Physics

Spherical mirrors and lenses Questions

Chapter: Optics | Total Available: 15 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

 What is the magnification produced by aconcave lens of focal length 10 cm, when animage is formed at a distance of 5 cm from thelens?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Solution

Option (c) is correct.

Explanation:

\[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} \]
Given:
  • Focal length, \( f = -10 \) cm (concave lens is negative)
  • Image distance, \( v = -5 \) cm (image on the same side as the object)
Using the lens formula: \[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} \] Substituting the known values: \[ \frac{1}{-10} = \frac{1}{-5} + \frac{1}{u} \] Calculating \( \frac{1}{u} \): \[ \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{-10} - \frac{1}{-5} \] \[ \frac{1}{u} = -0.1 + 0.2 = 0.1 \implies u = 10 \text{ cm} \] Now, use the magnification formula: \[ M = \frac{-v}{u} \] Substituting the values: \[ M = \frac{-(-5)}{10} = \frac{5}{10} = 0.5 \] Thus, the magnification produced is \( 0.5 \).
๐Ÿ“Œ Hints / Properties Used:
  • Lens formula: \( \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} \)
  • Magnification formula: \( M = \frac{-v}{u} \)
๐Ÿ“Š Visual Diagram Suggestion:

A ray diagram depicting a concave lens, indicating the object at 10 cm on the left, the image formed at -5 cm on the left, and the relationships amongst u, v, and f with corresponding light rays diverging from the focal point.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter 6 (Optics)

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following statements regarding lenses is not correct?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option B is correct. A concave lens does not produce real images.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

Concave lenses are diverging lenses that only produce virtual images, where the rays appear to diverge from a common point behind the lens.

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

  • A convex lens can produce both real and virtual images depending on object placement.
  • A concave lens only produces virtual images, always smaller than the object.
  • A convex lens can magnify (greater than object size), demagnify (smaller than object size), and create equal size images.
  • Concave lens behavior:
    • Real images: Never formed
    • Virtual images: Always formed between the focal point and the lens

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: True โ€“ Convex lenses can generate various types of images.
  • Option B: False โ€“ Concave lenses cannot create real images.
  • Option C: True โ€“ Convex lenses can vary image sizes based on object distance.
  • Option D: True โ€“ Concave lenses produce images smaller than the objects.

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Concave Can't Create Real" for understanding image formation in concave lenses.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Illustrate the paths of light rays through a concave lens, depicting diverging rays that form a virtual image on the same side as the object.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter on Optics.

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Spherical mirror formula relating an object distance u, image distance v and focal length of mirror f may be applied to a plane mirror when

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option (a) is correct. A plane mirror is a spherical mirror with an infinite focal length.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The spherical mirror formula is given by:
\[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} \]
Where:
  • \( f \) = focal length (m)
  • \( u \) = object distance (m)
  • \( v \) = image distance (m)
In the case of a plane mirror, the focal length approaches infinity, leading to an equal distance of the object and image from the mirror surface.

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

For a plane mirror, we consider the limit as follows: As \( f \to \infty \):
\[ \lim_{f \to \infty} \frac{1}{f} = 0 \]
Substituting in the mirror formula, we have:
\[ 0 = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} \]
This leads us to \( v = -u \), indicating that distances are equal and both are on opposite sides of the mirror.

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

- **B**: Focal length goes to zero - Incorrect, as this would imply the mirror does not converge rays. - **C**: Image distance goes to zero - Incorrect, as it would mean the image is at the mirror surface. - **D**: Image distance goes to infinity - Incorrect, as an infinite image distance is contradictory for a plane mirror.

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember that **Plane Mirror = Infinite Focal Length**. It helps to recall that light reflects off a plane mirror without convergence.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A ray diagram illustrating a plane mirror which shows parallel rays reflecting back at equal angles, demonstrating that the object and the image are equidistant from the mirror surface.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter on Ray Optics.

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Power of a lens of focal length 25 cm is

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option (c) is correct. The power of the lens is +4 Dioptre.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The power \( P \) of a lens is given by the formula:
\[ P = \frac{1}{f} \]
where \( P \) is the power in Dioptres (D) and \( f \) is the focal length in meters (m).

