Previous Questions-PHYSICAL OPTICS

1. (a) Differentiate between interference and diffraction.

(b) Give the theory of Fraunhofer diffraction due to a double slit and compare the results
with that due to single slit.
2. (a) Explain what is meant by diffraction of light. How diffraction is different from
interference?
(b) Discuss Fraunhofer single slit diffraction. Draw intensity distribution curves and give
conditions for bright and dark fringes in single slit diffraction pattern.
3. (a) What is meant by internal reflection?
(b) Derive the condition for maxima and minima due to transmitted light in thin films.
(c) A parallel beam of light of wavelength 5895Ao is incident on a thin glass plate of
refractive index 1.55, such that the angle of refraction in to the plate is 60 o. Find the
smallest thickness of the glass plate which will appear dark by transmission.
4. (a) Give the theory of colors in thin films with a ray diagram for a reflected system.
(b) Thin film of thickness 0.2 mm is illuminated by light of wavelength 620 nm. If the 3 rd
dark band was observed at the refracting angle of 5o 35; Calculate the refractive index of
the film.
5. (a) Deduce an expression for the resolving power of a diffraction grating.
(b) Explain the difference between dispersive power and resolving power of a grating.
6. (a) With relevant theory explain how radius of curvature of a convex lens be determined

by forming Newtons rings.

(b) In Newtons ring system if the diameters of 4 th and 6th rings are found to be 0.2mm
and 0.25mm, calculate the wavelength of the light used. The radius of curvature of the
convex surface of the lens is 0.9 m.
7. (a) With ray diagram discuss the theory of thin films and the condition for constructive

and destructive interference In the case of transmitted system.

(b) Two slits separated by a distance of 0.2 mm are illuminated by a monochromatic light
of wavelength 550 nm. Calculate the fringe width on a screen at distance of 1 m from the
slits.
8. (a) What are the types of diffractions and give the differences between them.
(b) Obtain the condition for primary maxima in Fraunhofer diffraction due to single slit
and derive an expression for width of the central maxima.
9. (a) Explain with necessary theory, the Fraunhofer diffraction due to n slits.
(b) Calculate the maximum number of orders possible for a plane diffraction grating.

10. (a) Explain the different methods by which ultrasonics can be generated.

(b) Discuss the important physical properties of ultrasonic waves.

(c) The velocity of ultrasonic beam in a medium is 350 m/sec. if the frequency is 5 MHz,
find wavelength of the beam.
11. (a) Give the theory of Fraunhofer diffraction due to a single slit and hence obtain the
condition for primary and secondary maxima. Using this obtain intensity distribution
curve.
(b) Find the angular width of the central maximum in the Fraunhofer diffraction using a
slit of width 1 mm when the slit is illuminated by light of wavelength 600 nm.