

y2  a sin(t  ) then the resultant i) The distance between any two consecutive
displacement is given by maxima or minima is called fringe width   
y = y1 + y2  Fringe width
a) Resultant amplitude due to two coherent
  y n1  yn or    D
 d
sources at p is A  2a cos
2 ii) Fringe width is independent of the order of
b) Resultant intensity due to two coherent fringe.
It is same for all bright and dark fringes.
sources at p is I  4a 2 cos 2  2
iii) Fringe width depends on wavelength () of light
iii) The two waves from s1 and s2 reach the point used, distance between the slits & the screen
'P' producing a pathdifference S2C = x but (D) and the distance between the slits (d).
x
 sin  iv) Fringe width in a medium of refractive index
d
y  is
x  d sin  and tan  
D
I D I but  I     I  D   .
For small values of     d 
d
  fringe width in air
sin   tan 
x y 12. ANGULAR FRINGE WIDTH :

d D i) The ratio of fringe width to distance between
y xD source and screen is defned as angular fringe
x  d. (or) y
D d width   
iv) Condition for maxima (or) bright fringe: The
condition for the point 'P' to be nth bright fringe is S1 1 st bright

 
a) The path difference x = 2n   
2 S
d
o
central
bright
b) The phase difference    2n  S2 D

c) The distance of nth maxima from the central screen

maxima is  
ii) Angular Fringe width is tan      .
xD nD D d
y   where n = 0 , 1, 2, 3 ......
d d iii) Angular fringe width in a medium of refractive
v) Condition for minima (or) dark fringe : The index  is
condition for the point P to be nth dark fringe is
I   
 I  but I   I  
d 
a) the path difference x   2n  1 d 
2
 = angular fringe width in air
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13. I –  graph : I = intensity on Y–axis ;  = Phase I = I1 + I2 + I3 + ........... + In

difference on X–axis I = I0 + I0 + I0 + ........... + I0 = nI0

  n 0
I

17. Fringe Visibility (V):

i) Fringe visibility is a measure of intensity contrast
between the bright and dark bands.

4 3 2 
 Imax  Imin 2 II1 2
Fringe visibility V  
5 0  2 3 4 5
Imax  Imin (I1  I2)
Imax for  = 0, 2 , 4 , ------ even multiples of 
ii) If Imin = 0 then V = 1, maximum visibility is
Imin for  = ,3,5 , ------ odd multiples of  obtained.
14. Central maximum: (or) Central bright
iii) If Imax = Imin then V = 0 bright & dark fringes
i) The maxima formed with zero path difference
are not distinguishable.
(x = 0) (or) zero phase difference (  = 0) is
called central bright. 18. MISSING WAVE LENGTHS INFRONT OF ONE
SLIT IN YDSE :
ii) The central maxima is bright with
monochoromatic light where has the central Suppose P is a point of observation in front of
bright is white with white light. slit S1 as shown .
iii) All the wavelengths produce their central D
y x and as for missing wavelengths
maxima at same position. d
intensity will be zero
iv) If I1 = I2 = I0 then at central maxima   4 0 
x   2n  1
2
v) If one of the slits closed then at central maxima    0 D  2n  1  d
y , hear y 
15. FRINGES IN FIELD OF VIEW: 2d 2
In YDSE if N1 fringes are visible in a field of S1 P
view with light of wavelength 1 , while N 2 y

fringes are visible with light of wave length 2 in 2 d O Central

d bright

the same field, then N11  N2 2  2n  1D S2
D
For D & d constant N11  N2 2 By putting n = 1, 2, 3 ....
16. INTERFERENCE OF 'N' COHERENT WAVES : Missing wavelengths at P are
i) If there are 'n' coherent waves each of intensity
I0 then the resultant maximum intensity is
d2 d2 d2
 , , ........
D 3D 5D
I  I1  I 2  I 3  ........ I n 2 19. FRINGE SHIFT
  I 0  I 0  I0  ........ I 0   n I0 
2 2
 n 2 I0 i) Shift of Fringes : When a thin transparent plate
of thickness 't' and refractive index '' is
  n2 0 introduced in the path of one of interfering
waves in the young's double slit experiment then
ii) If there are 'n' incoherent waves each of
the entire fringe pattern is displaced through y0
intensity I0 then the resultant intensity is
and is given by

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viii) Diffraction of sound and radio waves is easier

than light because wave length of sound and
s1 t radio waves is much larger. Therefore diffraction
of sound is possible even at large objects.
s2 21. DIFFRACTION AT STRAIGHT EDGE:
screen i) When light from source falls on straight edge,
then a small portion of light bends at the straight
edge and enters into geomatrical shadow. So the
D  geometrical shadow is never sharp.
shift y0     1 t     1 t ii) In straight edge experiment, outside the shadow
d 
ii) The effective path in air is increased by an region parallel to the edge, several bright and
amount ( – 1)t due to introduction of the plate. less bright bands are observed. These bands
are called diffraction bands (or) fringes..
iii) The shift (y0 ) is independent of the order of
fringe. iii) With the increase of order of the fringes, the
iv) The entire pattern shifts towards the side where intensity of bright bands decreases and the dark
the plate is introduced and there is no other bands become less dark.
change in the pattern.
iv) The width of these bands goes on decreasing as
v) To measure this shift white light must be used
one goes upwards beyond P and a uniform
because with monochromatic light all the fringes
will exactly be similar and hence the shift is not intensity illumination exists.
observable. Diffraction is of two types :
20. DIFFRACTION : 1) Fresnel diffraction
i) The phenomenon of bending of light round the 2) Fraunhoffer diffraction
edges of an opaque obstacle or the 22. FRESNEL DIFFRACTION :
enchroachment of light into the shadow zone is
called diffraction.
ii) Diffraction confirms wave nature of light.
iii) Diffraction can be established by all types of
waves.
iv) The light waves are diffracted only when the
size of the obstacle is comparable to the
wavelength of light.
v) The amount of bending of light depends upon i) The source and screen are at finite distances from
the size of the obstacle and wavelength of light. the obstacle.
vi) The condition for observing the diffraction at ii) No lenses are required to observe this pattern.
an object on a screen is
iii) The incident wavefronts are either spherical or
b2
l~ cylindrical
4
Here 'l' is the distance between the screen and iv) The centre of the diffraction pattern may be
object, 'b' is the size of the object and'  ' bright or dark depending upon the number of
wavelength of light. Fresnel zones.
vii) Interference is the result of superposition of light v) The diffraction effect can be observed in the
waves emitted by two or more separate direction of propagation of light and also in
coherent sources, where as diffraction is due perpendicular direction.
to superposition of light waves originating from vi) It is a general case
the subdivision of wave front into infinitely
vii) Its mathematical treatment is difficult
small coherent sources.

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23. HALF PERIOD ZONES:

b2
i. Spherical Wave front : If the incident wave i) If    Fraunhofer diffraction is observed.
l
front on the obstacle is spherical then
i) Areas of various half period zones are b2
independent of the order of zone and are nearly ii) If   Fresnel diffraction is observed
l
equal, if order is not too large.
ii) As the number of half period zones increases b2
its distance from point P increases. So, the iii) If   the approximation of geometrical
l
intensity and the amplitude contributed by the optics is applicable.
zone decreases.
Here 'l' is the distance between the screen and
iii) As the obliquity increases the intensity object.
decreases.
'b' is the size of object and '' is the wavelength
ii. Cylindrical Wave front :
of light.
If the incident wave front on the obstacle is
cylindrical then 25. POLARISATION

i) The widths of half period zones are not equal. i) Light waves are electro magnetic waves. These
are transverse in nature..
ii) The areas are not same and decrease as the order
of zone increases. ii) When light propagates in space, it is associated
with both electric and magnetic fields in mutually
24. FRAUNHOFER DIFFRACTION : perpendicular directions as well as perpendicular
to the direction of propagation.
iii. Electric vector in light produces the sensation
of vision.
iv. Polarisation establishes the transverse nature of
light waves.
26. UNPOLARISED LIGHT :
i) The source and the screen are at infinite distances i) If the electric vector vibrates in all directions in
from the obstacle. a plane perpendicular to the direction of
propagation it is called unpolarised light.
ii) Lenses are required to observe this pattern
ii) An unpolarised light can be considered as the
iii) The incident wavefront is plane wavefront super position of two noncoherent electro
iv) The centre of the diffraction pattern is always magnetic waves polarised in mutually
bright. perpendicular planes and having same intensity.
v) This diffraction effect is observed in the iii) The vibrations of electric vector can be
perpendicular direction to the direction of represented by two mutually perpendicular
propagation. vibrations, one in the plane of incidence
vi) It is a limiting case of fresnel's difraction represented by arrow components   and
vii) Its mathematical treatment is simple. other vibrations in a direction perpendicular to
2 the plane of incidence represented by dot
b
9. The condition <<  determines the field of
 components   
applicability regarding the Fresnel diffraction,
Fraunhofer diffraction and geometrical a) If 'a' is the amplitude of E vector of
approximation.
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of propagation of light wave is called plane of

unpolarised light,its intensity  0  Ka 2
polarisation or plane of vibration.
b) This vector is resolved into two rectangular ii) Properly cut crystal slices of calcite, quartz,
components having equal amplitude of tourmaline and nicol prism act as either polariser
or analyser.
a E
a cos 45 = a sin 45 = a) Polariser : The crystal slice used to polarise

0
a sin 45
2
the unpolarised light.
0
a cos450 b) Analyser : The crystal slice used to analyse
the polarised light.

c) The amplitudes of dot components and arrow iii) When light of amplitude 'a' and intensity I is
incident on a polariser the component parallel
a
components are equal and each is equal to to the optic axis comes out and the other one
2 perpendicular to it is absent.
d) The intensity of each component
2
 a  Ka2 0
  K   
 2 2 2
a
The emergent polarised light has amplitude
E 2
E E I
and intensity .
E E
2
iv) When the polariser is rotated in a plane
E E
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of
E
light, the amplitude and intensity of the emergent
27. PLANE POLARISED LIGHT OR a I
LINEARLY POLARISED LIGHT : ray will be constant i.e, and , irrespective
2 2
i) If the electrical field vector is confined to a plane of angle of rotation.
passing through the direction of propagation it 29. MALUS LAW :
is called the plane polarised light. i) It gives the intensity of light emitting from the
ii) Polarised light, whose vibrations lie in the plane analyser if the angle between polarizer and
of paper are represented with Arrow analyser is known.
components .
ii) Let a0 and I0 be the amplitude and intensity of
the light emerging from the polariser and let 
be the angle between the transmission axis of
polariser and analyser. Then amplitude of light
emtting from analyser is
iii) Polarised light whose vibrations are
perpendicular to the plane of paper are a
a0  a
represented with Dot components. a 2 cos 
2
S
28. PLANE OF POLARISATION OR PLANE OF I
I I cos 2 
VIBRATION: I0  2
2
i) The plane containing the vibrations of electric
vector in polarised light as well as the direction a  a 0 cos   a  cos 

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The intensity of light emitting from the analyser is 30. METHODS OF OBTAINING POLARISED
LIGHT :
  a 2  a 20 cos 2  ,   0 cos2  i) By reflection
ii) By refraction
the above equation is known as Malus law
iii) By double refraction (or) Birefringence
iii) If the transmision axis of polariser and analyser iv) By selective absorption (dichroic crystals)

are parallel   0
0
 then intensity of the light 31. POLARISATION BY REFLECTION:
When the angle of incidence of light is gradually
from the anlyser is maximum max   0
changed, at a particular angle of incidence the
reflected light is completely polarised.
then polariser and analyser are said to be in
This angle of incidence is known as polarising
parallel position. If the transmission axis of
angle ( p ) or Brewster's angle.
polariser and analyser are perpendicular
If i = p
   90 ,270 
0 0
then intensity of light from
analyser is zero i. Reflected light is plane polarised
ii. Refracted light is partially polarised
  0 cos2  0 iii. The vibrations parallel to the reflecting surface
are present in the reflected light (dot component
Then the polariser and analyser are said to be in of the light)
crossed position v. The vibrations perpendicular to the reflecting
surface (arrow component) are present in the
iv) 'n' polarisers are arranged so that the first and refracted light. A few dot components are also
the last ones are crossed,  is the angle between present in the refracted light.
any two successive polarisers, I is the intensity vi. Angle between reflected and refracted lights
of incident light then intensity of emerging light is 90°.
| I
is I  cos x  vii. If i < P or i > P both reflected and
2 refracted light will be partially polarised.
where x = 2 (n-1)
P lane polarised
v) p1, p2 and p3 are three polarisers, angle between reflected light

p1 and p2 is  1 and the angle between p2 and p

p
p3 is  2, and I is the intensity of incident light U npolarised light 9 00
then the intensity of emerging light 

t
I
I  Cos 2 1 . Cos 2 2
i
Partial polarised
2 refracted light

32. Brewster's Law:

a P1 P2 P3 The tangent of polarising angle is equal to the
refractive index of material of the reflecting
surface.
2
I 1 
  Tan p
Cos2 1.Cos2 2
2
p =57.5°=57°30| for glass air media

