Ch-10 : Wave Optics

Previous Year Questions (2015 – 2024)

2015
1. Find an expression for the intensity of transmitted light when a polaroid sheet is ro-
tated between two crossed polaroids. In which position of the polaroid sheet will the
transmitted intensity be maximum? (2M)

2. Answer the following questions:

(a) In a double slit experiment using light of wavelength 600 nm, the angular width
of the fringe formed on a distant screen is 0.1◦ . Find the spacing between the two
slits.
(b) Light of wavelength 5000 Å propagating in the air gets partly reflected from the
surface of the water. How will the wavelengths and frequencies of the reflected
and refracted light be affected? (3M)

3. Answer the following:

(a) Using Huygens’s construction of secondary wavelets, explain how a diffraction pat-
tern is obtained on a screen due to a narrow slit on which a monochromatic beam
of light is incident normally.
(b) Show that the angular width of the first diffraction fringe is half that of the central
fringe.
(c) Explain why the maxima at ω = (n + 1/2)λ/a become weaker and weaker with in-
creasing n. (5M)

2016
1. State Brewster’s law. The value of the Brewster angle for a transparent medium is dif-
ferent for the light of different colours. Give reason. (2M)

2. Answer the following:

(a) In Young’s double-slit experiment, deduce the condition for:

i. Constructive interference
ii. Destructive interference at a point on the screen.
Draw a graph showing the variation of intensity in the interference pattern against
position ‘x’ on the screen.
(b) Compare the interference pattern observed in Young’s double-slit experiment with
the single-slit diffraction pattern, pointing out three distinguishing features. (5M)

2017
1. Draw the intensity pattern for single-slit diffraction and double-slit interference. Hence,
state two differences between interference and diffraction patterns. (2M)

1
 2. Unpolarised light is passed through a polaroid P1. When this polarised beam passes
through another polaroid P2 and if the pass axis of P2 makes angle ω with the pass axis
of P1, then write the expression for the polarised beam passing through P2. Draw a plot
showing the variation of intensity when ω varies from 0 to 2π. (2M)

3. Answer the following:

(a) Define wavefront. Use Huygens’ principle to verify the laws of refraction.
(b) How is linearly polarised light obtained by the process of scattering of light? Find
the Brewster angle for air–glass interface, when the refractive index of glass is 1.5.
(5M)

2018
1. Draw a graph showing the intensity distribution of fringes due to diffraction at a single
slit. (1M)

2. Answer the following:

(a) When an unpolarized light of intensity I0 is passed through a polaroid, what is the
intensity of the linearly polarized light? Does it depend on the orientation of the
polaroid? Explain your answer.
(b) A plane-polarized beam of light is passed through a polaroid. Show graphically
the variation of the intensity of the transmitted light with the angle of rotation of
the polaroid in complete one rotation. (3M)

3. Answer the following:

(a) Write two points to distinguish between interference and diffraction fringes.
(b) In Young’s double-slit experiment, fringes are obtained on a screen placed a cer-
tain distance away from the slits. If the screen is moved by 5 cm towards the slits,
the fringe width changes by 30 µm. Given that the slits are 1 mm apart, calculate
the wavelength of the light used. (3M)

2019
1. What is the speed of light in a denser medium with a polarising angle of 30◦ ? (1M)

2. Answer the following:

(a) Describe any two characteristic features which distinguish between interference
and diffraction phenomena. Derive the expression for the intensity at a point of
the interference pattern in Young’s double-slit experiment.
(b) In the diffraction due to a single slit experiment, the aperture of the slit is 3 mm.
If monochromatic light of wavelength 620 nm is incident normally on the slit, cal-
culate the separation between the first-order minima and the 3rd-order maxima
on one side of the screen. The distance between the slit and the screen is 1.5 m.
(5M)

2
2020
1. Define wavefront of a travelling wave. Using Huygens’ principle, obtain the law of re-
fraction at a plane interface when light passes from a denser to a rarer medium. (2M)

2. What is the effect on the interference fringes in Young’s double-slit experiment due to
each of the following operations? Justify your answers.

(a) The screen is moved away from the plane of the slits.
(b) The separation between slits is increased.
(c) The source slit is moved closer to the plane of the double slit. (3M)

3. Young’s double slit experiment is performed by using green, red, and blue monochro-
matic light sources, one at a time. The value of the fringe width will be maximum in
case of _____ light.

4. In Young’s double slit experiment, the path difference between two interfering waves
at a point on the screen is 5λ 2
, λ being the wavelength of the light used. The _____ dark
fringe will lie at this point.

