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X-Chapter 6 - Refraction of Light - Notes

Chapter 6 of the document discusses the refraction of light, explaining the concept of refractive index and its dependence on the velocity of light in different media. It proves that the angle of incidence equals the angle of emergence when light passes through a glass slab and describes how a rainbow is formed through refraction, dispersion, and total internal reflection. Additionally, it addresses questions related to the twinkling of stars and the visibility of the Sun below the horizon due to refraction.

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7 views3 pages

X-Chapter 6 - Refraction of Light - Notes

Chapter 6 of the document discusses the refraction of light, explaining the concept of refractive index and its dependence on the velocity of light in different media. It proves that the angle of incidence equals the angle of emergence when light passes through a glass slab and describes how a rainbow is formed through refraction, dispersion, and total internal reflection. Additionally, it addresses questions related to the twinkling of stars and the visibility of the Sun below the horizon due to refraction.

Uploaded by

aryanu180
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STD X – SCIENCE – 1

Chapter 6 - Refraction of light


1. Fill in the blanks and Explain the completed sentences.

a. Refractive index depends on the velocity of light.

The value of the refractive index is different for different media and also for light of
different colours for the same medium. Refractive index depends on the velocity
of light in the medium.

Let the velocity of light in medium 1 be v1 and in medium 2 be v2 respectively.


The refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first medium, 2ɳ1 is
equal to the ratio of the velocity of light in medium 1 to that in medium 2.
Refractive index 2ɳ1 = Velocity of light in medium 1 (v1)
Velocity of light in medium 2 (v2)

b. The change in direction of light rays while going from one medium to
another is called refraction.

Generally light travels in a straight line. But Light changes its direction when going
from one transparent medium to another transparent medium. This is called the
refraction of light.

2. Prove the following statements.


a. If the angle of incidence and angle of emergence of a light ray falling on a glass
slab are i and e respectively, prove that, i = e.
Ans:
As shown in the figure, Refraction of light takes
place twice.
The first refraction occurs at Point N on side
PQ when light ray enters the glass from air.
At Point N, i = the angle of incidence, r = the
angle of refraction
Using Snell’s law,
Refractive index of glass with respect to air
gɳa = sin i ……… (1)
sin r

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The second refraction occurs at Point M on side SR when light enters air through
glass.
At Point M, i1 = the angle of incidence, e = the angle of refraction
But e = the angle of emergence.
Also i1 = r ………. (Property of parallel lines)
Using Snell’s law,
Refractive index of air with respect to glass aɳg = sin i1 = sin r ……… (2)
sin e sin e
But gɳa = 1
aɳg

∴ sin i = 1 ……… [From (1) and (2)]


sin r sin r
sin e

∴ sin i = sin e
sin r sin r

∴ sin i = sin e
∴i=e
Hence, for refraction of light through a glass slab, angle of incidence = angle of
emergence. (i = e)

b. A rainbow is the combined effect of the refraction, dispersion, and total internal
reflection of light.
Ans:

 Rainbow is a beautiful natural phenomenon.


 It is the combined effect of a number of
natural processes such as dispersion,
refraction and total internal reflection of light.
 It can be seen mainly after a rainfall. Small
droplets of water act as small prisms.
 When light rays from the Sun enter these
droplets, it gets refracted and dispersed.
Then there is internal reflection, and after that
once again the light gets refracted while
coming out of the droplet.
 All these three processes together produce the rainbow.
 Thus a rainbow is the combined effect of the refraction, dispersion, and total
internal reflection of light.

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3. Mark the correct answer in the following questions.
A. What is the reason for the twinkling of stars?
i. Explosions occurring in stars from time to time
ii. Absorption of light in the earth’s atmosphere
iii. Motion of stars
iv. Changing refractive index of the atmospheric gases
Ans: iv. Changing refractive index of the atmospheric gases

B. We can see the Sun even when it is little below the horizon because of
i. Reflection of light
ii. Refraction of light
iii. Dispersion of light
iv. Absorption of light
Ans: ii. Refraction of light

C. If the refractive index of glass with respect to air is 3/2, what is the
refractive index of air with respect to glass?
a. 1/2 b. 3 c. 1/3 d. 2/3
Ans: d. 2/3

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