Class 12 |PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon

Class 12 |PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon

Newton's corpuscular theory

• According to this theory, light consists of tiny elastic
material particles called corpuscles.
• These corpuscles, enter our eyes and effect
• our retina, to create a sensation of vision.
• Different colors are due to different shapes and sizes.
• This theory could explain reflection and refraction.
 Concept of Wave
front
Wave surface Wave front

Point source
 Wave front
Definition of wave
front

Point source
Definition:
A locus of all the points in a medium where all the light waves reach simultaneously,
from a single source such that they vibrate in the same phase, with same frequency
and amplitude.
Types of wave front Finite Distance

1) Spherical wave front

Point Source

Finite distance Spherical

wave front

Point source
2) Plane wave front Any source

Infinite Any source

distance
Infinite distance
3) Cylindrical wave Extended or
front linear source

Finite
distance

Slit
 Classification of wave front
Spherical wave front :
When a point source is at some small finite distance,
the wave surface obtained is a sphere, a part of this
is called spherical wave front.
Spherical wave
front

Finite distance
Plane wave front : When a source is at a infinite distance, the small
portion of the wave surface appears to be plane
and is called plane wave front.

Plane wave front

Cylindrical wave front : When a slit or linear source of light is used the
part of the wave surface obtained appears to be a part of a cylinder, and
is called cylindrical wave front.

Cylindrical wave front

 Concept of wave normal
Definition of wave normal
The perpendicular drawn at any point to the surface of a wave front,
which shows the direction of propagation of light,
is called wave normal.
Wave front
Types of wave normals Wave normal

Spherical wave front

Wave
normal

S
Wave normal is Plane wave front
radially directed Wave normal is
outwards. almost directed
parallel to each
other.
 Huygen’s principle IfConsider
a common surface
a point of tangency is drawn
source
to secondary point
the secondary source,
wave emitswe
surface, secondary
get the
If ajoin
At the distance
finite final position of
it gives newwaves.
secondary wave front.
awaves we get
spherical a secondary
wave front. Acts like a secondary point
wave surface. source
According to Huygen…
It emits primary waves in all
S directions..

Every point on this wave Which are effective only

front… in the forward direction.

Secondary
Primary wave front wave front
Huygen’s principle

Each and every point on surface of the wave front acts as secondary
source of light, which emits secondary wavelets in all possible
directions which are effective only in the forward direction.

If a common surface of tangency is drawn to these secondary wave

surfaces, we get the final position of the wave front.
The intensity of the secondary wave
front is given by I = 𝟎
where is the angle b/w the original
direction of propagation and the
direction of observation.

Secondary wave front

has zero intensity in the
backward direction.
Laws of reflection Incident ray Reflected ray

1) The angle of incidence is equal to the

i r
angle of reflection. ie.  i = r

2) The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal to reflecting surface
at a point of incidence, all lie in the same plane.

3) Incident and reflected rays lie on the opposite sides of normal.

Phenomenon of reflection
So, now lets us first
observe the phenomenon of
reflection using a plane wave
A
front.

A B

R P AR = PB = c × t

X Y
A B
Minimum conditions to get R When
Now
This A reaches
since
implies the wave
that XYfront
at is
distance
Here
So,
During
Here we
Minimum we
we observe
join
this the
observe that
timethattoBget R
point
conditions
pointSince
Thus A,itB the medium
reaches
covers
perpendicular remain
point
equal
to the P andthe
distance
wave
rayr
thecovered
upto
i at
i) =Rfrom
angle
point
A
= angleis A
Rof
already
should
of to
tobe R is
reflection
get 0a equal
plane
reflected
90
incidence
it has
same,
normal,
to distance to

ii)inAR
the
cover
sameR velocity
additional
interval
should
covered beof
from wave
‘t’.
equal
PR.to to
from XY and =reaches
wavePB front.point
remains
distance 90
B 0the
PBsame.
A  to AR
reach = PB
XY
AR = PB = c × t

A B
R
P

ir
X Y
A B
 For  ARB and  APB   ARB   BPA
Proof Now using
A B = B A ( common )ForConsider
The  aPB’ 
reflected= A’R
wave
RABfront
rays draw
=areAB a
 PBA
R
Here =A
Let’s
semicircle
advancing
0 &B
90obliquely
A draw
begin
using with
point the
aBtangent
are
A’
towardsas to
PB = RA= c t ( Construction A)  A 
semicircle
incident
proof of
180
&at rB 
B-point
rays.
Snell’s
=R.180 - i
law.
centre andplanePB’
XY.as radius.
A RB =  A PB = 900 {Q wave  front i =waver normal }
A
This proves law of reflection.