5. If one of the slits in Young’s double slit experiment is fully closed, the new pattern has
_____ central maximum in angular size.

6. Write the conditions on path difference under which

(a) Constructive interference

(b) Destructive interference occur in Young’s double slit experiment.

7. In a single slit diffraction experiment, the phase difference between the waves origi-
nating from the two edges of the slit at the first minimum of the diffraction pattern is
_____ rad.

8. In a single slit diffraction experiment, light of wavelength λ illuminates the slit of width
a and the diffraction pattern is observed on a screen.

(a) Show the intensity distribution in the pattern with the angular position ω.
(b) How are the intensity and angular width of central maxima affected when:
i. Width of slit is increased, and
ii. Separation between slit and screen is decreased?

9. A parallel beam of light of wavelength 500 nm falls on a narrow slit and the resulting
diffraction pattern is obtained on a screen 1 m away. If the first minimum is formed at
a distance of 2.5 mm from the centre of the screen, find the:

(a) Width of the slit, and

(b) Distance of first secondary maximum from the centre of the screen. (3/5M)

3
2022
1. Answer the following:

(a) In a Young’s double-slit experimental setup, the intensity of the light waves from
two coherent sources are in the ratio of 9 : 1. Find the ratio of intensity of bright
and dark fringes in the interference pattern.
(b) Monochromatic light of wavelength 600 nm is incident from air on a water surface.
If the refractive index of water is 43 , then find the wavelength of the refracted light.

2. Answer the following:

(a) i. Two independent monochromatic sources of light cannot produce a sustained

interference pattern. Give reason.
ii. Light waves, each of amplitude a and frequency ω, emanating from two co-
herent light sources, superpose at a point. If the displacements due to these
waves are given by:
y1 = a cos ωt, y2 = a cos(ωt + φ)
where φ is the phase difference between the two, obtain the expression for the
resultant intensity at the point.

3. How can you differentiate whether a pattern is produced by a single slit or double slits?
Derive the expression for the angular position of:

(a) Bright fringes

(b) Dark fringes produced in a single slit diffraction.

4. A slit of width 0.6 mm is illuminated by a beam of light consisting of two wavelengths,

600 nm and 480 nm. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 1.0 m from the
slit. Find:

(a) The distance of the second bright fringe from the central maximum pertaining to
light of 600 nm.
(b) The least distance from the central maximum at which bright fringes due to both
the wavelengths coincide.

5. Answer the following:

(a) State two conditions for two light sources to be coherent.

(b) Give two points of difference between an interference pattern due to a double slit
and a diffraction pattern due to a single slit.

2023
1. According to Huygens’ principle, the amplitude of secondary wavelets is:

(a) Equal in both the forward and the backward directions.

(b) Maximum in the forward direction and zero in the backward direction.
(c) Large in the forward direction and small in the backward direction.
(d) Small in the forward direction and large in the backward direction.

4
2. A plane wavefront is incident on a concave mirror of radius of curvature R. The radius
of the refractive wavefront will be:

(a) 2R
(b) R
(c) R/2
(d) R/4

3. In a Young’s double-slit experiment, the screen is moved away from the plane of the
slits. What will be its effect on the following?

(a) Angular separation of the fringes.

(b) Fringe-width.

(a) Both (i) and (ii) remain constant.

(b) (i) remains constant, but (ii) decreases.
(c) (i) remains constant, but (ii) increases.
(d) Both (i) and (ii) increase.

4. In an interference experiment, the third bright fringe is obtained at a point on the

screen with a light of 700 nm. What should be the wavelength of the light source
in order to obtain the fifth bright fringe at the same point?

(a) 420 nm
(b) 750 nm
(c) 630 nm
(d) 500 nm

5. In a Young’s double-slit experiment:

(a) The path difference is given as:

λ
SS2 − SS1 =
4
where S1 and S2 are the two slits as shown in the figure. Find the path difference
(S2 P − S1 P ) for constructive and destructive interference at P .

(b) What is the effect on the interference fringes in a Young’s double-slit experiment
if the monochromatic source S is replaced by a source of white light?

5
 6. Answer the following:

(a) In diffraction due to a single slit, the phase difference between light waves reach-
ing a point on the screen is 5π. Explain whether a bright or a dark fringe will be
formed at the point.
(b) What should the width a of each slit be to obtain eight maxima of two double-slit
patterns (slit separation d) within the central maximum of the single slit pattern?

2024
1. A Young’s double-slit experimental setup is kept in a medium of refractive index 43 .
Which maximum in this case will coincide with the 6th maximum obtained if the medium
is replaced by air?

