Chapter – 16

Light
NOTES
Definitions:
1. Light: The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. It is a form of energy
2. Reflection of Light: Bouncing back of light after striking a shiny or polished surface, in the
same medium, is called reflection.
3. Multiple reflections: If a reflected light ray is reflected again on being incident on another
surface, it is termed multiple reflections.

Applications: 1. Multiple reflections are used in periscopes. Periscopes are used in

submarines, war tanks and by soldiers in bunkers to see objects that are not
visible directly.
2. In a kaleidoscope, beautiful patterns are formed due to multiple reflections.
4. Laws of reflection
 The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
 Incident ray, reflected ray and the normal drawn at the point of incidence to the reflecting
surface, lie in the same plane.

5. Characteristics of image formed by a plane mirror:

 same size as that of the object
 laterally inverted
 erect and virtual
 formed behind the mirror at the same distance as the distance of the object in front of the
mirror.
6. Lateral inversion: It is the effect produced by a plane mirror in reversing images from left to
right.
Ex.: our left hand will appear as right and vice versa.
7. Dispersion: Splitting of light into its constituent colours is known as dispersion.
Ex.: Sun light (white light) splits in to VIBGYOR colours when it is passed through prism.
8. Persistence of vision: The impression of an image does not vanish immediately from the
retina. It persists there for about 1/16th of a second.
9. Least distance of distinct vision: The minimum distance at which the eye can see objects
distinctly is called least distance of distinct vision. For a normal eye it is about 25 cm.
10. Cataract: It is an issue in old age people eyesight becomes foggy. It is due to the eye lens
becoming cloudy.
Exercises Question And Answers:
1. Suppose you are in a dark room. Can you see objects in the room? Can you see objects
outside the room. Explain.
Ans: We can see an object only if light from an object enters our eyes. The light may be emitted
by the object or may have been reflected by the object. Thus we cannot see an object which is
placed in a dark room if it does not emitt light of its own.
Whereas an object outside the dark room can be seen if there is either light outside the dark room
on the object emits its own light.
2. Difference between regular and diffused reflection. Does diffused reflection mean the
failure of the laws of reflection?
Ans:
Regular reflection Diffused reflection
1) Occurs from shiny and smooth surfaces. 1) Occurs from unpolished and rough surfaces.
2) Reflected rays are parallel to each other.2) Reflected rays are not parallel to each other.
3) Clear images are formed . 3) Blurred images are formed .
The laws of reflection are followed in every situation. Hence, diffused reflection does not mean the
failure of the laws of reflection.
3. Describe the construction of a kaleidoscope.
Ans: A kaleidoscope is composed of a hollow tube. Three mirrors are placed in the form of a
triangular tube and their reflecting surfaces face each other. One end of the tube is covered with a
transparent sheet and another end is covered with an opaque sheet. There is an eyehole in the
opaque sheet. Bits of glass are filled inside the tube. When a kaleidoscope is turned, we get to see
various patterns in it. These patterns are formed because of multiple reflections.
4. Draw a labeled sketch of the human eye and describe each part. in it.
Ans:
Parts of Human Eye:
a) Cornea: Transparent bulge on the front surface of the eyeball which protects the eye and
helps in refraction of light.
b) Iris: Coloured diaphragm behind the cornea which controls the amount of light entering the
eye.
c) Pupil: Dark hole in the middle of iris through which light enters the eye.
d) Eye lens: Transparent, crystalline structure behind pupil and iris.
e) Ciliary muscles: Hole the eye lens in position and control the focal length of the eye lens.
f) Retina: Surface of the rear part of the eyeball where the light entering the eye is focused.
g) Rods and Cones: Rod cells respond to the brightness of light while cone cells respond to
colours.
h) Blind spot: It is the least sensitive point where no rods and cones are present.
5. Gurmit wanted to perform Activity 16.8 using a laser torch. Her teacher advised her not
to do so. Can you explain the basis of the teacher’s advice?
Ans: Intensity of laser beam is very high, as it carries large amount of energy. It is harmful for
eyes and can cause permanent damage. One should not look at laser beam directly or indirectly
for a longer period.
6. Explain how you can take care of your eyes.
Ans: It is necessary that we take proper care of our eyes.
I. If there is any problem we should go to an eye specialists. Have a regular checkup. We
must :
II. If advised, use suitable spectacles.
III. Too little or too much light is bad for the eyes. Insufficient light causes eyestrain and
headaches.
IV. Too much light, like that of the sun, or powerful lamps, can injure retina, which is very
delicate.
V. Do not look at the sun or a powerful light directly.
VI. Never rub our eyes if any small particles or dust goes into our eyes. Wash our eyes
with clean water. If condition does not improve, go to a doctor.
VII. Wash our eyes frequently with clean water.
 VIII. Always read at the normal distance for vi
vision.
7. What is the angle of incidence of a ray if the reflected ray is at an angle of 90° to the
incident ray?
Ans:

Given that, ∠i + ∠r
∠ = 90°
We know that, ∠i
∠ = ∠r
Replacing ∠rr in equation (i) with ∠i
∠ii + ∠i = 90°
or 2∠
∠i = 90°
or ∠
∠i=90∘/2
∠i = 45°.
8. How many images of a candle will be formed if it is placed between two parallel plane
mirrors separated by 40 cm?
Ans: When the mirrors are parallel to each other, then we get infinite number of images.
images
9. Two mirrors meet at right angles. A ray of light is incident on one at an angle of 30° as
shown in figures. Draw the reflected ray from the second mirror
mirror.

Ans: