Ray Optics JEE

ALFA TUTORIALS
The bending of the ray of light passing from one medium to the other medium is called
refraction.

Incident ray
i Rarer medium Denser medium

r 
r 
Denser medium Refracted ray Rarer medium

Deviation  = (i – r) Deviation  = (r – i )

Snell’s law
The ratio of sine of the angle of incidence to the angle of refraction (r) is a constant called
refractive index
sin i  sin i
i.e. =  (a constant). For two media, Snell's law can be written as 1  2 = 2 =
sin r  1 sin r
  1  sin i =  2  sin r i.e.  sin  = constant

Also in vector form : ˆi  nˆ = μ (rˆ  nˆ )

Refractive Index.
Refractive index of a medium is that characteristic which decides speed of light in it. It is a
scalar, unit less and dimensionless quantity.

Absolute refractive index Relative refractive index

(i) When light travels from air to any (i) When light travels from medium (1) to
transparent medium then R.I. of medium w.r.t. medium (2) then R.I. of medium (2) w.r.t.
c medium (1) is called it’s relative R.I. i.e.
air is called it’s absolute R.I. i.e. air medium =
2 v1
1 2 =
v = (where v1 and v2 are the speed of
1 v 2
light in medium 1 and 2 respectively).
(ii) Some absolute R.I. (ii) Some relative R.I.
3 4 (a) When light enters from water to glass :
a  glass = = 1 .5 , a water = = 1 .33 g 3 / 2 9
w g = = =
2 3
w 4 / 3 8
a diamond = 2.4 , a Cs 2 = 1 . 62
(b) When light enters from glass to diamond :
a  crown = 1 .52,  vacuum = 1 , air = 1 .0003  1
 D 2 .4 8
g D = = =
 g 1 .5 5

(2) Dependence of Refractive index

(i) Nature of the media of incidence and refraction.

(ii) Colour of light or wavelength of light.

(iii) Temperature of the media : Refractive index decreases with the increase in
temperature.
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
(3) Principle of reversibility of light and refraction through several media :
Principle of reversibility Refraction through several media
Incident ray 1
1

i
2

r
3
2

1
1 2 =
2 1
1 2  2  3  3 1 = 1

Refraction Through a Glass Slab and Optical Path

(1) Lateral shift
The refracting surfaces of a glass slab are parallel to each other. When a light ray passes
through a glass slab it is refracted twice at the two parallel i
faces and finally emerges out parallel to it's incident direction
i.e. the ray undergoes no deviation  = 0. The angle of t
rr 
N
emergence (e) is equal to the angle of incidence (i) 
M
The Lateral shift of the ray is the perpendicular distance
between the incident and the emergent ray, and it is given by
MN = t sec r sin (i – r)

Normal shift
 1
Normal shift OO ' = x =  1 −  t
  O O Glas
x ' s
Or the object appears to be shifted towards the slab by the distance x slab 

(2) Optical path : t

It is defined as distance travelled by light in vacuum in the same time in which it travels a
given path length in a medium.
x
 Time taken by light ray to pass through the medium = ;
Light c
where x = geometrical path and x = optical path
x

1 2
Light
For two medium in contact optical path = 1 x 1 +  2 x 2

x1 x2
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
Note : ❑ Since for all media   1, so optical path length (x ) is always greater than
the geometrical path length (x).

Real and Apparent Depth.

If object and observer are situated in different medium then due to refraction, object
appears to be displaced from it’s real position. There are two possible conditions.

(1) When object is in denser medium and (1) Object is in rarer medium and observer is in
observer is in rarer medium denser medium.
O d
h
O h

h
h O
d
O

Real depth h h'

(2)  = = (2)  =
Apparent depth h ' h
Real depth >Apparent depth that's why a Real depth < Apparent depth that's why high
coin at the bottom of bucket (full of water) flying aeroplane appears to be higher than it's
appears to be raised) actual height.