(a) 4th
(b) 6th
(c) 8th
(d) 10th

2. Assertion (A): In a Young’s double-slit experiment, an interference pattern is not ob-

served when two coherent sources are infinitely close to each other.
Reason (R): The fringe width is proportional to the separation between the two sources.

6
2015 Q1
Let I0 be the intensity of unpolarised light incident on the first polaroid. The intensity of light
transmitted from the first polaroid is given by:

I1 = I0 cos2 ω
Since the first polaroid reduces the intensity by half,
1 I0
I1 = I0 × = (Equation 1)
2 2
Let ω be the angle between the transmission axes of the first and second polaroid (which
is placed between two crossed polaroids), and φ be the angle between the second and third
polaroid. Since the first and third polaroids are perpendicular to each other:

ω + φ = 90◦ ⇒ φ = 90◦ − ω
The intensity of light transmitted from the second polaroid:
! "
I0
I2 = I1 cos ω =
2
cos2 ω
2
The intensity of light transmitted from the third polaroid:
! "
I0
I3 = I2 cos φ =
2
cos2 ω × cos2 φ
2
Since φ = 90◦ − ω, we substitute:
! "
I0
I3 = cos2 ω × cos2 (90◦ − ω)
2
Using the identity cos(90◦ − ω) = sin ω:
! "
I0
I3 = cos2 ω sin2 ω
2
Using the identity sin2 ω cos2 ω = 14 sin2 2ω:
! "
I0 # 2 $
I3 = sin 2ω/4
2
Thus, the required expression is:
! "
I0 2ω
I3 = sin2
2 4
To find the maximum intensity, we set sin 2ω = 1, which occurs at:

2ω = 90◦ ⇒ ω = 45◦
Hence, I3 is maximum when ω = 45◦ .

7
2015 Q2
1. Calculation of Slit Spacing:
The given wavelength of light is:

λ = 6000 nm = 600 × 10−9 m

The angular width of the fringe is:

π 3.14
ω = 0.1◦ = 0.1 × = rad
180 1800
The angular width of a fringe is related to the slit spacing d as:

λ
ω=
d
Rearranging for d:

λ
d=
ω
Substituting the values:

600 × 10−9
d= 3.14
1800

= 3.44 × 10−4 m

Therefore, the spacing between the slits is:

3.44 × 10−4 m

2. Wavelength Change in Reflection and Refraction:

The given wavelength of light is:

λ = 5000 Å = 5000 × 10−10 = 5 × 10−7 m

For the reflected ray: There is no change in wavelength and frequency.

For the refracted ray: The frequency remains the same, but the wavelength decreases.
The new wavelength in the refracted medium is given by:

λ
λ# =
µ
where µ is the refractive index of the medium.

8
2015 Q3
1. Diffraction Pattern Formation:

We can regard the total contributions of the wavefront LN at some point P on the
screen as the resultant effect of the superposition of its wavelets like LM , M M2 , M2 N .
These have to superpose while taking into account their proper phase differences.
Thus, we obtain maxima and minima, forming a diffraction pattern on the screen.

2. Angular Width of Central Fringe:

The condition for the first minimum in single-slit diffraction is given by:

a sin ω = λ

For small angles,

λ
ω=
a
From the figure, the angular width of the central fringe is:

λ
2ω = 2
a
Hence, the angular width of the central fringe is twice the angular width of the first
fringe.

3. Weakening of Maxima:
Maxima become weaker and weaker with increasing n. This is because the effective
part of the wavefront contributing to the maxima becomes smaller and smaller, re-
ducing the overall intensity of the maxima.

9
2016 Q1
Brewster’s Law: It states that when light is incident at the polarising angle at the interface
of a refracting medium, the refractive index of the medium is equal to the tangent of the
polarising angle.

µ = tan P
where µ is the refractive index and P is the polarising angle.

Explanation: As Brewster’s angle depends on the refractive index and wavelength, it is dif-
ferent for different colours.

2016 Q2
(i) Expression for Fringe Width in Young’s Double-Slit Experiment

Consider two slits S1 and S2 separated by a distance d. A screen is placed at a distance

D from the slits. Point C on the screen is equidistant from both slits, resulting in a path
difference of zero and maximum intensity.
At a general point P on the screen, the path difference between the rays coming from
the slits is given by:
S 1 P − S2 P
Using geometry, the path difference can be expressed as:
% &1
S2 P = S2 F 2 + P F 2 2