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PHYSICAL OPTICS PHYSICS - II A

(i) p =tan–1(  ) iii) Both O–ray and E–ray are plane polarised in
perpendicular planes.
1
(ii)   where C=critical angle iv) If ' i ' is the angle of incidence and r1 , r2 be the
sinC
angles of refraction of O–ray and E–ray
sin i sin i
 2 1 respectively.  0  sin r &  e  sin r
 1 2

p Where 0 = refractive index of O - ray

1
  1
e = refractive index E - ray
(iii) Tan p = ; Sin p = 2  1 ; Cos p = 2  1
1 v) Differences between O - ray and E - ray
iv) Polarising angle depends on nature of O - ray E - ray
material and colour of light .
1) obeys laws of 1. Does not obey
33. POLARISATION BY REFRACTION: Refraction laws of Refraction
In this the principle is multiple refraction. A pile 2) 0 is independent 2. e depends on
of plates is used. Usually 15 to 20 microscope
cover glasses are used as a pile. They are on angle of incidence angle of incidence
arranged in a brass tube making an angle of 3) Velocity of O- ray 3. Velocity of E-ray
32.5°with the axis of the tube. Now the light is same in all directions is different in
ray travelling parallel to the axis of the tube inside the crystal different directions
incidents at polarising angle p =57.5° on the inside the crystal
plates. 4) Wave front of O -ray 4. Wave front of
Refracted ray from a plate is partially is spherical E - ray is ellipsiodal.
polarised. If the ray undergoes multiple 5) O -ray contains dot 5. E - ray contains
refractions then the emergent ray is completely components only arrow components
plane polarised containing arrow components only
6) Image due to O - ray 6. Image due to
is stationary when the E -ray rotates about
crystal is rotated the image due to
O - ray when
32.5
the
34. DOUBLE REFRACTION (BIREFRINGENCE): crystal is rotated
Optic Axis:–
vi) It is the direction in the crystal along which the
i E-ray and O-ray have same speed.
r2
vii) Optic axis is not a line but it is a particular
r1
E-ray direction in the crystal.
O-ray viii) The velocities of E-ray and O-ray are same along
the optic axis; Ve=V0. i.e double refraction does
i) Bertholinus discovered double refraction. not take place along optic axis.
ix) In the direction perpendicular to the optic axis,
ii) When a light ray is refracted through a calcite the difference between V0 and Ve is maximum.
crystal, two refracted rays are observed, one is 35. DICHROISM :
ordinary-ray (O-ray) and the other one is extra-
i) It is the property of unequal absorption of
ordinary ray (E-ray).This phenomenon is
ordinary and extraordinary rays by some
known as double refraction.
crystals.
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38. ISOTROPIC MEDIA :

ii) When unpolarised light strikes the tourmaline
i) In some homogeneous transparent media such
crystal of certain thickness at right angles to the
optic axis, the O-ray is completely absorbed and as glass, the speed of light waves is same in all
only the E-ray emerges from the crystal. This directions and are known as optically Isotropic
property is called Dichroism. media.
36. POLAROIDS : ii) In Isotropic media, secondary wavelets are
i) Man made polarising materials are called spherical.
polaroids. 39. ANISOTROPIC MEDIA :
ii) A Polaroid is a thin transparent film containing i) In some transparent crystalline substances the
tiny synthetic dichroic crystals with their optic speed of light waves is not same in all directions
axes which are lined up parallel. and are known as optically anisotropic media.
iii) A modern polaroid is a molecular polarizer Ex : Quartz, Calcite, Topaz.
containing long chains of molecules of polyvinyl ii) In Anisotropic substances secondary wavelets
alcohol oriented in a preferred direction and are spherical and ellipsoidal.
stained with an ink containing iodine.
iv) Polaroid sheets are used as polarisers and
7EXERCISE - I
7
analysers. 1. A wavefront is an imaginary surface
v) When light is incident on analyser and the 1) Phase is same for all points (2001M)
analyser is rotated 2) Phase changes at constant rate at all points
a) If the out coming light has constant intensity along the surface
equal to half of the intensity of incident light it 3) Constant phase difference continuously
implies that incident light is unpolarised. changes between the points
b) If the intensity of out coming light varies but 4) Phase changes all over the surface
never becomes '0' then it implies that the incident
2. A point source of light produces at a finite
light is partially polarised.
distance from the source a
c) If the intensity of out coming light varies and
 1) spherical wave front
becomes twice maximum ( max  ) and twice 2) plane wavefront
2
3) cylindrical wavefront
minimum ( min  0 ) in one complete
4) both spherical and plane wavefronts
rotation,then it implies that the light incident on
the analyser is completely polarised. 3. A rectangular illuminated slit produces
37. OPTICAL ACTIVITY : 1) spherical wave front 2) plane wavefront
i) When plane polarised light passes through 3) cylindrical wavefront
4) all the above
certain substances, the plane of polarisation of
light is rotated about the direction of propagation 4. Huygen's principle is used (1987)
of light through a certain angle. This 1) to determine the velocity of light [ATB]
phenomenon is called optical activity. 2) to find the position of a wave front
ii) If the optically active substances rotate the plane 3) to determine the wavelength of light
of polarisation clockwise then it is said to be 4) to find the focal length of a lens
Dextro-rotatory or right handed. 5. Plane wave front is not produced by a
iii) If the substance rotates the plane of polarisation 1) Only point source of light at finite distance
anti-clockwise then it is called Laevo-rotatory 2) Only rectangular illuminated slit at finite
or left handed. distance
iv) Optical activity of a substance is measured with 3)Any source of light at finite distance
the help of polarimeter. 4) All the above

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6. Geometrical shadow is formed due to the 14. Choose the correct statement
phenomenon of [ATB] 1) In the case of extended source of light
1) Diffraction of light 2) Polarisation of light coherent sources are obtained by the division
3) Interference of light of wavefront
4) Rectilinear propagation of light 2) In the case of narrow source of light coherent
7. Nature of wave front depends on sources are obtained by the division of
1) shape of source 2) distance of source wavefront
3) In the case of narrow or extended source of
3) both 1 and 2 4) none of the above
light coherent sources are obtained by the
8. When a light wave in a rarer medium is division of amplitude only
reflected from the surface of an optically 4) None of the above
denser medium, it suffers a phase change of
(in radian) 15. Two coherent waves of light produce
1) 2p 2)p/2 3) p 4) zero 1) constructive interference if the phase
9. Two waves are said to be coherent if they have difference between them is 90°
(1996) 2) destructive interference if the path difference
1) Different frequency, and same phase between them is l/2
2) Same frequency, and same phase 3) either constructive or destructive interference
3) Same frequency, but different phase only if they are of same amplitude
4) Different frequency, and different phase 4) either constructive or destructive interference
10. Of the following which pair can be coherent even though they are of different wavelengths
sources 16. To demonstrate the phenomeon of interference
1) Two sodium vapour lamps of same power we require two sources which emit radiation
connected in parallel to the same mains of [AIEEE 2003]
2) Two identical filament bulbs connected in 1) nearly the same frequency
series to the same mains 2) the same frequency
3) Two slits in an opaque screen illuminated by 3) different wavelength
a monochromatic source of light 4) the same frequency and having a definite
4) All the above phase relationship
17. Interference of light was first demonstrated
11. A pair of coherent sources may be
by [ATB]
1) One virtual and the other real
1) Newton
2) both real
2) Fresnel
3) both virtual 4) 1 and 3
3) Fraunhofer
12. LASER light is considered to be coherent 4) Thomas Young
because it consists of
18. The phenomenon of Interference is possible
1) Many wavelengths in the case of
2) Un coordinate wave lengths 1) Longitudinal waves 2) Transverse waves
3) Co ordinated wave of exactly the same
3) Both 4) None
wavelength
4) Divergent beams 19. During interference of light [ATB]
1) energy is destroyed at the dark bands
13. The path difference between light rays from
two coherent sources for constructive 2) energy is created at the bright bands
interference is [ATB] 3) energy is conserved but distributed among
1) nl/2 2) (2n+1) l/2 bright and dark bands
3) (2n-1) l/2 4) nl 4) all the above are true
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20. In the Young's double slit experiment, the 27. In Young’s double slit experiment the
fringe width depends upon monochromatic source of light is replaced by
1) distance between the two slits white light. Then the interference pattern on
2) distance between the slits and the screen the screen is
3) wavelength of light 1) Black central fringe surrounded by a few
4) all the above coloured fringes on either side
2) White central fringe surrounded by a few
21. Colours of soap film in sun light is due to
coloured fringes on either side.
1) Dispersion 2) Diffraction
3) Unchanged
3) Interference 4)Double refraction
4) Uniform illumination without any fringe
22. In Young’s double slit experiment the central system
part has (initially the two sources are in phase)
28. In Young’s double slit experiment both the slits
1) Bright band
are similar. If width of one of the slits is
2) Dark band
doubled then
3) Partially bright band
1) Dark fringes become narrower
4) Partially dark band
2) Bright fringes become less bright
23. In Young’s double slit experiment sodium light
3) Dark fringes become slightly brighter
is replaced by blue lamp, then the fringe width
4) Bright fringes become narrower
1) Increases 2) Decreases
29. The contrast between the fringes in any
3) Remains same 4) Becomes zero
interference pattern depends on
24. In Young’s double slit experiment the band 1) Fringe width
width is minimum for the colour (MP 2001)
2) Intensity ratio of the sources
1) Red 2) Yellow
3) Distance between the slits
3) Green 4) Blue 4) Wavelength
25. Interference is produced with two coherent 30. If Young’s double slit apparatus is shifted from
sources of same intensity. If one of the sources air to water, then
is covered with a thin film so as to reduce the 1) Fringe width decreases
intensity of light coming out of it, then 2) Fringe width increases
1) bright fringes will be less bright and dark 3) Fringe width remains same
fringes will be less dark 4) Fringe system disappears
2) bright fringes will be more bright and dark 31. Alternate bright and dark fringes appear in
fringes will be more dark Young’s double slit experiment due to the
3) the brightness of the bright fringes and the phenomenon of
darkness of the dark fringes remain same 1) Polarisation 2) Diffraction
3) Interference 4) None
4) cannot be decided
32. In Young’s double slit experiment the phase
26. The graph between the separation of the slits difference between the waves reaching the
and fringe width in Young’s double slit central fringe and fourth bright fringe will be
experiment is (assume that the distance 1) zero 2) 4p 3) 6p 4) 8p
between the source and the screen and the 33. Interference pattern is obtained using white
wavelength of the source are kept constant) light. Then
1) straight line with negative slope 1) The central fringe is dark
2) rectangular hyperbola 2) the bright fringe nearest the central fringe is violet
3) straight line with positive slope 3) the bright fringe nearest the central fringe is red
4) parabola 4) the fringe system is not formed