A B
N1 M1
R
P
i r i
180 -180
r -i
X Y
A B
 2) The incident ray, reflected ray and the
normal to reflecting surface at point of
incidence, all lie in the same plane.
3) Incident and reflected rays lie
on the opposite sides of normal.

A
N1
R
P
i r

X Y
A B
Laws of refraction :
1) For a given medium, ratio of sine of angle
of incidence to sine of angle of refraction is
given by,
sin i Snell’s Law
n = sin r
2) Incident ray, refracted ray and normal
to surface at a point of incidence all lie
in the same plane.
3) Incident and reflected rays lie on
opposite sides of normal.
 V1= Speed of light in rarer medium
V2= Speed of light in denser medium

Rarer
X
Denser
 B During For
thissame
Consider time time
a plane ‘t’ 
secondary
wave wavelets
front of
N If in time ‘t’ it cover the distance
at A monochromatic
cover a distance
Distance
Since light
v tA
in B obliquely
denser
BD = v1t 2
Distance
incident
medium at in
travelled a refracting
 Speed of
surface
Speed of travelled in
A rarerin rarer  light in
light
When wave front
Considering <reaches
v2tCD vdenser point
t, secondary
mediumA,
B Draw tangents
 1to denser
it
medium
V1medium
t secondary
V2t
become
with A as a centre waves
draw ain
medium
Rarer wave front
second medium
D hemisphere of radius v t 2
X A v2t
Denser
C

M When Areaches at point A,

A=
CD =AB
refracted
= incident
wavewavefront
front
Breaches at point B &
B needs extra time ‘t’ to reach XY
 B From figure 
N
MAC
AAN
Here, ++DAC
NAB== i
90r
90 00

A DAC
NAB
A AN ADC
++ BAD
= i = 900
B CAM = r
Rarer i N–A–M = Normal to XY
i D
X A r
Denser r
C v1 = Speed of light in rarer medium
v2 = Speed of light in denser medium.
M
 B BAD &BD
ACD AC
N sin i = & sin r =
AD AD
sin i v1 BD v1t
A  = = =
sin r v2 AC v2t
B
Rarer
i D
X A r
Denser
C

M
Also Refractive index (1 2 )
Thus laws of refraction can be
2 v1
(1 2) = deduced from Huygen’s
 1 = v2
wave theory.
 We can have
1 sin i
2 = sin r = Constant
Snell’s law of refraction
 B 2) Incident ray, refracted ray and normal to
N
surface at a point of incidence all lie in the
same plane.
A
B
Rarer i
i D
X A r
Denser r
C

M
3) Incident and reflected rays lie on opposite
sides of normal.
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon

Que. Define the term 'wavefront of light'. A plane

wave front AB propagating from denser medium
(1) into a rarer medium (2) is incident on the
surface P1P2 separating the two media as shown
in fig.

Using Huygen's principle, draw the secondary

wavelets and obtain the refracted wavefront in the
diagram.
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon

Ans. Wavefront: Wavefront is an imaginary surface over which an optical wave has a constant
phase.

Refraction of light from denser medium to rarer medium:

Behaviour Of Prism,
Lens and spherical
mirror towards Plane
Wavefront
Red Shift: If the observer and light source move away from each other,
then the apparent wavelength will increase and shift toward red
colour.

As wavelength increases,
the frequency eventually
decreases.
 Blue shift: If the observer and light source move towards each other,
then the apparent wavelength will decrease and shift to blue
colour.