Expanding using the binomial approximation,

' ( 12
(x + d/2)2
S2 P = D 1 +
D2

Similarly, for S1 P :
' ( 12
(x − d/2)2
S1 P = D 1 +
D2

Taking the difference,

' ( ' (
1 (x + d/2)2 1 (x − d/2)2
S 2 P − S1 P = D 1 + −D 1+
2 D2 2 D2

10
 Simplifying,
xd
S 2 P − S1 P =
D
For constructive interference, the path difference must be an integral multiple of the
wavelength:
xd
nλ =
D
Solving for x,
nλD
x=
d
where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, . . .
Similarly, for destructive interference:
λD
xn = (2n − 1)
2d

Graph of Intensity Distribution in Young’s Double Slit Experiment

(ii) Comparison of Interference and Diffraction Patterns

The major differences between the interference pattern observed in Young’s double-
slit experiment and the single-slit diffraction pattern are:

(a) In an interference pattern, all bright fringes have the same intensity. However, in
a diffraction pattern, the intensities of bright fringes gradually decrease.
(b) In an interference pattern, dark fringes have zero or nearly zero intensity, making
bright and dark fringes clearly distinguishable. In a diffraction pattern, the dark
fringes do not have zero intensity.
(c) In an interference pattern, all fringes have almost the same width, whereas in a
diffraction pattern, the fringe widths vary.

11
2017 Q1
Difference between Interference and Diffraction Patterns

1. Interference fringes have the same intensity, whereas diffraction fringes have varying
intensity.

2. The fringe width remains constant in interference, whereas in diffraction, it varies.

2017 Q2
Law of Malus: When a beam of completely plane-polarized light is incident on the analyser,
the resultant intensity of light I transmitted from the analyser varies directly as the square
of the cosine of the angle ω between the plane of the analyser and the polarizer.

I ∝ cos2 ω

I = I0 cos2 ω

1. When unpolarized light passes through P1 :

As we know, the average value of cos2 ω (from 0 to 2π) is:

1
2
So, using the law of Malus,

12
 I0
I = I0 cos2 ω =
2
(as the intensity gets reduced by 12 ).

2. When polarized light (from P1 ) passes through P2 :

The light obtained from P1 , when it passes through P2 , its intensity is again given by
Malus’ law:

I = I0 cos2 ω

Now, the initial intensity is I0

2
, so:

I0
I= cos2 ω
2
This intensity can be plotted as a function of ω over the range 0 to 2π, as shown in the
graph.

2017 Q3
1. Wavefront and Snell’s Law:

(a) A wavefront is a surface over which an optical wave has a constant phase.
(b) Let AP be the wavefront of the incident wave, with speed v1 in the first medium,
and let the speed in the second medium be v2 , propagating in the direction AA# .
(c) Let t be the time taken for the wave to travel from P to P # . In the same time, the
wavefront at A will reach A# .
(d) As per the diagram,

PP#
sin i =
AP #

AP # = P P # sin i (Equation 1)
(e) Similarly,

AP # = AA# sin r (Equation 2)

P P # = v1 × t, AA# = v2 × t
(f) From Equations (1) and (2),

v1 × sin i = v2 × sin r
(g) This gives Snell’s Law:

sin i v2
=
sin r v1

13
 (h) Since refractive index is given by n = vc , we have:
c c
n1 = , n2 =
v1 v2

sin i n2
=
sin r n1
This is Snell’s Law of Refraction.

2. Brewster’s Law:

(a) When unpolarized light hits a reflective surface, the vertically polarized compo-
nents are refracted into the surface, while the horizontally polarized components
are reflected. The reflected light is then perceived as partially polarized.
(b) There exists a special angle where the reflected light is completely polarized. This
is called Brewster’s Angle, named after the Scottish physicist who discovered this
law.
(c) According to Brewster’s law:

µ = tan ib
(d) Given that:

1.5 = tan ib

! "
3
ib = tan −1
2
This gives the Brewster angle ib .

2018 Q1
1. Diffraction at a Single Slit:

(a) The intensity distribution of fringes due to diffraction at a single slit follows a cen-
tral maximum pattern, where the intensity gradually decreases for successive sec-
ondary maxima.
(b) The central bright fringe is the most intense and the widest, while the secondary
fringes on either side have decreasing intensity and width.

14
 (c) The first minimum occurs when the path difference is equal to one wavelength,
given by:

a sin ω = mλ, for m = ±1, ±2, ±3, . . .

where a is the slit width, λ is the wavelength of light, and m represents the order
of the minimum.
(d) The intensity distribution graph (as shown in the image) represents this pattern,
where the central maximum is the brightest and widest, and secondary maxima
diminish in intensity symmetrically.