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34. In Young’s double slit experiment if one of the 40. A young's double slit experiment uses a
slits is closed monochromatic source. The shape of
1) the contrast between the bright and dark bands interference fringes formed on a screen is
decreases [AIEEE 2005]
2) the width of the bands decreases 1) straight line 2) parabola
3) the central band becomes dark band 3) hyperbola 4) circle
4) the interference bands disappear producing Diffraction :-
uniform illumination 41. Diffraction of light is [ATB]
35. Youngs experiment establishes that 1) the bending of light at the surface of
1) Light consist of particles separation when it travels from rarer medium to
denser medium
2) Light consist of waves
2) the bending of light at the surface of
3) Light is both particle and wave
separation when it travels from denser medium
4) None of above to rarer medium
36. Instead of using two slits as in young's 3) encroachment of light into the geometrical
experiment, if we use two separate but shadow of the obstacle placed in its path
identical sodium lamps, which of the following 4) emergence of a light ray grazing the surface
occur of separation when it travels from denser to
a) uniform illumination is observed rarer medium
b) widely separate interference 42. The phenomenon of diffraction of light was
c) very bright maximum discovered by
d) very minimum 1) Fresnel 2) Fraunhofer
1) a only 2) a, b only 3) Young 4) Grimaldi
3) c, d only 4) b, d only 43. Both light and sound waves produce
37. In Young’s double slit experiment a mica plate diffraction. It is more difficult to observe the
of thickness ‘t’ and refractive index ‘  ’ is diffraction with light waves because [2001M]
introduced in one of the interfering beams. 1) Light wave do not require medium
Then the central fringe will be displaced 2) Wavelength of ligth waves is far smalller
through (d = distance between the slits; 3) Light waves are transverse
D = distance between the slits and the screen)
4) Speed of light is far greater
(  1) tD
1) dt/D(  - 1) 2) 44. The silver lining surrounding the profile of a
d
mountain just before sunrise is due to
3) Dt  /d 4) dt  /D
1) Interference 2) Diffraction
38. Two coherent sources S 1 and S 2 produce
3) Dispersion 4) Refraction
interference fringes. If a thin mica plate is
introduced in the path of light from S 1 then 45. Bright colours exhibited by spider's web,
the central maximum exposed to sunlight are due to [Karnataka
1) shift towards S2 2) shift towards S1 Cet 98]
3) do not shift to any side4) disappear 1) Interference 2) Resolution
3) Diffraction 4) Polarisation
39. When a thin metal plate is placed in the path
of one of the interfering beams of light 46. The structure of crystals can be studied using
[Karnataka CET 99] [ATB]
1) the fringes become blurred 1) diffraction of visible light
2) the fringes become brighter 2) diffraction of x-rays
3) the fringes disappear 3) interference of sound waves
4) the fringe width increase 4) refraction of radio waves

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47. Which of the following statements is correct 52. In the case of diffraction bands due to a
1) Diffraction is because of interference of light straight edge, as we move away from the edge,
from same source where as interference is due [ATB]
to light from two individual sources 1) Intensity of the bright band increases and
2) Diffraction pattern is due to interference of that of the dark band decreases
light from secondary waves of the same wave 2) Intensity of the bright band decreases and
front whereas interference is due to superposition that of the dark band increases
of two waves derived from the same source 3) Intensity of the bright band decreases but
3) Diffraction is due to interference of light that of the dark band remains unchanged
waves derived from the same source whereas
4) Intensity of the bright band remains
interference is bending of light at the obstacle
unchanged but that of the dark band increases
4) None of the above
48. A plane wavefront is divided into a number of 53. As we move away from the edge into the
half period zones as per Fresnel theory. The geometrical shadow of a straight edge, the
resultant amplitude at a point due to intensity of illumination [ATB]
secondary waves spreading from a zone is 1) Decreases 2) Increases
1) directly proportional to the square root of the 3) Remains unchanged 4) None of the above
area of the zone
54. When a beam of light is used to determine the
2) inversely proportional to the square of the position of an object, the maximum accuracy
distance of the point from the zone is achieved if the light is [AIIMS2003]
3) inversely proportional to the distance of the 1) polarised
point from the zone
2) of longer wave length
4) Independent of obliquity
3) of shorter wave length
49. A cylindrical wavefront is divided into a 4) unpolarised
number of Fresnel’s half period elements.
With the increase of the order of the element, 55. In Fresnel’s diffraction wavefront must be
the area of the element 1) spherical [ATB]
1) Increases 2) Decreases 2) cylindrical
3) Remains same 3) plane
4) may increase or decrease depending upon 4) both 1 and 2
the wavelength
56. The source is at some distance from an
50. The phase difference between the waves obstacle. Distance between obstacle and the
arriving at a point from spreading from two point of observation is 'b' and wavelength of
corresponding points of successive half period
light is '  '. Then the distance of nth Fresnel
zones is [ATB]
Zone will be at a distance ........ from the point
1) p/2 2) p/4 3) p 4) zero
of observation. (2007 M)
51. The diffraction pattern due to a straight edge bn  n
contains [ATB] 1) 2) b 
2 2
1) alternate bright and dark bands of same width n
2) alternate bright and dark bands with 3) b  4) b  n  .
2
decreasing width as the order of the band Polarasation :-
increases in the illuminated part 57. Transverse wave nature is established by
3) alternate bright and dark bands with (KCET 88, CPMT78) [ATB]
increasing width as the order of the band 1) Interference 2) Diffraction
increases 3) Polarization
4) none of the above is true 4) All the above

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58. Transverse wave nature of light was first 67. Ordinary light is incident on the upper surface
proposed by of a glass slab at the polarizing angle. Then
1) Huygen 2) Fraunhofer 1) the reflected ray is completely plane polarized
3) Maxwell 4) Fresnel with vibrations perpendicular to the plane of
incidence
59. Which one of the waves cannot be polarized 2) the refracted ray is also completely plane
1) Radio waves 2) X-rays polarized with vibrations in the plane of
3) Ultra violet rays 4) Sound waves incidence
60. Which of the following phenomenon is not 3) the reflected ray is partially polarized with
common to sound and light waves vibrations perpendicular to the plane of
incidence
1) Interference 2) Diffraction
4) both reflected and refracted rays are
3) Polarisation 4) Reflection completely polarized having both of them
61. Helical structure of nucleic acids can be vibrations in the plane of incidence
studied using the phenomenon of [2005 M] 68. A calcite crystal placed over an ink dot is
[ATB] rotated. On seeing through the crystal one
1) Interference 2) Diffraction finds [ATB]
3) Polarisation 4) Dispersion 1) Two stationary dots
62. In the propagation of electromagnetic waves 2) Two dots moving along parallel straight lines
3) One dot rotating about the other
the angle between the direction of propagation
4) both dots rotating about a common axis
and plane of polarization is
69. When ordinary light strike the tourmaline
1) zero 2) 45° 3) 90° 4) 180°
crystal of certain thickness at right angles to
63. In the case of light waves the angle between the optic axes, then
plane of vibration and plane of polarization is 1) O - ray is completly absorbed and E -ray is
partially absorbed.
1) 180° 2) 90° 3) 45° 4) zero
2) O - ray is patially absorbed and E -ray is
64. Polarisation can be produced by [ATB] completly absorbed.
1) Reflection 3) Both O - ray& E - ray is completly absorbed.
2) Double refraction 4) Both O - ray& E - ray is partially absorbed.
3) Scattering 70. In double refraction
4) All of the above 1) only the 0-ray is polarised
65. The tangent of polarizing angle is numerically 2) only the E-ray is polarised
equal to 3) both 0-ray and E-ray are polarised
4) neither 0-ray nor E-ray is polarised
1) diversity of the reflecting medium
71. A doubly refracting crystal plate gives two
2) refractive index of the reflecting medium
refracted rays A and B for a single incident
3) velocity of light in reflecting medium ray as shown. If  A and  B are the
4) elastic modulus of reflecting mediumc refractive indices of the crystal for the two
rays
66. An unpolarised light is incident on a surface
separating two transparent media of different
optical densities at the polarizing angle. Then
the reflected ray and refracted ray are
1) parallel to each other
2) perpendicular to each other
3) inclined to each other making an angle 45° 1)  A >  B 2)  A =  B

4) none of the above 3)  A <  B 4) none

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72. Dichroism is the property where [ATB] 79. Polaroids are used [ATB]
1) unequal absorption of ordinary and 1) to eliminate head light glare in automobile
extraordinary rays takes place 2) in production of 3-D motion pictures
2) equal absorption of ordinary and extra 3) in sun glasses
ordinary rays takes place 4) all the above
3) plane of polarization rotates
80. The synthetic material used for the
4) None of the above preparation of polaroids possess the property
73. Which of the following exhibits dichroism of
1) Quartz 1) Anomalous thermal expansion
2) Crown glass 2) Optical activity
3) Tourmaline 3) Dichroism
4) All the above 4) None of the above
74. If a ray of light is allowed to pass through a 81. If polaroids are to be used to avoid glares of
quartz crystal, then the two refracted rays in coming light then [NSEP - 1999]
obtained are 1) Visibility will decrease
1) plane polarized and planes of polarization 2) Transmittivity of windshield will decrease
are parallel 3) Vehicles will move slowly
2) plane polarized and planes of polarization 4) Cost will increase
are perpendicular 82. When light falls on two polaroid sheets, one
3) circularly polarized in opposite direction observes complete brightness then the two
4) circularly polarized in the same direction polaroids axes are [ATB]
1) Mutually perpendicular
75. Which of the following is dichroic
2) Mutually parallel
1) poly vinyl alcohol
3) Angle between their two axes is 450
2) quartz
4) None of the above
3) calcite
4) diamond 83. Polaroid sunglasses are preferred because they
[ATB]
76. The intensity of the polarized light transmitted 1) reduce the intensity of light
through the analyzer is given by
2) have soothing colours
1) Brewster’s law 2) Malus law
3) are cheaper
3) Fresnel's assumptions 4) law of superpositon
4) can change colours
77. A plane polarized light is incident on an
84. Choose the correct statement
analyser and when it is rotated to complete
one rotation, one observes 1) The maximum intensity in the interference
1) one extinction and two brightnesses pattern of Young’s double slit experiment is four
2) one brightness and two extinctions times the intensity of the individual wave.
3) two extinctions and two brightnesses 2) In the diffraction pattern due to straight edge
4) no change in the brightness the intensity of the bright bands in the illuminated
78. When light falls on two polaroid sheets having part increases with the increase of the order of
their axies mutually perpendicular, then it is the band
1) Completly extriguished 3) During double refraction the vibrations of the
2) Partly extriguished extra-ordinary ray are perpendicular to the
principal section of the crystal.
3) Completly brightnessed
4) light waves can be polarized because they
4) Partly brightnessed
are longitudinal waves

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STATEMENT TYPE QUESTIONS 89. Consider the following statements A and B

and identify the correct answer
85. Consider the following statements A and B
A) Intensity of all bright diffraction frings is
and identify the correct answer
not same
A) Primary waves travels in a medium with
B) The minima of a diffraction pattern are not
speed of light in all directions.
perfectly dark
B) Secondary waves travels in backward 1) A is false but B is true
direction only but not with speed of light
2) A is true but B is false
1) A is false but B is true
3) Both A and B are true
2) A is true but B is false
4) Both A and B are false
3) Both A and B are true
90. Consider the following statements A and B
4) Both A and B are false
and identify the correct answer
86. Consider the following statements A and B A) Fresnel's diffraction pattern occurs when
and identify the correct answer the source of light or the screen on which the
A) The maximum intensity in the interference diffraction pattern is seen or when both are
pattern of Young's double slit experiment is at finite distance from the aperture [2004 E]
double the intensity of the individual wave B) Diffraction light can be used to estimate
B) Light waves can be polarized because they the helical structure of nucleic acids
are Transvers waves 1) A is false but B is true
1) A is false but B is true 2) A is true but B is false
2) A is true but B is false 3) Both A and B are true
3) Both A and B are true 4) Both A and B are false
4) Both A and B are false 91. Consider the following statements A and B
87. Consider the following statements A and B and identify the correct answer
and identify the correct answer. A) In Fraunhofer diffraction the source and
A) In the case of narrow source of light screen are at finite distance from the obstacle
coherent sources are obtained by the division [ATB]
of wave front B) In Fraunhofer diffraction the incident wave
B) Diffraction is due to interference of light fronts are either spherical or cylindrical
from secondary sources of the same wave 1) A is false but B is true
front whereas interferece is due to 2) A is true but B is false
superposition of two waves derived from the 3) Both A and B are true
same source 4) Both A and B are false
1) A is false but B is true
92. Consider the following statements A and B
2) A is true but B is false and identify the correct answer
3) Both A and B are true A) Electric vector of electromagnetic wave is
4) Both A and B are false the light vector that affects the retina of the
88. Consider the following statements A and B eye
and identify the correct answer B) In a polarized light the sum of all the
A) Radio waves diffract around buildings components of the vibrations in one direction
but light waves does not is equal to the sum of all the components of
B) To cut down glare of incident light we prefer
sun glasses made from polaroids the vibrations perpendicular to that direction
1) A is false but B is true 1) A is false but B is true
2) A is true but B is false 2) A is true but B is false
3) Both A and B are true 3) Both A and B are true
4) Both A and B are false 4) Both A and B are false