 1 (3) d = ( − 1)h
(3) Shift d = h − h ' =  1 −  h
 

4 h h
(4) For water  = d = (4) Shift for water d w =
3 4 3
3 h h
For glass  = d = Shift for glass d g =
2 3 2

Note : ❑ If a beaker contains various immisible liquids as shown then

1 d1
2 d2
d1 d2 d3 3 d3
Apparent depth of bottom = + + + ....
1 2 3
d AC d + d 2 + ..... 2 1  2
 combination = = 1 (In case of two liquids if d 1 = d 2 than  = )
d App . d1 d 2 1 +  2
+ + ....
1 2

Total Internal Reflection.

When a ray of light goes from denser to rarer medium it bends away from the normal and
as the angle of incidence in denser medium increases, the angle of refraction in rarer medium
also increases and at a certain angle, angle of refraction becomes 90 o, this angle of incidence is
called critical angle (C).
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
When Angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle than light ray comes back in to the same
medium after reflection from interface. This phenomenon is called Total internal reflection
(TIR).

Rarer r
90o

Denser i  
i=C

>C TIR

1
Important formula μ= = cosec C ; where  → Rerer  Denser
sin C

Note : ❑ When a light ray travels from denser to rarer medium, then deviation of the
ray is  =  − 2   → max. when  → min. = C 

i.e.  max = ( − 2C) ; C → critical angle  

(1) Dependence of critical angle

(i) Colour of light (or wavelength of light) : Critical angle depends upon wavelength as
1
   sin C

(a)  R   V  C R  C V
1  R D v D
(b) Sin C = = = = (for two media) (c) For TIR from boundary of two
R D  D R v R
R
media i  sin −1
D
(ii) Nature of the pair of media : Greater the refractive index lesser will be the critical
angle.
(a) For (glass- air) pair → C glass = 42 o (b) For (water-air) pair → C water = 49 o

(c) For (diamond-air) pair → C di amond = 24 o

(iii) Temperature : With temperature rise refractive index of the material decreases therefore
critical angle increases.
(2) Examples of total internal reflection (TIR)
(i) Dense Rarer
r i>C Sky I
O i>C
Rarer O
I Desne
r
Earth Earth

Mirage : An optical illusion in Looming : An optical illusion in cold

deserts countries
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
(iv) Field of vision of fish (or swimmer) : A fish (diver) inside the water can see the
whole world through a cone with.
(a) Apex angle = 2C = 98 o
r
h
(b) Radius of base r = h tan C =
2 −1 C  >C
h
C C
h 2
(c) Area of base A =
( 2 − 1)
4 3h 9h 2
Note : ❑ For water = so r = and A = .
3 7 7

Concepts

 In case of refraction of light frequency (and hence colour) and phase do not change (while wavelength and
velocity will change).

 In the refraction intensity of incident light decreases at it goes from one medium to another medium.

 A transparent solid is invisible in a liquid of same refractive index (Because of No refraction).

 When a glass slab is kept over various coloured letters and seen from the top, the violet colour letters appears

closer (Because v   R so  V   R and from  = if  increases then h' decreases i.e. Letter appears to be
'
closer)

 Water drop in air and air bubble in water behaves as a lens.

Ai Wate Ai Wate Water

r Ai
r r r
r

Like convex lens Like concave lens

Refraction From Curved Surface.

1 2 1 2
O P I O P I

 1 = Refractive index of the medium from which light rays are coming (from object).

 2 = Refractive index of the medium in which light rays are entering.

u = Distance of object, v = Distance of image, R = Radius of curvature

 2 − 1 2 1
Refraction formula : = − (use sign convention while solving the problem)
R v u
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
Note : ❑ Real image forms on the side of a refracting surface that is opposite to the
object, and virtual image forms on the same side as the object.
I v
❑ Lateral (Transverse) magnification m = = 1 .
O  2u

Lens.
Lens is a transparent medium bounded by two refracting surfaces, such that at least one
surface is spherical.
(1) Type of lenses

Convex lens (Converges the light rays) Concave lens (Diverges the light rays)

Double convex Plano convex Concavo Double concave Plane concave Convexo
convex concave
Thick at middle Thin at middle
It forms real and virtual images both It forms only virtual images

(2) Some definitions

Optical axis

C1 C1, C2 – Centre of
C2 C1 C2
curvature,
O O
Principl R1, R2 – Radii of
e curvature
axis
– R2 +R1 – R1 +R2

(i) Optical centre (O) : A point for a given lens through which light ray passes undeviated
(Light ray passes undeviated through optical centre).
(ii) Principle focus
First principle focus Second principle focus

F1 F1 F2 F2

Note : ❑ Second principle focus is the principle focus of the lens.