2018 Q2
1. Polarization of Light through a Polaroid:

(a) When unpolarized light of intensity I0 is passed through a polaroid, the transmit-
ted intensity is given by:

I0
I=
2
This occurs because unpolarized light consists of randomly oriented electric field
vectors, and a polaroid filters out half of them.
(b) The intensity of transmitted light does not depend on the orientation of the po-
laroid because unpolarized light consists of electric field vectors randomly polar-
ized in all directions.

2. Malus’s Law and Intensity Variation:

(a) When polarized light passes through an analyzer at an angle ω, the intensity of
transmitted light follows Malus’s Law:

I ∝ cos2 ω
(b) The graph in the given image represents this relationship, where the intensity of
transmitted light varies periodically with the angle of rotation of the analyzer.
(c) The intensity is maximum when ω = 0◦ , 180◦ , 360◦ and minimum (zero) when ω =
90◦ , 270◦ .

15
2018 Q3
1. Interference and Diffraction Patterns:

(a) The interference pattern consists of a number of equally spaced dark and bright
bands.
(b) The diffraction pattern has a central maximum that is twice as wide as the other
maxima. Away from the center, the intensity of maxima decreases.
(c) Diffraction is obtained by superposing two waves originating from each point of a
slit.
(d) The interference pattern is obtained by superposing two waves originating from
two narrow slits.

2. Calculation of Wavelength:

(a) Given slit width:

d = 1mm = 10−3 m
(b) Fringe width formula:

λD
β=
d
(c) Change in fringe width is given as:

λD λ(D − 0.05)
− = 30 × 10−6 m
d d
(d) Simplifying:

0.05λ
= 30 × 10−6 m
d

0.05λ = 30 × 10−9 m

λ = 6 × 10−7 m = 600nm

2019 Q1
1. Calculation of Speed of Light in a Medium:

(a) According to Brewster’s Law, the refractive index µ is given by:

µ = tan ip
(b) Given that:

1
µ = tan 30◦ = √
3

16
 (c) The refractive index is also related to the speed of light as:
c
µ=
V
Substituting µ = √1 ,
3

c 1
=√
V 3
(d) Solving for V :
√
V =c× 3

√
V = 3 3 × 108 m/s

2019 Q2
(a) Difference Between Interference and Diffraction

• Interference: A double-slit interference pattern consists of equally spaced dark

and bright bands. The peak intensity of the bright bands remains the same.
• Diffraction: A single-slit diffraction pattern has a central bright maximum that is
twice as wide as other maxima. The intensity falls as we move towards successive
maxima away from the center.

Consider two sources of light S1 and S2 , where the displacement produced by these
sources is given by:

y1 = a0 sin(ωt)

y2 = a0 sin(ωt + φ)

At point P , by the principle of superposition, the net displacement is:

y = y1 + y2

y = a0 sin ωt + a0 sin(ωt + φ)

Using trigonometric identities, this simplifies to:

! " ! "
φ φ
y = 2a0 cos sin ωt +
2 2

Since intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude:

! " ! "
φ φ
I= 4a20 cos2
= 4I0 cos 2
2 2

17
(b) Calculation of First-Order Minima and Third-Order Maxima
Given:

a = 3 mm = 3 × 10−3 m

λ = 620 nm = 620 × 10−9 m

D = 1.5 m

The distance of first-order minima from the center of the central maxima is given by:

λ 620 × 10−9 m
D= × 1.5
d 3 × 10−3 m

= 3.1 × 10−4 m

The distance between the first-order minima and the third-order maxima:

λ
= 2.5 × D
d

= 7.75 × 10−4 m

2020 Q1
1. Wavefront and Refraction

(a) We assume a plane wavefront AB propagating in a denser medium and incident

on the interface P P # at an angle i. Let T be the time taken by the wavefront to
travel a distance BC. If v1 is the speed of light in medium I (denser medium), then:

BC = v1 T

(b) To find the shape of the refracted wavefront, we consider a sphere of radius AE =
v2 T , where v2 is the speed of light in medium II (rarer medium). The tangent plane
CE represents the refracted wavefront.

2. Derivation of Snell’s Law

(a) In &ABC,
BC v1 T
sin i = =
AC AC
(b) In &ACE,
AE v2 T
sin r = =
AC AC
(c) Dividing both equations:
sin i BC v1
= =
sin r AE v2

18
 3. Refractive Index Relation

(a) Let c be the speed of light in vacuum. The refractive indices of both media are:
C C
µ1 = , µ2 =
v1 v2

(b) From equation (1),

µ2 v1
=
µ1 v2
(c) Using this, we get:
sin i µ2
=
sin r µ1
(d) Which simplifies to:
µ1 sin i = µ2 sin r
This is known as Snell’s Law.