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93. Consider the following statements A and B 97. Consider the following statements A and B
and identify the correct answer and identify the correct answer [ATB]
A) When light falls on two polariod sheets A) Perpendicular to the direction of optical
having their axes mutually perpendicular it is axis, O -ray and E -ray travel with same
completely extinguished velocity.
B) When polyvinyl alcohol is subjected to a B) Along the optic axis O -ray and E - ray
large strain the molecules get oriented parallel travel with same velocity
to the direction of strain and material becomes 1) A is false but B is true
double refractive 2) A is true but B is false
1) A is false but B is true 3) Both A and B are true
2) A is true but B is false 4) Both A and B are false
3) Both A and B are true MORE THAN ONE OPTION QUESTIONS
4) Both A and B are false 98. In which of the following cases do we obtain a
94. Consider the following statements A and B spherical wavefront ?
and identify the correct answer a) Sunlight focussed by a convex lens
A) The refractive index of the extra-ordinary b) Light diverging from a straight slit
ray depends on the angle of incidence in double c) Light emitted by a point source in an
refraction isotropic medium
B) The vibrations of light waves acquire one d) A parallel beam of light reflected from a
sidedness for both ordinary and extraordinary plane mirror
rays in double refraction 1) a, b only 2) b, c only
1) A is false but B is true 3) a, d only 4) a, c only
2) A is true but B is false 99. Huygen's principle of secondary wavelets can
3) Both A and B are true be used to
4) Both A and B are false a)deduce the laws of reflection of light
95. Consider the following statements A and B b)deduce the laws of refraction of light
and identify the correct answer c)explain the transverse nature of light waves
A) In the phenomenon of double refraction d) predict the location of a wavefront as time
ordinary ray obeys Snell's law where as passes
extraordinary ray does not obey Snell's law
1) a, b only 2) a, c only
B) Velocity of extra-ordinary ray in the
negative crystal is greater than for ordinary 3) a, b, d only 4) b, c only
ray in the same crystal 100. When two coherent waves interfere, the
1) A is false but B is true minimum and maximum intensities are in the
2) A is true but B is false ratio 16 : 25. Then
3) Both A and B are true a) the maximum and minimum amplitudes will
4) Both A and B are false be in the ratio 5 : 4
b) the amplitudes of the individual waves will
96. Consider the following statements A and B
be in the ratio 9 : 1
and identify the correct answer
A) Polarised light can be used to study the c) the intensities of the individual waves will
helical structure of nucleic acids be in the ratio 41 : 9
B) Optic axis is a direction and not any d) the intensities of the individual waves will
particular line in the crystal [2003 M] be in the ratio 81 : 1
1) A is false but B is true [ATB] 1) a, b and c are true
2) A is true but B is false 2) a, b and d are true
3) Both A and B are true 3) a and b are true
4) Both A and B are false 4) b and c are true
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101. If white light is used in Young's double-slit 105. In the case of Fresnel zones
experiment, a) the phase difference between the waves
a) bright white fringe is formed at the centre spreading from consecutive zones and
of the screen reaching a point on the screen is 1800
b) fringes of different colours are observed b) the path difference between the waves
on both sides of central fringe clearly only spreading from alternate zones and reaching
in the first order. a point on the screen is 
c) the first order violet fringe's are closer to c) the area of the zone increases with the
the centre of the screen than the first order increase of obliquity
red fringes d) the area of each zone is proportional to the
d) the first order red fringes are closer to product of the wavelength and the distance of
the centre of the screen than the first order the given point from the zone
violet fringes 1) only a,b and c are true 2) only a,b and d are true
1) only a and d are true 3) only a and b are true 4) only b and d are true
2) only a and b are true 106. A light of wavelength l is incident on an object
3) only a,b and care true 4) all are true of size b. If a screen is at a distance D from
102. In a double slit experiment, instead of taking the object, identify the correct condition for
slits of equal widths, one slit is made twice as the observation of different phenomena
wide as the other. Then in the interference [ATB]
pattern, the intensity a) if b2 = Dl, Fresnel diffraction is observed
a) of maxima will increase b) if b 2 >> Dl, Fraunhofer diffraction is
b) of maxima will decrease observed
c) of minima will increase c) if b 2 << Dl, Fraunhofer diffraction is
d) of minima will decrease observed
1) a, b only 2) b, c only d) if b 2 >> Dl, the approximation of
3) a, c only 4) b, d only geometrical optics is applicable
103. In Young’s double slit experiment for 1) a, b and d are true 2) a, c and d are true
producing interference pattern, the fringe 3) a and c are true 4) a and d are true
width depends on 107. When light is polarised by reflection from a
i) wave length transparent surface.
ii) distance between the two slits a) reflected and refracted rays are mutually
iii) distance between the screen and the slits perpendicular
iv) distance between source and the slits b) both reflected and refracted rays are plane
polarised
1) i only 2) i and ii
c) refracted ray is partially polarised
3) i, ii and iii 4) i, ii and iv
d) the R.I., of transparent surface is equal to
104. Both in interference and diffraction tangent of Brewster's angle
phenomena, alternate dark and bright fringes 1) only a and c are true 2) only b, c and d are true
are obtained on screen
3) only a, c and d are true 4) only a and d are true
i) generally fringe width is same in interference
and not same in diffraction 108. When unpolarized light is incident on a
ii) the central fringe in interference has Tourmaline crystal of proper thickness
maximum brightness and the intensity a) it exhibits dichroism
gradually decreases on either side b) it absorbs ordinary ray and transmits
iii) in interference the intensity of all bright extraordinary ray
fringes is same c) it absorbs extraordinary ray and
iv) both the phenomena are produced from transmits ordinary ray [ATB]
same coherent sources 1) only a and b are true 2) only a and c are true
1) i only 2) i and ii 3) only b and c are true 4) all are true
3) i,ii and iv 4) i, ii and iii
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109. In Young's double slit experiment, the 10th bright fringe is at a distance x from the central fringe. Then
a) the 10th dark fringe is at a distance of 19x/20 from the central fringe
b) the 10th dark fringe is at a distance ofx21x/20 from the central fringe.
c) the 5th dark fringe is at a distance of from the central fringe.
2
d) the 5th dark fringe is at a distance of 9x/20 from the central fringe.
1) a, b, c only 2) b, c, d only
3) a , d only 4) a, b, c, d only
MATCHING TYPE QUESTIONS
110. Match the following.
List - I List - II
a) Spherical wave front wave front e) Location of new
b) Plane wave front f) Line source
c) Cylindrical wave front g) point source at finite distance
d) Huygen's principle h) Point source at infinite distance
1) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e 2) a-h, b-g, c-f, d-e
3) a-h, b-g, c-e, d-f 4) a-h, b-g, c-f, d-e
111. Match the following.
List - I List - II
a) Fresnel's diffraction e) Bright band
b) Fraunhofer'sdiffraction are at finite distance f) Source and screen
c) In interference phase difference is even g) Dark band
multiple of 
d) In interference phase difference is odd h) Source and screen are at infinite distance
multiple of 
1) a-f, b-h, c-e, d-g 2) a-e, b-g, c-f, d-h
3) a-h, b-f, c-e, d-g 4) a-f, b-h, c-g, d-e
112. Match the following :
List - I List - II
a) Einstein e) velocity of light
b) Huygen f) diffraction of light
c) Focault g) wave nature of light
d) Fresnel h) particle nature of light
1) a-h, b-g, c-f, d-e 2) a-g, b-h, c-e, d-f
3) a-h, b-g, c-e, d-f 4) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e
113. Match the following:
List - I List - II
a) Silver lining of mountains e) polarization by refraction
b) Rectilinear propagation light f) transverse nature of of light
c) Polarization g) diffraction
d) Pile of plates h) ray optics
1) a-h, b-g, c-f, d-e 2) a-g, b-h, c-e, d-f
3) a-f, b-h, c-h, d-e 4) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e

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114. Match the following.

List - I List - II
a) Interference e) Transverse nature of light
b) Diffraction f) Unequal absorption of ordinary and extraordinary ray
c) Polarization g) Bands of equal width
d) Dichroism h) Bands of unequal width
1) a-f, b-g, c-h, d-e 2) a-h, b-g, c-f, d-e
3) a-e, b-f, c-g, d-h 4) a-g, b-h, c-e, d-f
115. Match the following.
List - I List - II
a) Extra-ordinary ray e) Obeys snell's law
b) Ordinary ray f) R.I of medium
c) Brewster's angle g) Does not obey Snell's law
d) Polaroids h) Selective absorption
1) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e 2) a-h, b-g, c-e, d-f
3) a-g, b-e, c-f, d-h 4) a-e, b-f, c-h, d-g
116. Match the following.
List - I List - II
a) double refraction e) Geometrical shadows
b) Interference f) Colour of thin films
c) diffraction g) Fresnel zones
d) Rectilinearity h) Reduction of intensity of light
1) a-h, b-e, c-f, d-g 2) a-h, b-f, c-g, d-e
3) a-h, b-g, c-e, d-f 4) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e
117. Match the following.
List - I List - II
a) coherent, monochromatic highlyunidirectionaly e) Malus law
b) I = I0 cos2  f) Polaroid
c) Selective absorption is exhibited by g) Spherical wave front
d) Fresnel diffraction h) LASER
1) a-h, b-e, c-f, d-g 2) a-g, b-h, c-e, d-f
3) a-h, b-g, c-e, d-f 4) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e

ASCENDING & DESCENDING ORDER 120. The young's double slit experiment is
performed with four different sources. The
TYPE QUESTIONS number of fringes observed in a given region
118. Young's experiment is performed with colours for that sources are n1 - = 100 n2 = 60,
Violet, Red, Green and Yellow, write the n3 = 150 n4 = 120. The descending order of
decending order of fringe width for these wave lengths of sources is
colours. 1) n4 , n2 , n3 , n1 2) n2 , n1 , n4 , n3
1) Violet, Red, Green, Yellow
3) n4 , n3 , n2 , n1 4) n3 , n2 , n4 , n1
2) Red, Yellow, Green, Violet
3) Red, Green, Yellow, Violet 121. Arrange the ascending order of polarising
4) Yellow, Green, Violet, Red angles for air-glass, air-water, and water-glass
119. Young's experiment is performed in air, water interfaces ?
and glass. The descending order of fringe 1) Water - glass, air - water, air - glass
width for these media is 2) air - water, air - glass, water - glass
1) Water, air, glass 2) Glass, water, air 3) air - glass, air - water, water - glass
3) Air, Water, glass 4) Glass, air, water 4) air - water, water - glass, air - glass

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122. Two beams of light having intensities 9I and 4I 126. (A): Light waves travel through vacuum where
interfere to produce fringe pattern on a screen. as sound waves can’t
P, Q and R are three points on the screen at (R):Light waves are mechanical waves
which the phase differences between the whereas sound waves are
electromagnetic
interfering beams are 300, 450 and 600 and the
127. (A):The phase difference between any two
intensities are I P , I Q and I R respectively. points on a wave front is zero
Arrange the difference between the intensities (R): Light from the source reaches every point
in ascending order of the wave front at the same time
128. (A):Wave theory applies only to transverse
1) (IP – IQ), (IP – IR), (IQ – IR)
electromagnetic waves
2) (IP – IQ), (IQ – IR), (IP – IR) (R): The theory was proposed originally for
light waves. )
3) (IP – IR), (IQ – IR), (IP – IQ)
129. (A): In interference, only redistribution of light
4) (IQ – IR), (IP – IQ), (IP – IR) energy occurs in the form of maximum
123. The Young's experiment is carried out with and minimum
four wavelengths 1  20000 A , 2 15000 A , (R): Average energy in the interference
3  45000 A , 4  30000 A . The ascending pattern is same as it would be if there
order of the number of fringes for these were no interference.
wavelength one can get is 130. (A):Light from two coherent sources is
1) 2 , 1 , 4 , 3 2) 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 reaching the screen. If the path
difference at a point on the screen for
3) 4 , 3 , 2 , 1 4) 3 , 4 , 1 , 2
yellow light is 3  /2, then the fringe at the
124. The critical angles of three transparent point will be coloured.
media K, L & M are 30 0 , 60 0 and 45 0
(R):Two coherent sources always have
respectively. If K P , L P and M P are their
constant phase relationship
polarising angles respectively, arrange them
in increasing order 131. (A): No interference pattern is detected when
1) KP, LP, MP 2) MP, LP, KP two coherent sources are very close to
3) LP, MP, KP 4) KP, MP, LP each other. (i.e separation almost zero)
(R): The fringe width is inversely proportional
125. Four transparent slabs having thickness
t1= 2cm, t2 = 4cm, t3 = 3 cm and t4 = 5 cm are to the distance between the two slits
introduced in one of the paths of light emitted 132. (A):In Young's double slit experiment
by two narrow slits the ascending order of shift interference pattern disappears when one
of the central fringe of the slits is closed
1) t1, t2, t3, t4 2) t4, t3, t2, t1 4 (R):Interference occurs due to
3) t3, t2, t4, t1 4) t1, t3, t2, t4 superimposition of light waves from two
ASSERTION & REASON TYPE QUESTIONS coherent sources
In each of the following questions, a statement 133. (A): The maximum intensity in interference
of Assertion (A) is given followed by a pattern is four times the intensity due to
corresponding statement of reason (R) just each slit of equal width.
below it. Of the statement mark the correct (R): Intensity is directly proportional to square
answer. of amplitude.
1) Both ‘A’ and ‘R’ are true and ‘R’ is the correct 134. (A): The fringe obtained at the centre of the
explanation of ‘A’
screen is known as zeroth order fringe,
2) Both ‘A’ and ‘R’ are true and ‘R’ is not the
or the central fringe
correct explanation of ‘A’
(R): Path difference between the waves from
3) ‘A’ is true and ‘R’ is false
S 1 and S 2 , reaching the central fringe
4) ‘A’ is false and ‘R’ is true (or zero order fringe) is zero