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

Given \( f = 25 \) cm, convert to meters:
\[ f = \frac{25}{100} = 0.25 \, m \]
Substituting into the power formula:
\[ P = \frac{1}{0.25} \]
Calculating:
\[ P = 4 \, D \]

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

- Option (a): +2.5 Dioptre - Incorrect, as \( P = 4 \). - Option (b): +3 Dioptre - Incorrect, as \( P = 4 \). - Option (d): +5 Dioptre - Incorrect, as \( P = 4 \).

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

To remember the power formula, think: **"Power equals one over focal!"**

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A ray diagram showing a converging lens with focal points marked, illustrating light paths converging at the focal point. This helps visualize focal length and power.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 12 Physics, Chapter on Optics.

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option (A) is correct. The formula applies specifically to spherical mirrors.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

According to the New Cartesian Sign Convention, the formula for mirrors is given by: \[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} \] where: - \( f \) = focal length (meters), - \( v \) = image distance (meters), - \( u \) = object distance (meters).

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

For spherical mirrors: - **Sign Convention**: - Focal length (\( f \)) is taken positive for concave mirrors. - Object distance (\( u \)) is negative when the object is in front of the mirror. - Image distance (\( v \)) is positive if the image is formed on the same side as the object. Thus, the relationship holds for spherical mirrors only.

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

- **Option B**: It applies only to spherical lenses. Incorrect because the formula is not valid for lenses. - **Option C**: It applies to spherical mirrors as well as spherical lenses. Incorrect because lenses have different conventions. - **Option D**: It is an invalid formula. Incorrect as it is valid for spherical mirrors.

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "M" for Mirrors, "L" for Lenses. Use "Molar" to recall that mirrors follow the Cartesian convention.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A ray diagram showing the path of light through a concave mirror, highlighting the focal point and the relationships between object distance, image distance, and focal length.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 12 Physics, Chapter 10 (Light).

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

The focal length of a concave lens is 0.5 m. The power of the lens is

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option D is correct. The power of a concave lens is negative.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The power \( P \) of a lens is defined as the reciprocal of its focal length \( f \) (in meters):

\[ P = \frac{1}{f} \]

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

Given the focal length of the concave lens:

The value of \( f = -0.5 \, m \) (negative, as it is a concave lens).

Substituting into the power formula:

\[ P = \frac{1}{-0.5} \] \end{aligned} \]
\[ P = -2 \, D \]

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: Incorrect; the power should be negative.
  • Option B: Incorrect; the magnitude is correct, but the sign is wrong.
  • Option C: Incorrect; positive power does not apply to concave lenses.

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Recall that for concave lenses, \( P = \frac{1}{f} \) where \( f \) is negative.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Illustrate the concept of a concave lens with ray diagrams showing how light diverges and the negative focal length effect.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Optics Chapter.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

An object is placed between infinity and the pole (P) of a convex mirror. The position of the image is

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
โœ“

1. Correct Answer

Option A is correct. The image forms between the pole (P) and the focus (F), behind the mirror.

๐Ÿ“– Core Concept

Convex mirrors produce virtual images that are upright, diminished, and located between the pole and the focus, irrespective of the object's distance.

๐Ÿ’ก 3. Explanation

When an object is situated between infinity and the pole (P) of a convex mirror, the rays diverge upon reflection. This creates a virtual image located behind the mirror, specifically between the pole (P) and the focus (F).

โŒ 4. Option Analysis

  • •Option B: Incorrect, as it suggests an image location that contradicts convex mirror properties.
  • •Option C: Incorrect, as images formed by convex mirrors are virtual and behind the mirror.
  • •Option D: Incorrect, since images cannot be at the focus for convex mirrors.
โšก

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Convex mirrors always form virtual images between the pole and the focus (P and F).

๐ŸŽฏ

5. Key Takeaways

Convex mirrors create virtual images always located between the pole and the focus.

Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following is the correct focal length of a combination of lenses of power 2.5 D and –2.0 D ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option (c) is correct. The effective focal length is +2.0 m.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The power of a lens is given by:

\[ P = \frac{1}{f} \]

where \( P \) is the power in diopters (D) and \( f \) is the focal length in meters (m). The total power of a combination of lenses is the algebraic sum of their individual powers.