4. Diagram Representation

(a) The diagram illustrates the incident wavefront, refracted wavefront, and the rela-
tion between angles i and r.

2020 Q2
1. Bandwidth Formula: ! "
D
β= λ
d
where:

• D is the distance between the screen and slits.

• d is the distance between the slits.
• λ is the wavelength of light.

19
 2. Effect of Different Parameters on Bandwidth:

(a) Screen is moved away: Here, D increases.

Result: Bandwidth increases.
(b) Wavelength changes:
• If λ decreases, bandwidth decreases.
• If λ increases, bandwidth increases.
(c) Slit width increases: Here, d increases.
Result: Bandwidth decreases.
(d) Effect of Source Slit Width:
As the source slit width increases, the fringe pattern becomes less sharp. When
the source slit is too wide, the interference pattern disappears.

2020 Q3
1. We have the formula for bandwidth:
λd
β=
D
where:

• D is the distance between the screen and the slits,

• d is the distance between the slits,
• λ is the wavelength of light.

2. If different wavelengths are considered, such that:

λR > λ G > λ B

Then, the corresponding bandwidths follow the relation:

βR > βG > βB

2020 Q4
1. Given:
5λ
Path difference ∆x = (I)
2
λ
For nth dark fringe, ∆x = (2n − 1) (II)
2
2. Comparing equation (I) and (II):
2n − 1 = 5
n=3
Hence, the order of the dark fringe is 3.

20
2020 Q5
1. If one of the slits in Young’s double-slit experiment is fully closed, the diffraction pattern
is obtained with an angular size of:

2λ
d

2020 Q6
1. Interference intensity formula:
)
I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1 I2 cos ω
2. For constructive interference:

2π∆x
ω = 2nπ, 2nπ = ⇒ ∆x = nλ
λ
3. For destructive interference:

(2n + 1)π∆x (2n + 1)λ

ω = (2n + 1)π, 2nπ = ⇒ ∆x =
λ 2

2020 Q7
1. In a single-slit diffraction experiment, the phase difference between the waves origi-
nating from the two edges of the slit at the first minimum of the diffraction pattern
is:

π radians

2020 Q8
Intensity Distribution in Single-Slit Diffraction

The intensity distribution for a single-slit diffraction pattern follows a central maximum with
successive minima and secondary maxima.
2λ
Angular width =
a
where:

21
 • λ is the wavelength of light.

• a is the slit width.

Additionally, intensity is proportional to the area:

Intensity ∝ Area
Observations:
1. If intensity increases, the angular width decreases.

2. There is no effect on the angular width, but the intensity increases.

2020 Q9
Calculation of Slit Width in Single-Slit Diffraction
Given data:
• Wavelength of light beam, λ

• Distance of the screen from the slit, D = 1m

• For the first minima, n = 1

• Distance between the slits is d

• Distance of the first minimum from the center of the screen, x = 2.5mm = 2.5 × 10−3 m
Using the diffraction condition for minima:
xd
nλ =
D
Solving for d:
nλD
d= = 0.2mm
x
Conclusion: Therefore, the width of the slits is 0.2 mm.

2022 Q1
Answer:
Let A1 and A2 be the amplitudes of two waves with intensities I1 and I2 respectively.
Given that:
I1 9
=
I2 1
Since intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude, we get:
I1 A2 9 A1 3
= 12 = ⇒ =
I2 A2 1 A2 1
If Amax and Amin are the amplitudes of bright and dark bands, then:
Amax A1 + A2
=
Amin A1 − A2

22
 Amax 3+1 4
= = =2
Amin 3−1 2
Since intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude:

Imax A2 4
= max
2
=
Imin Amin 1

(b) Wavelength and Frequency Calculation:

Given: λ = 600 nm, µ = 1.33
(i) In reflection, the ray will reflect back in the same medium as that of the incident ray.

Wavelength = 600 nm

(ii) Frequency ν is given by:

c 3 × 108
ν= =
λ 600 × 10−9
= 0.5 × 1015 Hz
(iii) Speed in refraction:
c 3 × 108
v= =
µ 1.33
= 2.26 × 108 ms−1
Wavelength in refraction:
v 2.26 × 108
λ= =
ν 0.5 × 1015
= 4.52 × 10−7 m = 452 nm
Thus, the frequency remains constant at:

ν = 0.5 × 1015 Hz

2022 Q2
Answer:
(a) (i) Light waves, originating from two independent monochromatic sources, will not have
a constant phase difference. Therefore, these sources will not be coherent and, therefore,
would not produce a sustained interference pattern.