 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
❑ When medium on two sides of lens is same then | F1 | =| F2 | .

❑ If medium on two sides of lens are not same then the ratio of two focal lengths
f1 
= 1
f2  2

1 2

(iii) Focal length (f) : Distance of second principle focus from optical centre is called focal
length
fconvex → positive, fconcave → negative, fplane → 

(iv) Aperture : Effective diameter of light transmitting area is called aperture.

Intensity of image  (Aperture) 2

(v) Power of lens (P) : Means the ability of a lens to converge the light rays. Unit of power
is Diopter (D).
1 100
P= = ; Pconvex → positive, Pconcave → negative, Pplane → zero .
f (m ) f (cm )

Note : ❑ Thick lens Thin lens

PfR Pf R

(3) Image formation by lens

Lens Location of Location of the Nature of image

the image
object Magnificati Real Erect
on virtual inverted
Convex At infinity At focus i.e. v = f m 1 Real Inverted
diminished
i.e. u = 
Away from 2f Between f and 2f m 1 Real Inverted
i.e. (u  2 f ) i.e. f  v  2 f diminished

At 2f or At 2f i.e. (v = 2 f ) m =1 Real Inverted

(u = 2 f ) same size

Between f and Away from 2f i.e. m 1 Real Inverted

2f f f 2f
2f (v  2 f ) magnified
i.e. f  u  2 f
At focus At infinity m= Real Inverted
i.e. u = f i.e. v =  magnified
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
Between At a distance m 1 Virtual Erect
optical centre greater than that magnified
and focus, of object v  u
u f

Concave At infinity At focus i.e. v = f m 1 Virtual Erect

i.e. u =  diminished

Anywhere Between optical m 1 Virtual Erect

between centre and focus diminished
infinity and
optical centre

Note : ❑ Minimum distance between an object and it’s real image formed by a convex
lens is 4f. ❑ Maximum image distance for concave lens is it’s focal length.
(4) Lens maker’s formula
The relation between f, , R1 and R2 is known as lens maker’s formula and it is
1  1 1 
= ( − 1) − 
f  R1 R 2 

Equiconvex lens Plano convex lens Equi concave lens Plano concave lens
R1 = R and R 2 = − R R1 = , R 2 = − R R1 = − R , R 2 = + R R1 =  , R 2 = R

R R R R
f = f = f =− f =
2( − 1) ( − 1) 2( − 1) 2( − 1)

for  = 1 .5 , f = R for  = 1 .5 , f = 2 R for  = 1 .5 f = − R for  = 1 .5, f = −2 R

(5) Lens in a liquid

Focal length of a lens in a liquid ( fl ) can be determined by the following formula

f l ( a μ g − 1)
= (Lens is supposed to be made of glass).
f a ( l μ g − 1)

Note : ❑ Focal length of a glass lens ( = 1 .5) is f in air then inside the water it’s focal
length is 4f.
❑ In liquids focal length of lens increases () and it’s power decreases ().
(6) Opposite behaviour of a lens
In general refractive index of lens ( L )  refractive index of medium surrounding it ( M ) .

L > M L < M L = M
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS

(7) Lens formula and magnification of lens

1 1 1
(i) Lens formula : = − ; (use sign convention)
f v u

(ii) Magnification : The ratio of the size of the image to the size of object is called
magnification.
I v f f −v
(a) Transverse magnification : m = = = = (use sign convention while solving
O u f +u f
the problem)
I v 2 − v1
(b) Longitudinal magnification : m= = . For very small object
O u 2 − u1
2 2 2
dv  v   f   f −v
m= =   =   =  
du  u   f +u  f 
2
Ai  f 
(c) Areal magnification : m s = = m 2 =   , (Ai = Area of image, Ao = Area of object)
Ao  f +u
(8) Relation between object and image speed
If an object move with constant speed (Vo ) towards a convex lens from infinity to focus, the
2
 f 
image will move slower in the beginning and then faster. Also Vi =   . Vo
 f +u
(9) Focal length of convex lens by displacement method
(i) For two different positions of lens two images (I1 and I 2 ) of an object is formed at the
same location.