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135. (A): If the phase difference between the light 144. (A): Diffraction is common in sound but not
waves emerging from the slits of the common in light waves
Young's experiment is p-radian, the (R): Wavelength of light is more than the
central fringe will be dark wavelength of sound
(R): Phase difference is equal to (2/) times 145. (A): We cannot observe diffraction pattern
the path difference. from a wide slit iluminated by
136. (A): The soap film in sun light is colourful monochromatic light
(R): Thin films produce interference of light (R): In diffraction pattern, all the bright bands
137. (A): In Young’s double slit experiment the are not of the same intensity.
band width for red colour is more 146. (A): Transverse wave nature of light is proved
(R):Wavelength of red is small by polarisation
138. (A): In Young's interference experiment the (R): According to Maxwell, light is an
incident light used is white. When one electromagnetic wave but not mechanical
wave
slit is convered with red filter and the
other with blue filter, the phase difference 147. (A): When an unpolarised light is incident on
a glass plate at Brewster angle, the
at any point on the screen will
reflected ray and refracted ray are
continuously change producing uniform
mutually perpendicular
illumination.
(R): The refractive index of glass is equal to
(R): Two independent sources of light would
sine of the angle of polarisation.
no longer act as coherent sources.
148. (A): One of the images in double refraction
(2004 M)
doesn’t obey the principles of refraction
139. (A): If the whole apparatus of Young's
(R): Extraordinary image in double refraction
experiement is immersed in liquid, the
fringe width will decrease. doesn’t obey the principles of refraction
(R): The wavelength of light in water is more because its velocity changes with direction.
than that in air ANSWERS
140. (A): Thin films such as soap bubble or a thin
layer of oil on water show beautiful EXERCISE-1
colours when illuminated by sunlight 1) 1 2) 1 3) 3 4) 2 5) 4
(R): The colours are obtained by dispersion
of light only 6) 4 7) 3 8) 3 9) 2 10) 3
141. (A): Radio waves diffract pronouncedly 11) 4 12) 3 13) 4 14) 2 15) 2
around the sharp edges of the buildings
16) 4 17) 4 18) 3 19) 3 20) 4
than visible light waves
(R): Wave length of radio waves is comparable 21) 3 22) 1 23) 2 24) 4 25) 1
to the dimension of the edges of the 26) 2 27) 2 28) 3 29) 2 30) 1
building.
142. (A): When tiny circular obstacle is placed in 31) 3 32) 4 33) 2 34) 4 35) 2
the path of light from some distance, a 36) 1 37) 2 38) 2 39) 3 40) 3
bright spot is seen at the centre of the
shadow of the obstacle. 41) 3 42) 4 43) 2 44) 2 45) 3
(R): Destructive interference occurs at the 46) 2 47) 2 48) 3 49) 2 50) 3
centre of the shadow.
143. (A): Coloured spectrum is seen when we look 51) 2 52) 2 53) 1 54) 2 55) 4
through a fine cotton cloth 56) 3 57) 3 58) 3 59) 4 60) 3
(R): It is due to the diffraction of white light
on passing through fine slits 61) 3 62) 1 63) 4 64) 4 65) 2

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4. When two coherent monochromatic light

66) 2 67) 1 68) 3 69) 1 70) 3 beams of intensities l and 4l are superimposed,
the ratio between maximum and minimum
71) 1 72) 1 73) 3 74) 2 75) 1
intensities in the resultant beam is (2002M)
76) 2 77) 3 78) 1 79) 4 80) 3 1) 9:1 2) 1:9 3) 4:1 4) 1:4

81) 1 82) 2 83) 1 84) 1 85) 2 5. In an interference experiment, the ratio of the
intensities of the bright and dark fringes is 16.
86) 1 87) 3 88) 3 89) 3 90) 2 The ratio of the amplitudes due to the two slits
is
91) 4 92) 2 93) 3 94) 3 95) 3
1) 3 : 1 2) 4 : 1 3) 5 : 1 4) 5 : 3
96) 3 97) 1 98) 4 99) 3 100) 2
6. A screen is at a distance of 2 m from narrow
101) 3 102) 3 103) 3 104) 4 105) 2 slits that are illuminated with light of 589nm .
The 10th minimum lies at 0.005 m on either
106) 2 107) 3 108) 1 109) 3 110) 1
side of the central maximum, then the distance
111) 1 112) 3 113) 4 114) 4 115) 3 between the slits will be
116) 2 117) 1 118) 2 119) 3 120) 2 1) 0.024mm 2) 1.704mm
3) 2.4mm 4) 24 mm
121) 1 122) 2 123) 4 124) 3 125) 4
7. In Young's double slit experiment with a
126) 3 127) 1 128) 4 129) 2 130) 4 monochromatic light of wavelength 4000 A0 ,
131) 1 132) 1 133) 2 134) 1 135) 2 the fringe width is found to be 0.4 mm. When
the slits are now illuminated with a light of
136) 1 137) 3 138) 1 139) 3 140) 3 wavelength 5000 A0 the fringe width will be
141) 1 142) 3 143) 1 144) 3 145) 2 1) 0.32 mm 2) 0.5 mm
3) 0.6 mm 4) 0.8 mm
146) 2 147) 3 148) 1
8. In Young's double slit interference experiment
7EXERCISE-II(A) 7 the wavelength of light used is 6000A°. If the
path difference between waves reaching a
(CLASS WORK) point P on the screen is 1.5 microns, then at
that point P (2002E)
INTERFERENCE :-
1) Second bright band occurs
1. The displacements of two interfering light 2) Second dark band occurs
waves are y1 = 4 sin  t and y2 = 3 cos (  t).
The amplitude of the resultant wave is (y1 and 3) Third dark band occurs
y2 are in CGS system) 4) Third bright band occurs
1) 5 cm 2) 7 cm 3) 1 cm 4) zero
9. The intensity of central fringe in the
2. Light waves of wave length  propagate in a interference pattern produced by two identical
medium. If M and N are two points on the slits is I . When one of the slits is closed then
wave front and they are separated by a the intensity at the same points is I 0 .The
distance  / 4 , the phase difference between relation between I and I 0 is
them will be ( in radian)
1) I  4 I 0
1)  / 2 2)  / 8
3)  / 4 4) Zero 2) I  2 I 0
3. The intensity ratio of two waves is 9:1. If they
3) I  I 0
produce interference, the ratio of maximum
to minimum intensity will be I0
1) 4 : 1 2) 2 : 1 3) 9 : 1 4) 3 : 2 4) I 
2
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10. In the case of interference, the maximum and 15. The maximum number of possible interference
minimum intensities are in the ratio 16:9. Then maxima for slit separation equal to twice the
1) The maximum and minimum amplitudes wavelength in Young's double slit experiment
will be in the ratio 9 : 5 is [AIEEE 2004]
2) The intensities of the individual waves will 1) infinite 2) five
be in the ratio 4 : 3 3) three 4) zero
3) The amplitudes of the individual waves will POLARISATION
be in the ratio 7 : 1 16. The angle of incidence at which reflected light
is totally polarized for a ray travelling from
4) The amplitudes of the individual waves will
air to glass (refractive index n), is
be in the ratio 4:1 [AIEEE2004]
11. In double slit experiment, the distance between 1 1
1) Sin 1 (n) 2) Sin  
two slits is 0.6 mm and these are illuminated n
with light of wavelength 4800 A0 . The angular 1
1
3) Tan  
1
width of dark fringe on the screen at a distance
n
4) Tan n
120 cm from slits will be 17. The amplitude of polarised light transmitted
4
1) 8  10 radian through a polariser is A. The amplitude of
unpolarised light incident on it is
2) 6  104 radian
3) 4  104 radian A A
1) 2) 3) 2A 4) 2A
4
4) 16  10 radian
2 2
18. A polaroid examines two adjacent plane
12. In Young’s double slit experiment, blue-green polarised beams A and B whose planes of
light of wavelength 500nm is used. The slits polarisation are mutually perpendicular. In the
are 1.20 nm apart, and the viewing screen is first position of the analyser, beam B shows
5.40 m away from the slits. What is the fringe zero intensty. From this position a rotation of
width. 30 0 shows that the two beams have same
1) 6.2 mm 2) 4.2 mm intensity. The ratio of intensties of the two
3) 2.25 mm 4) 1.25 mm beams I A and I B will be
13. A double slit experiment is performed with 1) 1 : 3 2) 3 : 1
light of wavelength 500 nm. A thin film of 3) 3 :1 4) 1: 3
thickness 2 m and refractive index 1.5 is
19. Unpolarised light of intensity 32 Wm–2 passes
introduced in the path of the upper beam.The
through three polarisers such that the
location of the central maximum will
transmission axis of the last polariser is
[AIIMS 2003]
crossed with first. If the intensity of the
1) remain unshifted
emerging light is 3Wm–2 , the angle between
2) shift downward by nearly two fringes
the axes of the first two polarisers is
3) shift upward by nearly two fringes
1) 45º 2) 60º 3) 30º 4) Zero
4) shift downward by 10 fringes
20. The axes of the polariser and analyser are
14. When a mica plate of thickness 0.1mm is inclined to each other at 600 .If the amplitude
introduced in one of the interfering beams, the of polarised light emergent through anyalyser
central fringe is displaced by a distance equal is A.The amplitude of unpolarised light incident
to 10 fringes. If the wavelength of the light is on polariser is
6000 A0, the refractive index of the mica is A
1) 1.06 2) 1.6 3) 2.4 4) 1.2 1) 2) A 3) 2A 4) 2 2A
2
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21. An analyser is inclined to a polariser at an 27. Two light beams produce interference pattern
angle of 300. The intensity of light emerging to give maxima and minima on the screen. If
1 the intensities of the light beams are in the ratio
from the analyser is th of that is incident of 9 : 4, then the ratio of intensities of maxima
n
and minima is (2009-M)
on the polariser. Then n is equal to
1) 3 : 2 2) 5 : 1 3) 25 : 1 4) 9 : 1
(1) 4 (2) 4/3 (3) 8/3 (4) 1/4
28. In the Young's double slit experiment, the
22. Unpolarised light of intensity 32W / m2 passes intensities at two points P1 and P2 on the screen
through a polariser and analyser which are are respectively I1 and I2 . If P1 is located at
at an angle of 300 with respect to each other.. the centre of a bright fringe and P2 is located
at a distance equal to quarter of fringe width
The intensity of the light coming from analyser is
from P1, then I1 / I2 is (2009-E)
1) 16 3W / m 2 2) 12 W/m2
1) 2 2) 1/2 3) 4 4) 16
. 3) 16 W / m 2 4) None
29. In Young's double slit experiment, the 10th
23. Wave theory cannot explain the phenomena maximum of wavelength l 1 is at a distance of
of (2008-M) y 1 from the central maximum. When the
A) Polarization B) Diffraction wavelength of the sourece is changed to l 2 ,
5th maximum is at a distance of y 2 from its
C) Compton effect D)Photoelectric effect
æy1 ö÷
Which of the following is correct ? ç
central maximum. The ratio çç ÷ ÷ is (2009E)
1) A and B 2) B and D è y ø÷ 2
3) C and D 4) D and A 2l 1 2l 2 l1 l2
1) 2) 3) 4)
24. In Fraunhoffer diffraction experiment, L is the l2 l1 2l 2 2l 1
distance between screen and the obstacle, b is
30. A mixture of light, consisting of wavelength
the size of obstacle and  is wavelength of
incident light. The general condition for the 590nm and an unknown wavelength,
applicability of Fraunhoffer diffraction is illuminates Young’s double slit and gives rise
(2008-E) to two overlapping interference patterns on
the screen. The central maximum of both lights
b2 b2 b2 b2 coincide. Further, it is observed that the third
1)  1 2)  1 3)  1 4) 1 bright fring of known light coincides with the
L L L L
4th bright fringe of the unkonwn light. From
25. Four light sources produce the following waves this data, the wavelength of the unknown light
(2009-M&E) is (2009-AIEEE)
(i) y1 = a sin (wt + f 1 ) (ii) y 2 = a sin (2wt ) 1) 885.0 nm 2) 442.5 nm
3) 776.8 nm 4) 393.4 nm
(iii) y3 = a1 sin (wt + f 2 )
(iv) y4 = a1 sin (3wt + f ) ANSWERS
Superposition of which two waves gives rise
to interference EXERCISE-II(A)
1) (i) and (ii) 2) (ii) and (iii) 1) 1 2) 4 3) 1 4) 1 5) 4
3) (i) and (iii) 4) (iii) and (iv)
26. The critical angle of a transparent crystal is 6) 2 7) 2 8) 3 9) 1 10) 3
450. Then its polarizing angle is (2009-M) 11) 1 12) 3 13) 3 14) 1 15) 2
- 1 - 1
1) q = tan ( 2) 2) q = sin ( 2) 16) 4 17) 4 18) 1 19) 3 20) 4