(ii) The displacement equation is given by:

y = y1 + y2

y = a cos ωt + a cos(ωt + φ)
! "
φ φ
y = 2a cos · cos ωt +
2 2
The amplitude of the resultant displacement is:
φ
2a cos
2
23
 The intensity of light is given by:
φ
I = 4a2 cos2
2
Note: If a student derives the expression:

I = C[a21 + a22 + 2a1 a2 cos φ]

where a is the amplitude of the monochromatic light, it is also acceptable.

2022 Q3
Answer: To differentiate between patterns produced by a single slit or double slits, one
can look at the number and spacing of the fringes in the pattern.
A single slit produces a central bright fringe with smaller and dimmer fringes on either side,
while a double slit produces a pattern with multiple evenly spaced bright and dark fringes.
To derive the expression for the angular position of bright and dark fringes in a single-slit
diffraction pattern, we start with the basic equation for the intensity of light diffracted by
a single slit:
! "2 ! "2
sin α sin(N β)
I(ω) = I0
α sin β
where:
- ω is the angle between the incident light and the diffracted light. - α = πa sinλ
θ
is the
phase difference between the light waves passing through the edges of the slit. - a is the
width of the slit. - λ is the wavelength of the light. - β = πb sin
λ
θ
is the phase difference
between the light waves diffracted by the edges of the slit. - N is the number of bright
fringes.
For the case of bright fringes,

α = nπ, where n is an integer

This means:
nλ
sin ω =
a
Thus, the nth bright fringe occurs at:
! "
nλ
ωn = sin −1
a
For the case of dark fringes,
1
α = (n + )π
2
which gives us:

(n + 12 )λ
sin ω =
a
Thus, the nth dark fringe occurs at:

24
 ! "
(n + 12 )λ
ωn = sin−1
a
These equations give us the angular positions of the bright and dark fringes in a single slit
diffraction pattern.

2022 Q4
(i) The fringe width x is given by:
nλD
x=
d
Substituting the given values:
2 × 600 × 1
x=
0.6 × 10−3

x = 2000 × 103

x = 2 × 106 nm
(ii) We consider that the nth bright fringe of λ and the (n−1)th bright fringe of wavelength
λ1 coincide.

nλ2 = (n − 1)λ1

480n = (n − 1)600

480n = 600n − 600

600 = 120n

600
n=
120

n=5
The least distance from the central maxima is:
D
x# = nλ2
d
480 × 1
x# = 5 ×
0.6 × 10−3

x# = 400 × 103

x# = 4 × 106 nm

25
2022 Q5
(a) Coherent Sources: Coherent sources are those which have exactly the same frequency
and are in the same phase or have a zero or constant phase difference.
Conditions for Coherence:

1. The sources should be monochromatic and originating from a common single source.

2. The amplitudes of the waves should be equal.

(b) Differences Between Interference and Diffraction Patterns:

The two differences between the interference patterns obtained in Young’s double-slit ex-
periment and the diffraction pattern due to a single slit are:

1. The fringes in the interference pattern obtained from diffraction are of varying width,
while in the case of interference, all are of the same width.

2. The bright fringes in the interference pattern obtained from diffraction have a central
maximum followed by fringes of decreasing intensity, whereas in the case of interfer-
ence, all the bright fringes are of equal width.

2023 Q1
According to Huygens’s principle, the amplitude of secondary wavelets is equal in both the
forward and the backward directions.
Explanation:

• The Huygens principle states that every point on a wavefront serves as a source for sec-
ondary wavelets, whose amplitudes are proportional to those of the original wavefront.
The secondary wavelets’ amplitude, however, remains constant in all directions.

• The option stating that the amplitude is maximum in the forward direction and zero
in the backward direction is incorrect, as the amplitude of the secondary wavelets is
not zero in the backward direction.

• The amplitude of the secondary wavelets depends on the geometry and shape of the
wavefront and may not be the same in all directions. Therefore, options stating that
the amplitude is large in the forward direction and small in the backward direc-
tion or small in the forward direction and large in the backward direction are not
necessarily true.

• Thus, none of these options is the exact answer, but the correct choice is that the am-
plitude is equal in both the forward and backward directions.

2023 Q2
1. Understand the Incident Wavefront:

• A plane wavefront is a set of parallel lines representing the phase of the wave.

• When it strikes the concave mirror, it will reflect off the surface.

2. Identify the Properties of the Concave Mirror:

26
 • The radius of curvature R of the concave mirror is the distance from the mirror’s surface
to its center of curvature, which is located behind the mirror.