As wavelength decreases,
the frequency eventually
increases.
Doppler Effect In
Light Formula :
 = - vradial
 c

  vr
 =
 c
vr = Velocity of light source
where, c = Speed of light
 = Change in wavelength
 = Original wavelength
 Concept of superposition of waves
Consider a particle ‘P’
Resultant wave in a medium
a1 A = a 1 + a2
a1 If a wave of amplitude ‘a1’
P
arrives at the point ‘P’
a2
Now, if another wave of
P a2 amplitude ‘a2’ arrives at
a2 the point ‘P’.
a1
Now, if both the
P
waves simultaneously
arrive at point ‘P’
 Lets consider
another case
a1
P
Resultant wave
Now, if both these a1
waves simultaneously
arrive at point ‘P’ A = a 1 – a2
P
a2

a2
This concept or phenomenon of more than
two waves simultaneously
arriving at a point, and we get a resultant
wave is called as concept of
Superposition .
Same phase Opposite phase
Class 12 PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon
Class 12 PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot
Mathematical form Marathon
of superposition of waves

When two waves The amplitude of resultants

arrive simultaneously wave is given by vector
addition

Phase difference = q = 00
A = a 1 + a2
a1
p

a2
p
Class 12 PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon
The amplitude of resultants A =  a12 + a22 + 2a1a2 cosq
wave is given by vector
addition
a1 = Amplitude of 1st wave
a2 = Amplitude of 2nd wave
q= Phase difference between the
waves
Class 12 PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon

Mathematical form of When two waves

arrive in opposite phase
superposition of waves

Phase difference = q= 1800

A = a 1 – a2
a1 Resultant wave
P a1

P a2
Class 12 PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon
Phase difference = q= 1800

A = a 1 – a2
a1 Resultant wave a1 = Amplitude of 1st wave
P a1
a2 = Amplitude of 2nd wave
P
a2 q= Phase difference between the
waves
A =  a12 + a22 + 2a1a2 cosq
Class 12 PHYSICS | Wave Optics |One Shot Marathon
 Principle of superposition of waves
When two or more than two waves arrive at a point, simultaneously then
the amplitude of resultant wave is given by vector sum of the amplitudes
of each of the waves.

A=  a12 + a22 + 2a1a2 cosq

Coherent sources  The two sources of light whose frequencies (or
wavelength ) are same and the phase difference
between the waves emitted by which remains constant
with respect to time are defined as coherent sources.

 They are obtained from the same  These can be apparent or real.
single source.

 Laser light is highly coherent and  The distance between them is

monochromatic. small.
Concept of interference

The formation of bright bands and dark

bands,
when light waves super impose , is called
Interference light
 Consider a monochromatic source
Let the
Letdotted spherical wave
the continuous frontwave
spherical
When a slit isthe
represent placed, we getofa trough
formation
front represent the formation of
spherical wave front
crest

Source

(Top View)
Now suppose if two slits are kept
We get two sets of spherical
wave front from the two slits
S1

Source S2
 Similarly, we get many
dark and bright Bands B.B

S1
R *D.B
*Q *
Point ‘R’ has crest meeting a
trough, i.e. it would be a dark P B.B
band Source
**
The ‘Q’
Point point
The point
What about
‘P’also
will
‘P’
willbe
hasR?
point
bright band a
beaa S2 *D.B
bright
Let S
crest bandthe two slits
1 & S2 becrest
meeting
B.B
Screen
 The redistribution of energy of energy due to super imposition of two or more waves is called
interference.
Derivation for interference pattern: Consider two waves coming from 𝟏 and 𝟐
They interfere at a point ‘P’ on the screen.
Their equations are given by

Where is the phase difference between

two waves
 𝟏
P
𝟏
𝒏

d O
𝟐

𝟐
D
The resultant wave equation is given by Y= 𝟏 𝟐

Y=asin
]
]
………..(1)
………..(2)
The above equation represents S.H.M and 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
its amplitude is R squaring and adding
equations (1) and (2), we get

𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝟐 𝟐

=2 𝟐 𝟐∅
𝟐

𝟐 𝟐 𝟐

As intensity I 𝟐

𝟐
So, I = 4 𝟎
 Condition for maximum intensity or bright
fringe.

Cos 2( )=  𝟐∅
𝟐

Path difference ( )=0, ,2 ,….n , where

n=0,1,2,3,…..
Maximum intensity at bright band
𝟐
= 𝒎𝒂𝒙
 Condition for minimum intensity or dark
fringe.

