Wave Optics Quiz - CBSE Class 12 Physics

Free practice quiz: Wave Optics (CBSE Class 12 Physics). 11 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Play online, no sign-up needed.

This CBSE Class 12 Physics practice quiz has 11 multiple-choice questions on Wave Optics, and 11 of them come with an explanation. Try the 5 sample questions below (tap an option to check yourself), then play the full quiz online. No sign-up needed.

Sample questions

1. Which phenomenon demonstrates the wave nature of light?

   1. Photoelectric effect
   2. Compton scattering
   3. Diffraction
   4. Blackbody radiation
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Diffraction

   Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through apertures, a phenomenon exhibited by both light and sound waves, thus demonstrating its wave nature.

2. What is the phenomenon where light bends when passing from one medium to another?

   1. Diffraction
   2. Interference
   3. Polarization
   4. Refraction
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   Answer: D. Refraction

   Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in the speed of light.

3. In a single slit diffraction experiment, what happens to the width of the central maximum as the slit width decreases?

   1. Increases
   2. Decreases
   3. Remains the same
   4. Becomes zero
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Increases

   The width of the central maximum is inversely proportional to the slit width. A narrower slit leads to a wider central maximum.

4. Derive the expression for the fringe width in Young's double slit experiment.

   1. β = λD/d
   2. β = λd/D
   3. β = Dd/λ
   4. β = 2λD/d
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   Answer: A. β = λD/d

   The derivation involves considering the path difference and geometry of the setup, leading to the expression β = λD/d, where β is the fringe width, λ is the wavelength, D is the distance to the screen, and d is the slit separation.

5. A Michelson interferometer is used to measure the wavelength of light. If 100 fringes pass by as one mirror is moved by 0.02 mm, what is the wavelength of the light?

   1. 400 nm
   2. 500 nm
   3. 600 nm
   4. 700 nm
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 400 nm

   In a Michelson interferometer, a path difference of λ corresponds to one fringe shift. A path difference of 2(0.02 mm) = 0.04 mm corresponds to 100 fringes. Therefore, 100λ = 0.04 mm, so λ = 400 nm.

More questions in this quiz

Answers and explanations are in the full quiz.

1. What is the condition for constructive interference in Young's double slit experiment?
2. Explain the concept of coherence in wave optics.
3. What is the condition for destructive interference in a thin film interference?
4. Explain the concept of resolving power of a telescope and its dependence on aperture.
5. Describe the phenomenon of polarization of light and give examples of polarizing materials.
6. Two polarizers are placed with their transmission axes at an angle of 30 degrees. What fraction of the incident unpolarized light will be transmitted?

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