3. Determine the Focus of the Concave Mirror:

• The focal point F of a concave mirror is located at a distance f from the mirror.

• The relationship between the focal length and the radius of curvature is given by:
R
f=
2

4. Reflection of the Wavefront:

• When the plane wavefront strikes the concave mirror, it reflects and converges towards
the focal point F .

• The reflected wavefront will be spherical in nature as it converges at the focus.

5. Radius of the Reflected Wavefront:

• The radius of curvature of the reflected wavefront is equal to the distance from the
mirror to the focal point.

• Since we have already established that:

R
f=
2

• Therefore, the radius of the reflected wavefront is also:

R
R# = f =
2

Final Answer: The radius of the reflected wavefront will be R2 .

2023 Q3
(i) remains constant, but (ii) increases.
Explanation:

• When the screen is moved away, D increases, and we know that:

λD
β=
d

• So, if D increases, fringe-width (β) also increases, while the angular separation
! "
λ
d

remains the same.

27
2023 Q4
In an interference experiment,
d
X× = nλ
D
where:

• X = position of fringe

• d = distance between the two slits

• D = distance of screen from the slits

Since d, D, and X are the same for both cases, we equate:

n 3 λ3 = n 5 λ5

n 3 λ3
λ5 =
n5
Substituting values:
3 × 700
λ5 = = 420 nm
5

2023 Q5
(a) Let the initial path difference between S1 and S2 be:
λ
∆0 = SS2 − SS1 =
4
Path difference between disturbance from S1 and S2 at point P is:
yd
∆=
D
Total path difference between the two disturbances at P is:
λ yd
∆T = ∆ 0 + ∆ = +
4 D
Constructive Interference:
λ yn d
∆T = + = nλ, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, . . .
4 D
! "
yn d 1
= n− λ
D 4
Destructive Interference:
λ yn# d λ
∆T = + = (2n − 1)
4 D 2
yn# d 1 λ
= (2n − 1 − )
D 2 2

28
 ! "
yn# d 3 λ
= 2n −
D 2 2
Fringe Width:
λD
β = yn+1 − yn =
d
Central Fringe Position:
λD
y0 = −
4d
(Negative sign indicates that the central fringe is located below the central point O.)

(b) If a monochromatic light source in Young’s double-slit experiment is replaced with white
light, only the central fringe will appear white, while all other fringes will be colored.
The colors appear in the order of the spectrum (violet to red) on either side of the central
fringe. This occurs because white light consists of different wavelengths that interfere dif-
ferently at different points on the screen, causing color separation.

2023 Q6
(a) If the phase difference between light waves reaching a point on the screen in a single slit
diffraction pattern is 5π, a dark fringe will be formed at that point because 5π is an odd
multiple of π, signifying destructive interference.

(b) To obtain eight maxima of a double-slit pattern within the central maximum of a single
slit pattern, the width of each slit (a) should be 8 times the slit separation (d); mathemati-
cally, a = 8d.

Explanation:

Part (a): In single slit diffraction, a bright fringe occurs when the phase difference is a multi-
ple of 2π, while a dark fringe occurs when the phase difference is an odd multiple of π. Since
5π is an odd multiple of π, it results in destructive interference and a dark fringe.

Part (b): - The angular width of the central maximum in a single slit diffraction pattern is
proportional to the wavelength of light divided by the slit width (ω = λ/a). - To fit eight max-
ima of a double-slit pattern within the central maximum, the angular width of the central
maximum must be large enough to accommodate the angular spread of those eight max-
ima.
- The condition for maxima in a double slit pattern is d sin(ω) = mλ, where d is the slit separa-
tion and m is the order of the maximum. - By setting up the inequality 8 · (d sin(ω)) ≤ a sin(ω),
we get a ≥ 8d, meaning the slit width (a) should be at least 8 times the slit separation (d) to
achieve the desired result.

Key points: - A phase difference of π corresponds to a complete out-of-phase condition,

leading to destructive interference. - The width of the central maximum in a single slit
diffraction pattern is directly related to the slit width, with a wider slit resulting in a narrower
central maximum.

29
2024 Q1
Explanation:
Position of nth bright fringe,
nλD
xn =
µd
For 6th maximum in air, (µ = 1)
6λD
x6 =
d
# $
For nth maximum in medium, µ = 43

3nλD
x#n =
4d
Now, equating the two positions:
x#n = x6

3nλD 6λD
=
4d d
Solving for n:
⇒n=8

2024 Q2
If Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
Explanation:
The fringe width is inversely proportional to the separation between two sources, hence
there is no pattern when they are infinitely close together. The assumption is correct, but
the justification is incorrect.

30