𝟐 𝟐 =0
𝒎𝒊𝒏

 =0  =
∅
Path difference ( ) =
𝟐𝝅
    
The intensity varies between a
maximum of I = 4 𝟐 and minimum of
zero but energy is conserved as shown
I
in the figure.
𝟐
4

-5 -4 -3 -2 -
 I

4 𝟐

-5 -4 -3 -2 -
 Concept of Bandwidth
Distance between Distance between any two successive bright
Distance between anytwo
twoD.B.
B.B.
bands or any two successive dark bands is
called as bandwidth or fringe width.
SCREEN
It is represented
as ‘’ or ‘X’ 1BB

* 1DB

C.B.B

* 1DB
Expression for the fringe width Consider the central Consider the nth
bright point as P & (n + 1)th bright
bands
Let hn and hn+1 be the
distances of the nth and (n + 1)th (n+1)th bright band
bright bands from the central  h
B
bright band at p. n+1
nth bright band
D
hn
B
P
D
monochromatic
planar wave
(e.g. a laser) B

screen with optical optical screen

two slits screen (front view)
 Condition for bright band
hd For the nth bright band,
Path difference  = n 
D hnd
= n
D
nD
 hn =
d
For the (n + 1) th bright band,
hn+1d
= (n + 1) 
D
(n + 1) D
 hn+1 =
d
 
(n + 1) D nD
hn+1 – hn = –
d d
 hn+1 – hn = D
d
D
 =
d
= distance between But hn+1 – hn = 
two Bright Band
 Expression for the fringe width

Consider the central

bright point as P
(m+1)th dark band

B hm+1 
Consider the mth & mth dark band
D
(m + 1)th dark bands hm
B
P
D
Let hm and hm+1 be the
distances of the nth and (m + 1)th B
dark bands from the central
bright band at P. optical screen
(front view)
 For the mth dark band,
Condition for dark band
hd 
Path difference  = (2m – 1) h md 
D 2 = (2m – 1)
D 2
(2m – 1) D
 hm =
2d
For the (m + 1)th dark band,
hm+1 d 
= [2(m + 1) – 1]
D 2
(2m + 1) D
 hm+1 =
2d
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon

Que. In a single slit diffraction experiment, Width of the slit is increased.

How will the (a) size and (b) intensity of central bright band be affected?
Justify your answer.

𝟐𝝀𝑫
The width of the central bright band 𝜷 = 𝒅

where d = width of the slit.

i. As the width of the slit is doubled, the size of the central diffraction band will be
half.
ii. Intensity of central bright band is proportional to d2 So, the intensity will get
quadrupled.
  =
(hm+1 – hm) D D
(2m + 1) – (2m – 1)
2d 2d
D
 (hm+1 – hm) =
d
D
 =
d

But, hm+1 – hm = 

 D We get
But =  = 
d

Let,  be the bandwidth then,

 =  = 

D
 =
d
D
Thus in general fringe width  =
d
i) The two sources of light must be coherent.
The sources of light which emit waves having (the Such sources are
same frequency) a constant phase difference at all derived from the
times are known as single original source.
coherent sources.

S1

Source S2
ii) The sources of light must be monochromatic.
Red light wave

If dichromatic light is used

Blue light wave

S
If the sources emit light waves of more than one
wavelength, then at one point there may be constructive
interference due to light of one wavelength and
destructive interference due to other wavelength.

Also, the no. of bright and dark

bands will increase. Hence, pattern
will be complex and colorful.
 iii)

The two light sources must be equally bright i.e. they must emit light of equal
amplitude and intensity.

Amin = a1 – a2

S1 If a1 = 4 If a1= 4
P
a2 = 1 a2 = 4
S2 Amin = 4 – 1 Amin = 4 – 4
= 3 = 0
Imin  A2min Imin  A2min
iv) The two light sources must be narrow
Interference takes place at the slits, due to which, the pattern later
becomes very complex.

Complex
pattern
v) The two sources should be close to each other

S1

S1

S2
S2
vi) The two sources should be at sufficiently large distance from the screen.