- 1æ ö
ç 1 ÷ - 1
21) 3 22) 2 23) 3 24 ) 3 25) 3
3) q = cos çç ÷
è 2 ø÷
4) q = cot ( )
2
26) 1 27) 3 28) 1 29) 1 30) 2

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PHYSICAL OPTICS PHYSICS - II A

7EXERCISE-II(B) 7 8. In Young's double slit interference experiment

the wavelength of light used is 5000A°. If the
(HOME WORK)
phase difference between waves reaching a
INTERFERENCE :-
point p on the screen is 6 , then at the point p
1. The displacements of two interfering light is
1) Second bright band occurs
waves are y 1 = 2 sin  t and y 2 = 5
2) Second dark band occurs
 
sin  t   . The resultant ampti tude is 3) Third dark band occurs
 3
4) Third bright band occurs
1) 39 cm 2) 39cm
9. In Young's experiment of double slit, the
3) 7 cm 4) 29cm
intensity of central bright band is .... times the
2. Light waves of wave length 2 propagate in individual intensities of the interfering waves
medium. If two points A and B are separated
(1987)
by a distance  / 2 on the wave front, then
phase difference between them will be 1) 2 2) 3 3) 5 4) 4
1)  / 2 2)  3) 2 4) Zero 10. In youngs double slit experiment the ratio of
3. The ratio of maximum to minimum intensity maximum and minimum intensity in the
in the interfernce pattern is 25 : 1.Then the interference experiment is 9. Then
ratio of intensities of interfering beams is 1) ratio of their amplitudes is 4
1) 9 : 4 2) 4 : 9 3) 3 : 2 4) 2 :3 2) ratio of their amplitudes is 2
4. When two cohernt monochromatic light beams
of amplitudes A and 4A are superimposed, the 3) Intensities due to two slits are 2 units & 1
ratio between maximum and minimum unit respectively
intensities in the resultant beam is 4) Intensities due to the two slits are 5 units & 4
1) 4 : 1 2) 1 : 4 3) 9 :25 4) 25 : 9 units respectively
5. Light waves producing interference have their
11. In Young's double slit experiment the distance
amplitudes in the ratio 3:2. The intensity ratio
of maximum and minimum of interference between two sources is 0.1 mm. The distance
fringes is (2001E) of the screen from the source is 20 cm. Wave
1) 36:1 2) 9:4 3) 25:1 4) 6:4 length of light used is 5460A0 . The angular
6. In young's experiment the distance of the position of the first dark fringe is nearly
screen from the two slits is 3.5 m. When light 1) 0 .0 8 0 2) 0.160
of wavelength  is allowed to fall on the slits, 3) 0.20 0 4) 0.320
the width of the fringes obtained on the screen
is 12. In yongs double slit experiment, the slit widths
3.4 mm. The distance between the two slits is are in the ratio 1 : 9. Then the ratio of the
0.05cm. The wavelength  is ....... (nm) intensity of maxima to that of the mimima is
1) 625 2) 515 3) 600 4) 450 (Assume intensity µ width)
1) 81 : 1 2) 9 : 1 3) 4 : 1 4) 9 : 1
7. The wavelength of light used in two
13. When a plastic thin film of refractive index
interference experiments are 500 nm and 600
1.45 is placed in the path of one of the
nm. If the fringe widths are equal when the interfering waves then the central fringe is
screens are placed at 1 m and 1.2 m displaced through width of five fringes. The
respectively. The ratio of the distance between thickness of the film will be, if the wavelength
the slits is of light is 5850A 0 .
1) 6.5 ´ 10 - 4 cm 2) 7.5 ´ 1 0 - 4 m
1) 25 : 36 2) 36 : 25 - 3
3) 8.5 ´ 10 cm 4) 9.5´ 10- 5 cm
3) 4 : 16 4) 16 : 4
332 AKASH MULTIMEDIA
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14. On introducing a thin mica sheet of thickness 20. The axes of the polariser and analyser are
2x10–6 m and refractive index 1.5 in the path
inclined to each other at 450. If the amplitude
of the waves, central bright maxima shifts by
'n' fringes. Wavelength of wave used is 5000 of the unpolarised light incident on the
A0, then 'n' is polariser is A, the amplitude of the light
1) 1 2) 2 3) 5 4) 10 transmitted through the analyser is
1) A/2 2) A/ 2
15. In Young's double slit experiment, Let  be
the fringe width and I0 be the intensity at the 3) 3 A/2 4) 3A/4
central bright fringe. At a distance 'x' from
21. When an unpolarised light of intensity I 0 is
the central bright fringe, the intensity will be
incident on a polarising sheet, the intensity of
x x light which does not got transmitted is
1) I0 cos   2) I0 cos2   [AIEEE 2005]
   
1 I0
 x  I0  x  1) 0 2) I 0 3) I0 4)
3) I0 cos2   4) cos 2  
2 4
   4    22. Un polarised light passes through a polariser
and analyser which are at an angle of 450 with
POLARISATION respect to each other.The intensity of polarised
16. If unpolarised light is incident on a crystal at light coming from analyser is 5W / m 2 .The
60 0 so that the reflected light is completely intensity of unpolarised lilght incident on
polarised, then refractive index of the crystal polariser is
should be 1) 5 3W / m 2 2) 10 W / m 2
(1) 2 (2) 1 (3) 3 (4) 1.1
3
17. The amplitude of the unpolarised light incident 3) 20W / m 2 4) 5 W / m2
on a polariser is A. The amplitude of the 4
polarised light transmitted through it is 23. The refractive index of a certain flint glass is
1.65. For what incident angle is the light
(1) A/2 (2) A/ 2
reflected from the surface of the glass
(3) 3 A/2 (4) 3A/4 completely polarized if the glass is immersed
18. A beam of unpolarised light is incident on a in water?
tourmaline crystal. The intensity of the
emergent light is I 0 . The emergent light is 1) 58.80 2) 51.10 3) 450 4) 600
incident on another tourmaline crystal. It is
found that no light emerges out of the second 24. A beam of light is incident on a liquid of 1.40
crystal. If now, the first crystal is rotated refractive index. The reflected rays are
through 450, the intensity of the light emerging completely polarized. What is the angle of
through the second crystal will be refractin of the beam?
(1) Zero (2) 0.25 I0 1) 35.450 2) 600 3) 450 4) 300
(3) 0.50 I0 (4) 0.75 I0
25. A parallel beam of natural light is incident at
19. Unpolarized light of intensity 32Wm 2 passes an angle of 580 on a plane glass surface. The
through three polarizers such that the reflected beam is completely linearly
transmission axis of the last polarizer is polarized.
crossed with that of the first.The intensity of a) What is the angle of refraction of the
final emerging light is 3Wm 2 .The intensity transmitted beam? b) What is the refractive
of light transmitted by second polarizer will be index of the glass?
1) 32Wm 2 2) 12 Wm  2 1) 450, 2.5 2) 450, 1.6
3) 8Wm 2 4) 4Wm 2 3) 320, 1.6 4) 300 , 2.5

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26. Unpolarized light of intensity I is incident on a

polarizer and the emerging light strickes a ANSWERS
second polarizing filter with its axis at 450 to EXERCISE-II(B)
that of the first. Determine
a) the intensity of the emerging beam and 1) 2 2) 4 3) 1 4) 4 5) 3
b) its state of polarization
I 6) 2 7) 1 8) 4 9) 4 10) 2
1) and parallel to second filter
4
11) 2 12) 3 13) 1 14) 2 15) 3
I
2) and perpendicular to second filter
4 16) 3 17) 2 18) 3 19) 2 20) 1
I
3) and parallel to second filter 21) 3 22) 3 23) 2 24) 1 25) 3
8
I 26) 1 27) 2 28) 3 29)1 30) 2
4) and perpendicular to second filter
8 7EXERCISE–III) 7
27. A polarizer and an analyzer are oriented so
that the maximum amount of light is
transmitted. To what fraction of its maximum INTERFERENCE :
value is the intensity of hte transmitted light
reduced when the analyzer is rotated through 450 1. Two coherent monochromatic light beams of
1) 1.25I0 2) 2.25I0 3) 3.25I0 4) 0.25I0 intensities I and 4I are superposed. The
28. A horizontal beam of vertically polarized light maximum and minimum posible intensities in
of intensity 43 w/m2 is sent through two the resulting beam are (KARNATAKA 2005)
polarizing sheets. The polarizing direction of 1) 4I and I 2) 5I and 3I
the first is 600 to the vertical, and that of the
3) 9I and I 4) 9I and 3I
second is horizontal. What is the intensity of
the light transmitted by the pair of sheets? 2. Waves of same amplitude and same frequency
(w/m2 ) from two coherent sources overlap at a point.
1) 6.5 2) 7.2 3) 8.1 4) 5.5
The ratio of the resultant intensity when they
29. At what angle should the axes of two polaroids arrive in phase to that when they arrive with
be placed so as to reduce the intensity of the 90º phase difference is
1
incident unpolarised light to 1) 1 : 1
3
1) 350 2) 450 3) 600 4) 750 2) 2 :1
30. Two lour speakers A and B are situated at the 3) 2 : 1 4) 4 : 1
same point vertically one above the other. As 3. In Young's double slit experiment the intensity
one of the speakers is moved away from the
other along a perpendicular straight line an of light at a point on the screen where the path
observer hears a strong tone when the speaker difference is , is K. The intensity of light at
is at S, a weak tone at W.
a point where the path difference is  [  is
A
the wavelength of light used] 3
W S W S B K K
How far apart are W and S if the observer is 1) 2)
far away at P ? 4 3
l l l l K
1) 2) 3) 4) 3) 4) K
4 2 5 3 2
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4. Interference pattern is obtained with two

9. In Young's double slit experiment, an
coherent light sources of intensity ratio 'b'.
interference pattern is obtained on a screen
In the interference pattern, the ratio of
by a light of wavelength 6000 A0 coming from
I max  I min
will be the coherent sources S1 and S 2 . At certain
I max  I min point p on the screen third dark fringe is
formed. Then the path difference S1 p  S 2 p
b 2 b
(1) (2) in micron is [2003 E]
(b + 1) (b + 1) 1) 0.75 2) 1.5
3) 3.0 4) 4.5
b æ b + 1ö÷2
ç ÷ 10. S1, S2 are two coherent sources of light. P is a
(3) 2 (4) ç
ççè b - 1 ø÷
(b + 1) ÷ point on the screen such that
(S2P – S1P) = 0.01029 cm. Wavelength of light
5. The distance between the two slits in a Young's used is 6000 A 0 . The order of the fringe
double slit experiment is d and the distance of formed at P is
the screen from the plane of the slits is b, P is
1) 172, bright
a point on the screen directly infront of one of
the slits. The path difference between the 2) 171, bright
waves arriving at P from the two slits is 3) 173, dark
4) 172, dark
d2 d2 2d 2 d2
1) 2) 3) 4) 11. In young double slit experiment the nth red
b 2b b 4b th
bright band coincides with  n  1 blue bright
6. In Young's double slit experiment the fringe band .If the wavelength of red and blue lights
pattern is observed on a screen placed at a are 7500 A0 and 5000 A0 , the value of 'n' is
distance D. The slits are illuminated by light
1) 1 2) 2 3) 5 4) 4
of wavelength  . The distance from the central
point where the intensity falls to half the 12. In young's double slit experiment, 12 fringes
maximum is are observed to be formed in a certain segment
if wavelength of 600 nm is used. If the
D D D D
1) 2) 3) 4) wavelength of light is changed to 400 nm,
3d 2d d 4d number of fringes observed in the same
7. In an interference pattern produced by two segment (IIT 2001)
identical slits, the intensity at the site of the
1) 12 2) 18 3) 24 4) 30
central maximum is I. The intensity at the
same spot when either of two slits is closed is 13. A double slit is illuminated by light of wave
(2008-M) length 6000 A0. The slits are 0.1cm apart and
1) I/2 2) I/4 3) 2I 4) I the screen is placed 1 m away. Then the
8. Light from two coherent sources of same angular position of 10th maxima is
amplitude and same wavelength illuminates the 1) 6 x 10-3 rad 2) 6 rad
screen. The intensity of the central maximum 0
is I. If the sources were noncoherent, the 3) 0.006 4) 60
intensity at the same point will be 14. In young's double slit experiment the distance
 between the sources is 7.7mm .If the
1) 2) I wavelength of light used is 500 nanometre, the
2
angular position of the third dark ringe from
 3I the centre fringe is
3) 4) 0
2 4 1) 10.90 2) 0.150 3) 11.30 4) 12.4