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

Given:

  • Power of first lens, \( P_1 = +2.5 \, \text{D} \)
  • Power of second lens, \( P_2 = -2.0 \, \text{D} \)

Calculating total power:

\[ P = P_1 + P_2 = 2.5 - 2.0 = 0.5 \, \text{D} \]

Now calculating the focal length:

\[ f = \frac{1}{P} = \frac{1}{0.5} = 2 \, \text{m} \]

๐Ÿ“Œ Hints / Properties Used:

  • Lens formula: \( P = \frac{1}{f} \)
  • Additive property of lens power: \( P = P_1 + P_2 \)

๐Ÿ“Š Visual Diagram Suggestion:

A ray diagram illustrating the combination of the two lenses showing parallel incoming rays converging at a focal point, demonstrating the effective focal length of +2.0 m.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter on Optics.

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

A point object is placed at the centre of curvature of a spherical concave mirror. Which one of the following would be the correct location of the image formed?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option B is correct. The image is formed at the center of curvature.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The formation of images in concave mirrors is governed by the mirror formula:

\[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} \]

Where:

  • f = focal length (m)
  • u = object distance (m)
  • v = image distance (m)

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

For a concave mirror, the center of curvature (C) is at a distance equal to twice the focal length (2f). When an object is placed at the center of curvature:

\( u = -R \)

(negative due to the convention, where \( R \) is the radius of curvature).

\( u = -2f \quad \text{(since } R = 2f \text{)} \)

Using the mirror formula:

\[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{-2f} + \frac{1}{v} \]
\[ \frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{f} + \frac{1}{2f} = \frac{2 + 1}{2f} = \frac{3}{2f} \]
\( v = \frac{2}{3} R = R \)

This shows that the image is located at the center of curvature.

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: At infinity - Incorrect, as the image forms at a finite distance.
  • Option C: At the focal point - Incorrect, the image is not formed here when the object is at C.
  • Option D: Between the focal point and the center of curvature - Incorrect for this configuration.

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "C is Real and Inverted". At the center of curvature, the image formed is real, inverted, and of the same size.

6. Visual Suggestion

A ray diagram illustrating the situation: draw a concave mirror with its center of curvature (C), focal point (F), and the object at C. Draw incident rays from the object reflecting off the mirror, converging at the center of curvature.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter 10 (Optics).

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following figures correctly represents the ray diagram? (Consider the lensto be thin.)

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

โœ“ Option (d) is correct. It correctly depicts the ray diagram for an object placed at 2f.

๐Ÿ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The ray diagram principle for thin lenses states that when an object is placed at a distance equal to \( 2f \) (twice the focal length), the image formed is real, inverted, and of the same size as the object.

๐Ÿงช Step-by-Step Breakdown

If an object is situated at a distance equal to \( 2f \), the following conditions hold:

\[ \text{Object Distance (u)} = -2f \]
\[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u} \]
\[ u = -2f \]
\[\begin{aligned} \frac{1}{f} &= \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{2f} \\ \frac{1}{v} &= \frac{1}{f} - \frac{1}{2f} \\ &= \frac{2 - 1}{2f} \\ &= \frac{1}{2f} \end{aligned}\]
\[ v = 2f \]

Thus, the image is formed at \( 2f \) on the opposite side, indicating it's real and inverted.

๐Ÿ” Option Analysis

  • Option (a): Incorrect. Depicts a virtual image.
  • Option (b): Incorrect. Shows an image formation at a location closer than \( 2f \).
  • Option (c): Incorrect. Displays a case where the object is between \( f \) and \( 2f \).

โšก Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Focal length (f), 2 times the object distance gives real images. Remember: For \( u = 2f \), \( v = 2f \) (Inverted & same size).

6. Visual Suggestion

A ray diagram should show an object at \( 2f \) with rays converging to form a real, inverted image at the same distance \( 2f \), illustrating the principal focus and focal length effectively.

๐Ÿ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter 2 (Optics).

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