D2 − x 2 x x
(ii) Focal length of the lens f = =
4D m1 − m 2 Object

I1 I O
where m 1 = and m 2 = 2 I2
O O D > 4f I1

(iii) Size of object O = I1 . I 2 Screen

(10) Cutting of lens

(i) A symmetric lens is cut along optical axis in two equal parts. Intensity of image formed
by each part will be same as that of complete lens.
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
(ii) A symmetric lens is cut along principle axis in two equal parts. Intensity of image
1
formed by each part will be less compared as that of complete lens.(aperture of each part is
2
times that of complete lens)

f, P




2f 2f f, P
f, P P/2 P/2

(11) Combination of lens

(i) For a system of lenses, the net power, net focal length and magnification given as
follows :
1 1 1 1
P = P1 + P2 + P3 .......... , = + + + .......... . , m = m 1  m 2  m 3  .......... ..
F f1 f2 f3
(ii) In case when two thin lens are in contact : Combination will behave as a lens, which
have more power or lesser focal length.
1 1 1 f1 f2
= +  F= and P = P1 + P2
F f1 f2 f1 + f2
(iii) If two lens of equal focal length but of opposite nature are in contact then combination
will behave as a plane glass plate and Fcombinatio n = 

(iv) When two lenses are placed co-axially at a distance d from each other then equivalent
focal length (F).

f1 f2

1 1 1 d
= + − and P = P1 + P2 − dP1 P2
F f1 f2 f1 f2
d

(v) Combination of parts of a lens :

and
 and
F = f/2
F=
f
f F =f F=f

(12) Silvering of lens

On silvering the surface of the lens it behaves as a mirror. The focal length of the silvered
1 2 1
lens is = +
F fl fm
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
where fl = focal length of lens from which refraction takes place (twice)

fm = focal length of mirror from which reflection takes place.

(i) Plano convex is silvered

 +  +

F fl fm F fl fm

R R R R R
fm = , fl = so F = fm = , fl = so F =
2 ( − 1) 2 ( − 1) 2 ( − 1)
(ii) Double convex lens is silvered

 +
R R
Since fl = , fm =
2 ( − 1) 2
F fl fm
R
So F =
2 (2  − 1)

Note : ❑ Similar results can be obtained for concave lenses.

(13) Defects in lens
(i) Chromatic aberration : Image of a white object is coloured and blurred because 
(hence f) of lens is different for different colours. This defect is called chromatic aberration.

Real Violet
White  V   R so fR  fV
light FV FR
Mathematically chromatic aberration = f R − fV = ωfy

fV
 = Dispersion power of lens.
fR
fy = Focal length for mean colour = fR fV
Removal : To remove this defect i.e. for Achromatism we use two or more lenses in contact in
place of single lens.
1  2
Mathematically condition of Achromatism is : + = 0 or  1 f2 = − 2 f1
f1 f2

Note : ❑ Component lenses of an achromatic doublet cemented by canada blasam

because it is transparent and has a refractive index almost equal to the refractive
of the glass.
(ii) Spherical aberration : Inability of a lens to form the point image of a point object on
the axis is called Spherical aberration.
In this defect all the rays passing through a lens are not focussed at a single point and the
image of a point object on the axis is blurred.
Marginal
rays

Paraxial ray F F F F
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS

Removal : A simple method to reduce spherical aberration is to use a stop before and
infront of the lens. (but this method reduces the intensity of the image as most of the light is cut
off). Also by using plano-convex lens, using two lenses separated by distance d = F – F ', using
crossed lens.
Note : ❑ Marginal rays : The rays farthest from the principal axis.
Paraxial rays : The rays close to the principal axis.
❑ Spherical aberration can be reduced by either stopping paraxial rays or marginal
rays, which can be done by using a circular annular mask over the lens.
❑ Parabolic mirrors are free from spherical aberration.