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15. Two coherent sources are placed 0.9 mm 22. Two coherent monochromatic light sources
apart and the fringes are observed one metre are located at two vertices of an equilateral
away. The wavelength of monochromatic light triangle.If the intensity due to each of the
used if it produces the second dark fringes at source independently is 1 Wm-2 at the third
a distance of 10 mm from the central finge vertex. The resultant intensity due to both the
will be source at that point ( i.e. at the third vertex )
1) 6  104 cm 2) 6  106 cm is ( in Wm-2) [2006 M]
3) 6  107 cm 4) 1.2  104 cm 1) Zero 2) 3) 2 4) 4
2
16. In young's experiment interference bands are 23. A Young's double-slit arrangement produces
produced on the screen placed at 1.5 m from interference fringes for sodium light
the two slits 0.15 mm apart and illuminated  ) that are 0.2° apart. The angular
(   5890 A
by light of wavelength 6000 A0 . If the screen
is now taken away from the slit by 50cm the fringe separation if the entire arrangement is
change in the fringe width will be immersed in water is (refractive index water = 4/3).
1) 2  104 m 2) 2  103 m (1) 0.20° (2) 0.15°

3) 6  10 m3 4) None
(3) 0.10° (4) 1.5°
17. In young's double slit experiment the fringe 24. In Young's double slit experiment S 1 and S 2
width is 4mm . If the experiment is shifted to
are two slits. Films of thicknesses t1 and t2
water of refractive index 4/3 the fringe width
becomes (in mm) and refractive indices m 1 and m 2 are placed
1) 3 2) 4 3) 6 4) 8 in front of S1 and S2 respectively. If m 1 t1 =
m 2 t2, then the central maximum will :
18. In a Young's experiment, two coherent S1
sources are placed 0.9 mm apart and the t1
fringes are observed 1.0 m away. If the second
dark fringe is at a distance of 1mm from the C
central fringe. The distance of 3rd bright fringe
from central fringe is S2 t2
1) 6 mm 2) 8 mm 3) 2 mm 4) 16 cm (1) Not shift
19. The two coherent sources of equal intensity (2) Shift towards S 2 irrespective of amounts of t 1 and t 2 .
produce maximum intensity of 100 units at a
point. If the intensity of one of the sources is (3) Shift towards S2 irrespective of amounts of t 1 and
reduced by 50% by reducing its width then t 2.
the intensity of light at the same point will be
(4) Shift towards S1 if t2 > t 1 and towards S2 if t2 < t 1.
1) 90 2) 89 3) 67
4) 72.85 25. A flake of glass of index of refraction 1.6 is
placed over one of the openings of double slit
20. In Young's double slit experiment, first slit has
width four times the width of the second slit spparatus. There is a displacement of the
.The ratio of the maximum intensity to the interference pattern through eight successive
minimum intensity in the interferernce fringe maxima toward the side where the flake was
system is [ 2006 E] placed. If the wavelength of the light used is
1) 2 : 1 2) 4 : 1 3) 9 : 1 4) 8 : 1
l = 540nm , calculate the thickness of the
21. The ratio of the intensities at minima to flake?
maxima in the interference pattern is 9 : 25. 1) 2  10 3 mm
What will be the ratio of the widths of the two
slits in the young's double slit experment? 2) 4  10 3 mm
1) 8 : 1 2) 16 : 1 3) 4 : 1 4) 9 : 1 3) 6  103 mm 4) 7.2´ 10- 3 mm

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26. In Young's experiment using monochromatic POLARISITION :

light, the fringe pattern shifts by a certain
31. The critical angle for total internal reflection
distance on the screen when a mica sheet of
for a substance is 450. What is the polarizing
refractive index 1.6 and thickness 2 micron is
introduced in the path of one of the interfering angle for this substance ?
waves. The mica sheet is then removed and  1 
the distance between the slits and the screen is 1) Tan–1   2) 540 441
 2
doubled. It is found that the distance between
3) 45º 4) 57º
successive maxima now is the same as the
observed fringe shift upon the introduction of 32. An unpolarised light is incident on a plate of
the mica sheet. The wavelength of light is refractive index 3 and the reflected light is
1) 5762 A0 2) 5825 A0 found to be completely plane polarised. The
3) 6000 A0 4) 6500A0 angles of incidence and refraction are
respectively
27. In double slit experiment, a light of wavelength
1) 600, 300 2) 300, 600
l = 600nm is used. When a film of material
3.6 × 10-3cm thick was placed over one of the
 1  0  3
slits, the fringe pattern was displaced by a 1 1 0
3) Sin   ,45 4) Tan   ,30
distance equal to 30 times that between two  3  2 
adjacent frines. What is the refractive index
of the matrial? 33. A beam of unpolarised light is incident on a
1) 1.5 2) 7.2 3) 8.1 4) 5.5 tourmaline crystal C 1 . The intensity of the
28. When a thin transparent plate of Refractive emergent light is I 0 and it is incident on
Index 1.5 is introduced in one of the another tourmaline crystal C2. It is found that
interfearing becomes, 20 fringes shift. If it is no light emerges from C2. If now C1 is rotated
replaced by another thin plate of half the through 45º towards C2, the intensity of the
thickness and of R.I. 1.7 the number of fringes light emerging from C2 is
that undergo displacement is
I0 I0 3I 0
1) 23 2) 14 3) 28 4) 7 1) Zero 2) 3) 4)
4 2 4
29. Two glass plates of refractive indices 1.5 and
1.6 are introduced in the paths of the two 34. A beam of or dinary light is incident on a
interfering beams in an interference system of four polaroids which are arranged
experiment. If the central fringe is not shifted. in succession such that each polaroid is turned
The ratio of the thickness of the plates is through 30º with respect to the preceding one.
1) 6 : 5 2) 5 : 6 3) 1 : 2 4) 2 : 1 The percentage of the incident intensity that
emerges out from the system is approximately
30. A transparent glass plate of thikness 0.5 mm 1) 56% 2) 6.25% 3) 21% 4) 14%
and refrecative index 1.5 is placed infront of
one of the slits in a double slit expremint. If 35. Two polaroid sheets are placed one over the
the wavelength of light used is 6000 A 0 ,the other with their axes inclined to each other at
ratio of maximum to minimum intensity in the an angle  . If only 12.5% of the intensity of
interference pattern is 25/4. Then the ratio of the light incident on the first sheet emerges
light intensity transmitted to incident on thin out from the second sheet, the value of  is
transparent glass plate is 1) 300 2) 600
1) 9 : 7 2) 9 : 49 3) 3 : 7 4) 7 : 3 3) 450 4) 900

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36. Two polaroids are crossed to each other. Now, COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
one of them is rotated through 60°. The
percentage of incident unpolarised light that Comprehension -1 :
passes through the system will be In YDSE apparatus shown in figure
(1) 30% (2) 37.5% (3) 40% (4) 60% wavelength of light used  . The screen is
moved away from the source with a constant
37. Two nicol prisms are inclined to each other at speed V, intial distance between screen and
an angle 300. If I is the intensity of ordinary plane of slits was D
light incident on the first prism, then the
P
intensity of light emerges from the second
prism will be
3   3 S d O
1) 2) 3) 4)
4 2 4 8 V
D
38. The polariser and analyser are inclined to each
other at 60 0 . If I/2 is the intensity of the 1. At a point P on the screen the order of fringe
polarised light emergent from analyser. Then will :
the intensity of the unpolarised light incident 1) increase 2) decrease
on the polariser is 3) remain constant
1) 8I 2) 4I 3) 2I 4) I 4) first increase then decreae
39. Two polarising sheets have their polarising 2. Suppose P is the point where 5th order
maxima was lying at t = 0. Then after how
directions parallel to each other so that the
much time third order minima will lie at this
intensity of transmitted light is maximum. The
point?
angle through which the either sheet must be 2D D 3D 3D
turned so that intensity becomes one half the 1) 2) 3) 4)
v v 2v v
intial value is 3. Suppose P is the point where 5th order minima
1) 600 or 1200 2) 450 or 1350 was lying at t = 0. Then after how much time
3) 300 or 1500 4) 00 or 1800 third order maxima will lie at this point?
5D 5D 3D 5D
40. Two polaroids are crossed to each other. Now, 1) 2) 3) 4)
one of them is rotated through 45°. The 3v 2v 2v 6v
Comprehension -2
percentage of incident unpolarised light that
passes through the system will be A beam 0
of light consisting of two wavelengths,
0
(1) 30% (2) 25% (3) 40% (4) 62.5% 6500 A and 5200 A , is used to obtain
interference fringes in Young's double slit
ANSWERS experiment: The distance between the slits is 2
mm and the distance between the plane of the
EXERCISE-III slits and the screen is 120 cm.
1) 3 2) 3 3) 1 4) 2 5) 2 4. Find the distance of the third bright fringe on
6) 4 7) 2 8) 1 9) 2 10) 4 the screen from the central maximum for
0
wavelength 6500 A .
11) 2 12) 2 13) 1 14) 4 15) 1
1) 1.17 x 10–3 m 2) 1.56 x 10–3 m
16) 2 17) 1 18) 3 19) 4 20) 3 3) 1.17 x 10–4 m 4) 1.56 x 10–4 m
21) 2 22) 4 23) 2 24) 4 25) 4 5. What is the least distance from the central
26) 3 27) 1 28) 2 29) 1 30) 2 maximum where the bright fringes due to both
the wavelengths conincide?
31) 2 32) 1 33) 3 34) 3 35) 2 1) 1.17 x 10–3 m 2) 1.56 x 10–3 m
36) 2 37) 4 38) 2 39) 2 40) 4 3) 1.17 x 10–4 m 4) 1.56 x 10–4 m