Screen

S1

S2

Distance between
source & screen
The distance between two consecutive bright or consecutive
dark fringes is known as fringes is known as fringe width

A( ) where w is width of the slit.

 Angular fringe width():

The ratio of fringe width to source screen distance is


defined as angular fringe width () i.e, =

It has no unit.
Resultant intensity: I=  where is the
phase difference between two waves.

I=  where is
the phase difference between two
waves.

If I=2

Average intensity ( ):

=2
 (i) For a bright band, a crest of one
wave should meet the crest of
another wave or trough of one wave
should meet the trough of
Constructive another wave.
interference C.B.B 1st B.B
(ii)
(brightness)
Phase difference : 0, 2, 4, 6, …….. = 2n
(iii)
Path difference : 0, , 2, 3, …….. = n

(Where, n = 0 , 1, 2…)
 (i) For a dark band , a crest of one wave
should meet the trough of another wave.
Destructive
(ii) 1st D.B 2nd D.B
interference
Phase difference :  , 3 , 5 , ….. = (2m–1)
(darkness) (iii)
 3 5
Path difference : , , , . = (2m–1) 
2 2 2 2
(Where, m = 1 , 2, 3… )
Fringe Shift
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon

Question.
a) If one of two identical slits producing interference in Young's experiment is covered
with glass, so that the light intensity passing through it is reduced to 50%, find the
ratio of the maximum and minimum intensity of the fringe in the interference pattern.
b) What kind of fringes do you expect to observe if white light is used instead of
monochromatic light?
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon
Diffraction Huygen’s principle
requires that the waves
spread out after they pass
through slits. This
spreading out of light
from its initial line of
travel is called diffraction.
In general, diffraction
occurs when waves pass
through small openings,
around obstacles or by
sharp edges
 Definition of diffraction Illumination
Obstacle

S Geometrical
shadow
Illumination
Shadow
Obstacle

S Illumination

Shadow
The bending of light near the edges and corners of an obstacle or slit and
spreading into the region of geometrical shadow is known as diffraction of light.
Types of Diffraction Fraunhofer Diffraction
The source of light and the screen on which diffraction
pattern is obtained are effectively at infinite distance
from the diffracting system. In this case diffraction
pattern is obtained by using convex lens. We consider,
plane wave front in this case.
Fresnel’s Diffraction
The source of light and screen are kept at finite distance
from the diffracting system. In this case, we consider
cylindrical or spherical wave fronts.
 Young’s Single Slit Experiment

•When the light passed through one slit a different type of pattern was observed on the
screen.
•The pattern which was observed had a central maximum band and which was very wide as
compared to interference pattern.
•There were alternate dark and bright bands and their intensity was decreasing on both
the sides.
•The central maxima, was very wide whereas corresponding secondary maxima and minima
were reduced in the intensity.
•The change in the pattern was formed due to diffraction instead of interference
P point is dark point
P point is bright point
P point is bright point
 Calculation for
central bright fringe
width
Variation of intensity in single slit
diffraction

Intensity
Central maxima

First Third
Second Fourth

–5–4 –3 –2 – O  2 3 4 5

d d d d d d d d d d
 Distinguish between
Interference & Diffraction
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon

Question. A narrow slit is illuminated by a parallel beam of monochromatic light of

wavelength λ equals to 6000 Å and the angular width of the central maxima in the
resulting diffraction pattern is measured. When the slit is next illuminated by light of
wavelength λ, the angular width decreases by 30%. Calculate the value of the wavelength
λ.
Angular width, 2θ = 2λ/d
λ = 6000
In case of new wavelength (assumed λ 'here), angular width decreases by 30%

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟎
= = 0.70 ( )
𝟏𝟎𝟎
CLASS 12 | PHYSICS | WAVE OPTICS | One Shot Marathon

Question.
a. Two wavelengths of sodium light of 590 nm and 596 nm are used in turn to study the

diffraction taking place at a single slit of aperture 2 x 10-6 m. If the distance between
the slit and the screen is 1.5 m, calculate the separation between the positions of the
second maxima of diffraction pattern obtained in the two cases.