Prism
Prism is a transparent medium bounded by refracting surfaces, such that the incident
surface (on which light ray is incidenting) and emergent surface (from which light rays
emerges) are plane and non parallel.
(1) Refraction through a prism
A A = r1 + r2 and i + e = A + 
A  i – Angle of incidence, e – Angle of
sin i
e For surface AC  = ; emergence,
i r1 r2 sin r1 A – Angle of prism or refracting angle
of prism,
 sin r2
For surface AB  = r1 and r2 – Angle of refraction,
C B sin e  – Angle of deviation

(2) Deviation through a prism

For thin prism  = ( − 1) A . Also deviation is different for different colour light e.g.  R   V
so  R   V .
 Flint   Crown so  F   C

Maximum deviation Minimum deviation

ma
It is observed if
x e
i=
r2
i = e and r1 = r2 = r
r =C i
90o 1 r r
e
then :

In this condition of maximum deviation  i = 90 o , (i) Refracted ray inside the prism is parallel to

r1 = C, r2 = A − C the base of the prism

and from Snell’s law on 

 sin( A − C) 
emergent surface e = sin −1  
 sin C  m

i
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
A A + m
(ii) r = and i =
2 2
A + m
sin
sin i 2
(iii)  = or  =
sin A / 2 sin A / 2

Note : ❑ If  m = A then  = 2 cos A / 2

(3) Normal incidence on a prism
If light ray incident normally on any surface of prism as shown

i = 0o e = 0o
r1 = 0o and r2 =
r2 e i r1
0o
or

sin i
In any of the above case use  = and  = i − A
sin A
(4) Grazing emergence and TIR through a prism
When a light ray falls on one surface of prism, it is not necessary that it will exit out from
the prism. It may or may not be exit out as shown below

Normal incidence Grazing incidence

Ray –1 : General Ray –1 : General
emergence emergence
A < C and A A < 2C and
A  < cosec (A/2)
 < cosec A
Ray – 2: Grazing emergence Ray – 2: Grazing emergence
A = C and Ray - 1 A = 2C and
Ray - 1 Ray - 3  = cosec (A/2)
Ray - 3  = cosec A
Ray – 3: TIR Ray - 2 Ray – 3: TIR
Ray - 2 A > C and A > 2C and
 > cosec A  > cosec (A/2)

A = angle of prism and C = Critical angle for the

material of the prism

(5) Dispersion through a prism

The splitting of white light into it’s constituent colours is called dispersion of light.

Screen

Incident R
white light Y
V

(i) Angular dispersion ( ) : Angular separation between extreme colours i.e.

θ = δ V − δ R = (μ V − μ R ) A . It depends upon  and A.
 Ray Optics JEE
ALFA TUTORIALS
  − R   + R 
(ii) Dispersive power () :  = = V wher e  y = V 
y y − 1  2 
 It depends only upon the material of the prism i.e.  and it doesn't depends upon angle of
prism A
(6) Combination of prisms
Two prisms (made of crown and flint material) are combined to get either dispersion only
or deviation only.

Dispersion without deviation (chromatic Deviation without dispersion (Achromatic

combination) Flint combination) Flint
V
A R A

R R
A A
V V
Crow Crow
n n

A' ( y − 1) A' ( −  R )
(i) =− (i) =− V
A ( ' y −1) A (  ' V − ' R )

 '   
(ii)  net =  1 −  = ( −  '  ' ) (ii)  net =   1 − 
   ' 

Scattering of Light
Molecules of a medium after absorbing incoming light radiations, emits them in all
direction. This phenomenon is called Scattering.

1
(1) According to scientist Rayleigh : Intensity of scattered light 
4
(2) Some phenomenon based on scattering : (i) Sky looks blue due to scattering.

(ii) At the time of sunrise or sunset it looks reddish. (iii) Danger signals are made from red.

(3) Elastic scattering : When the wavelength of radiation remains unchanged, the
scattering is called elastic.

(4) Inelastic scattering (Raman’s effect) : Under specific condition, light can also suffer
inelastic scattering from molecules in which it’s wavelength changes.