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6. Find the distance of the fourth dark fringe on 12. Now, if 600 nm light is replaced by white light
the screen from the central maximum for of range 400 to 700 nm, find the wavelength
0
wavelength 5200 A . of the light that form maxima exactly at point O.
1) 1.09 x 10–4 m 2) 1.09 x 10–3 m (All wavelengths in this problem are for the
3) 1.17 x 10–4 m 4) 1.56 x 10–4 m given medium of refractive index 4/3. Ignore
Comprehension -3 dispersion).
1) 650 nm, 433.33 nm
A double–slit apparatus is immersed in a liquid
of refractie index 1.33. It has slit separation 2) 500 nm,400 nm
of 1 mm, and distance between the plane of 3) 200 nm, 350 nm
slits and screen is 1.33m. The slits are
4) 1300 nm, 866 nm
illuminated by a parallel beam of light whose
0
wavelength in air is 6300 A . Comprehension -5 (2008-AIEEE)
Wave property of electronics implies that they
7. Calculate the fringe–width
will show diffraction effects. Devisson and
1) 6.3 x 10–4 m 2) 6.3 x 10–3 m
3) 6.3 x 10–2 m 4) 6.3 x 10–1 m Germer demonstrated this by diffracting
electrons from crystals. The law governing the
8. One of the slits of the apparatus is covered
diffraction from a crystal is obtained by
by a thin glass sheet of refractive index 1.53.
requring that electron waves reflected from
Find the smallest thickness of the sheet to
the planes of atoms in a crystal interfere
bring the adjacent minimum on the axis.
1) 1.575 x 10–6 m 2) 1.575 x 10–4 m constructively(see in figure).
3) 1.575 x 10–3 m 4) 1.575 x 10–5 m
9. Calculate the fringe–width when the entire
liquid is drained out
1) 6.3 x 10–4 m 2) 8.379 x 10–4 m
–2
3) 6.3 x 10 m 4) 6.3 x 10–1 m
Comprehension -4 13. Electrons accelerated by potential V are
The Young's double slit experiment is done in a diffracted from a crystal. If d = 1A and i =
medium of refractie index 4/3. A light of 600 30°, V should be about (h = 6.6 x 10-34 Js, me =
nm wavelength is falling on the slits having 0.45 9.1 x 10-31kg, e = 1.6 x 10-19 c)
mm separation. The lower slit S2 is covered by
a thin glass sheet of thickness 10.4  m and 1) 2000V 2) 50 V
refractive index 1.5. The interference pattern 3) 500V 4) 1000 V
is observed on a screen placed 1.5 m from the
14. If a strong diffraction peak is observed when
slits as shown in figure.
electrons are incident at an angle 'i'from the
10. Find the location of the central maximum
(bright fringe with zero path difference) on normal to the crystal planes with distance 'd'
the y–axis. between them (see figure), de Broglie
1) 4.33 x 10–3 m wavelength  dB of electrons can be calculated
2) 4.33 x 10–5 m by the relationship ( n is an integer)
3) 4.33 x 10–2 m 1) d sin i = n  dB
4) 4.33 x 10–1 m 2)2d cos i = n  dB
11. Find the light intensity at point O relative to 3) 2d sin i = n  dB
the maximum fringe intensity. 4) d cos i = n  dB
1) 0.75 2) 0.25 3) 0.5 4) 0.4

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15. In an experiment, electrons are made to pass ii) The rays Qa and Sb interfere forming a
through a narrow slit of width 'd' comparable reflected system.
to their de Broglie wavelength. They are iii) The rays Rc and Td interfere forming
detected on a screen at a distance 'D' from a transmitted system.
the slit (see figure). iv) Path difference between the rays Qa and QRSb.
(P.D) = QRS in medium - QN in air
 P.D  2t cos r This is the path lag
Due to reflection on film additional path lag of
 / 2 exists.(stoke's theorem)

Which of the following graph can be expected Total path difference = 2t cos r 
2
to represent the number of electrons 'N' 
detected as a function of the detector position v) Condition for maximum 2t cos r  = n
2
'y' (y = 0 corresponds to the middle of the slit) ?

OR 2t cosr   2n  1 For all values of n is equal
2

1) 2) to 1, 2, 3................ n.
vi) Condition for Minimum
 
2t cos r    2n  1
2 2
3) 4) 2t cos r  n for values of n = 0,1,2,3.......
n = 0 gives the central minima and it is applicable
ANSWERS for any wavelength and this explains the central
dark spot in Newtons rings.
COMPREHENSITION QUESTIONS For nornal incident i = o = r
1) 2 2) 2 3) 4 4) 1 5) 2 2t  n for dark

6) 2 7) 1 8) 1 9) 2 10) 1 2 t   2 n  1for bright.
2
11) 1 12) 1 13) 2 14) 4 15) 4 vii) Transmitted system:
Interference of two rays Rc and Td.
x AIEEE SYNOPSIS x By symmetry it can be concluded that the path
difference between the rays is 2t cos r .
1. Formation of colours in thin films : But there would not be any extra phase lag
a) Interference due to reflected light because either of the two rays suffers reflection
a at denser surface.
P
N viii) Condition for maxima: 2  t cos r  n 
i
i
S
Q r 
M ix) Condition for minimum: 2t cos r   2n  1
r 2
t 
R i T On careful examination of the conditions for
maxima and minima in both the cases the
d wavelengths in reflected system are found in
Q1
e transmitted system.
Where i = angle of incidence and 2. Fraunhofer diffraction due to a single slit:
r = angle of refraction P
i) PQ is incident ray. At Q it splits as reflected ray A 
(Qa) and refracted ray (QR) by the division of a 
O
amplitude. QR undergoes multiple reflections 
inside the film and refract out as Sb, Rc and Td. Plane B
wave 
SSt Screen
front

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i) Condition for minimum intensity is  D  2D ND

width = N  N  d  ;  
a sin   n (n = 1, 2, 3, ....)   a d
2d
Where 'a' is the width of the slit, therefore width of the slit a
N
 is the angle of diffraction 5. Fresnel Half period zones:
ii) Condition for maximum intensity A
 nth zone
a sin    2n  1 (n = 1, 2, 3, ....)
2 2nd zone
zeroth zone
S Ob1  b    P
2
n
bn  b 
2
Plane of
B b2  b 
2 observation
2

2
  2
a) radius of first zone = b    b
 2
2
iii) In Fraunhofer diffraction, a number of dark and = b2   b  b2
bright fringes on either side of central maximum 4
called secondary maxima and minima. = b (  2 is negligible)
iv) The width of the central maximum is twice as b) radius of second zone = 2b
that of a secondary maximum. c) radius of nth zone = nb
v) The intensity of the secondary maxima goes on
decreasing with increasing the order of maxima. d) ratio of radio of the zones = 1: 2 : 3 : 4.......
2
2D 2 f  e) area of nth zone =  rn2   rn1 
vi) The width of central maximum is 0  
a a
Where D is the distance between the slit and the

=  nb    n  1 b  = b

screen and f is focal length of lens. Ratio of area of the zones = 1 : 1 : 1 ......
3. Fresnel Distance : f) Width of the zones
i) The distance of the screen from the slit, so that
spreading of light due to diffraction from the width of 1st zone = n = b
centre of screen is just equal to size of the slit is
width of 2nd = r2  r1  2b  b
called Fresnel distacne (ZF).
width of nth zone rn  rn1  nb  n  1 b
a2
ZF  a is width of slit Ratio of widths of zones = 1:  2  1 :  3  2 .....

If l is the distance between narrow screen and 7EXERCISE - I 7
the slit, l < ZF or a > l . rectilinear propogation
1. In a single slit diffraction experiment, the width
holds good.
of the slit is made double its original width.
ii) The width of all the secondary maxima and
D Then the central maximum of the diffraction
minima are of same width   pattern will become
a
Here a is width of slit, D is the distance between a) narrower b) fainter
the slit & screen. c) broader d) brighter
4. Interfetence and difraction bands:
1) a, d only 2) b, c only
If N interfrence bands are contained by the width
3) c, d only 4) b, d only
of the central bright.

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2. A narrow slit of width 1.3 x 10 –6 m is 7EXERCISE-II(A) 7

illuminated by a parallel beam of light of
wavelength 6500 A0 incident normally on it. 1. A slit of width 'a' is illuminated by white light.
The first minimum for red light
Then
(  = 6500 A0) will fall at  = 300 Then 'a' will
a) the angular width of the central maximum be
is 300 1) 3250 A0 2) 1.3 micron
b) the angular width of the central maximum 3) 6.5 x10–4 mm 4) 2.6 x10–4 m
is 600
2. If I 0 is the intensity of principle maximum in
c) the angular separation between central
the single slit diffraction pattern, then what
maximum and the first order maximum is 450 will be its intensity when the slit width is
d) the angular separation between central doubled [ AIEEE 2005]
maximum and the first order maximum is sin–1(3/4) I0
1) I 0 2) 3) 2I 0 4) 4I 0
1) a, b only 2) b, c only 2
3) c, d only 4) b, d only 3. The ratio of radii of Fresnel's fourth and ninth
zone is
3. A very small opaque disc is placed in the path (1) 1 : 4 (2) 4 : 9 (3) 9 : 4 (4) 2 : 3
of a monochromatic light. Its geometric 0
4. Light of wavelength 5000A is incident on a
shadow has
slit. The first minimum of the diffraction
1) bright point at the center surrounded by
alternate bright and dark rings pattern is observed to lie at a distance of 5
2) dark point at the center surrounded by mm from the central maximum on a screen
alternate bright and dark rings placed at a distance of 3 m from the slit. Then
3) uniform darkness the width of the slit is
4) uniform illumination 1) 3 cm 2) 0.3 cm
4. A diffraction pattern is obtained using a beam 3) 0.03 cm 4) 0.06 cm
of redlight. What happens if the red light is 5. A small aperture is illuminated with a parallel
replaced by blue light beam of  = 628 nm. The emergent beam has
1) no change ( AIIMS 82, PMT 84)
an angular divergence of 20. The size of the
2) diffraction bands become narrower and
crowded together aperture is
3) bands become broader and farther apart 1) 9  m 2) 18  m
4) bands disappear 3) 27  m 4) 36  m
5. In a diffraction pattern the width of any fringe is 6. In single slit diffraction a = 0.14 mm, D = 2 m
1) directly proportional to slit width and distance of second dark band from central
2) inversely proportional to slit width maxima is 1.6 cm. The wavelength of light is
3) Independent of the slit width 1) 6500A0 2) 7500 A0
4) None of the above 3) 5600 A0 4) 8500 A0
6. Yellow light is used in a single slit of diffraction 7 EXERCISE -IIB 7
experiment with slit width 0.6 mm. If yellow
1. A parallel beam of monochromatic light of
light is replaced by X-rays then the observed
wavelength 5000 A0 is incident normally on a
pattern will reveal (IIT 99) narrow slit of width of 0.001 mm. The light is
1) that the central maximum is narrower focussed by a convex lens on a screen placed
2) more number of fringes on a focal plane. The first minimum is formed
3) less number of fringes for the angle of diffraction equal to
4) no diffraction patterns (1) 00 (2) 150 (3) 300 (4) 600

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2. In a single slit diffraction, the width of slit is 2. Fraunhoffer diffraction experiment at a single
0.5 cm, focal length of lens is 40 cm and slit using light of wavelength 400 nm, the first
wavelength of light is 4890Å. The distance of minimum is formed at an angle of 300. Then
first dark fringe from central maxima is the direction  of the secondary maximum is given
(1) 20mm (2) 40mm (3) 60mm (4) 80mm by :
3. The radius of first half period zone is 0.05 cm 1
1) tan  3 / 4
and  = 5000Å. The distance between slit 1
and screen is
2) sin  3 / 4
1
(1) 0.5 m (2) 0.05 m 3) 600 4) tan  4 / 3
(3) 0.005 m (4) 0.0005 m 3. Consider Fraunhoffer diffraction pattern
4. A beam of light of wavelength 600 nm from a obtained with a single slit illuminated at
distant source falls on a single slit 1.00 mm normal incidence. At the angular position of
the first diffraction minimum the phase
wide and the resulting diffraction pattern is
difference ( in radian) between the wavelets
observed on a screen 2m away. Then distance
from the opposite edges of the slit is
between the first dark fringes on either side
 
of the central fringe is 1) 2)
4 2
(1) 1.2 mm (2) 2.4 mm
(3) 3.6 mm (4) 2.4 cm 3)  4) 2
5. A parallel beam of wave length 4. A slit of width 'd' is placed infront of a lens of
  450  109 m passes through a long slit of focal length 0.5 m and is illuminated normally
width 2  104 m . The angular divergence for with light of wavelength 5.89 x 10-7 m. The first
diffraction minima on either side of the central
which most of light is diffracted is ( in x 10–5radian)
diffraction maximum are separated by
2p 5p 3p p 2 x 10-3 m. The width of the slit is :
1) 2) 3) 4)
3 4 4 3 1) 1.47 x 10-4 m 2) 2.94 x 10-4 m
6. Light of wavelength 5000A0
is diffracted by a
3) 1.47 x 10-7 m 4) 2.92 x 10-7 m
slit. In diffraction pattern fifth minimum is at
a distance of 5 mm from central maximum. If ANSWERS
the distance between the screen and the slit is
AIEEE (EXERCISE-I)
1m, the slit width will be
1) 1 2) 4 3) 1 4) 2 5) 2
1) 0.1 mm 2) 0.3 mm
6) 4
3) 0.5 mm 4) 5a
EXERCISE-II A
7 EXERCISE -III 7
1) 2 2) 4 3) 4 4) 3 5) 4
1. Light of wavelength 6000 A  is incident on a 6) 3
single slit. The first minimum of the diffraction EXERCISE-II B
pattern is obtained at 4 mm from the centre. 1) 3 2) 2 3) 1 4) 2 5) 2
The screen is at a distance of 2m from the slit. 6) 3
The slit width will be EXERCISE-III
(1) 0.3 mm (2) 0.2 mm 1) 1 2) 2 3) 4 4) 2
(3) 0.15 mm (4) 0.1 mm

Y
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