Multiple Choice Questions on Doppler Effect

Questions on Doppler Effect in sound often appear in Medical and Engineering Entrance tests. The general expression for the apparent frequency (n') is
n' = n(v+w-v_L)/(v+w-v_S) where ‘v’ is the velocity of sound, ‘w’ is the wind velocity ‘v_L’ is the velocity of the listener, ‘v_S’ is the velocity of the source of sound and ‘n’ is the real frequency of the sound emitted by the source. You should clearly note that all the velocities in this expression are in the same direction and the source is behind the observer.
It will be helpful to remember that if the source moves towards the listener or the listener moves towards the source, the apparent frequency increases. If they move away, the apparent frequency decreases.
You may find questions on Doppler Effect in light occasionally. As light and other electromagnetic radiations do not require a medium for their transmission, the velocity (w) of the medium will be absent in the expression for the apparent frequency. Instead of the speed of sound ‘v’ you will have the constant speed ‘c’ of light. The expression for the apparent frequency is
n' = n(c-v_L)/(c-v_S)
Doppler Effect in light is used to calculate the recessional velocities of stars and galaxies by measuring the ‘red shift’. When the star moves away from the observer, as is the case with our expanding universe, the wave length of the light emitted by the star appears to be increased (shifted towards red colour). From the above expression for apparent frequency, the shift in frequency which is equal to (n-n') is related to the recessional velocity v_S by the equation.
v_S = c( n-n' )/n'
The above expression can be written in terms of the shift in wave length as
v_S = c(λ'-λ)/λ
This relation is often written as v = zc where z =(λ'-λ)/λ which may be called the ‘spectral shift’ or ‘Doppler shift’.
If a star moves towards the observer, as in the case of a member of a binary stars system, the shift is ‘blue shift’ and the two expressions for the velocity of the star are
v_S = c(n'-n)/n' and v_S = c( λ-λ' )/λ
You may get questions involving the calculation of the recessional velocities of stars using the red shift. Questions involving blue shift as well as red shift may be asked for calculating the velocity of aircraft and automobiles which reflect microwaves transmitted by a radar.
Since the speed of light is much greater than the speed of material bodies, the Doppler shift for a given relative velocity is the same, whether the source moves or the observer moves.
Now consider the following MCQ which appeared in Kerala Engineering Entrance 2002 test paper:
A person carrying a whistle, emitting continuously a note of frequency 272Hz is running towards a reflecting surface with a speed of 18km/hour. The speed of sound in air is 345m/s. The number of beats heard by him per second is
(a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 8 (d) 3 (e) zero
Beats are produced here because of the superposition of the direct sound of actual frequency n (equal to 272Hz) from the whistle and the reflected sound of apparent frequency n’, given by n’ = n(v+w-v_L)/(v+w-v_S). [Note that The frequency of the direct sound is unchanged since both the source and listener are moving together and there is no relative velocity between them].
In the expression for the apparent frequency of the reflected sound, the wind velocity (w) is zero. The velocity of source (v_S) is positive since the source is the reflected sound image of the whistle and this image moves towards the listener. The velocity of the listener is negative since he is moving towards the reflected image serving as the source. Therefore, n' = n(v+v_L)/(v-v_S) = 272(345+5)/(345-5) =280Hz. [Note that 18km/hour = 5m/s].
Number of beats per second = 280-272 = 8.
The following MCQ appeared in Kerala Engineering Entrance 2006 test paper:
The apparent frequency of the whistle of an engine changes in the ratio 9:8 as the engine passes a stationary observer. If the velocity of the sound is 340ms^-1, then the velocity of the engine is
(a) 40 m/s (b) 20 m/s (c) 340 m/s (d) 180 m/s (e) 50 m/s
Problems of this type are often found in entrance test papers. When the engine approaches the observer, the apparent frequency is v/(v-v_S) and when it moves away from the observer, the apparent frequency is v/(v+v_S). The frequency therefore changes in the ratio (v+v_S)/(v-v_S). We have therefore, (v+v_S)/(v-v_S) =9/8 from which the velocity of the source, v_S = v/17 = 340/17 = 20m/s.
Now consider the following question:
Two trains A and B approach a station from opposite sides, sounding their whistles. A stationary observer on the platform hears no beats. If the velocities of A and B are 15m/s and 30m/s respectively and the real frequency of the whistle of B is 600 Hz, the real frequency of the whistle of A is ( Velocity of sound = 330m/s)
(a) 660 Hz (b) 630 Hz (c) 600 Hz (d) 570 Hz (e) 540 Hz
This is a case increase in apparent frequency due to the motion of the source. Since there are no beats, the apparent frequency [v/(v-v_S)]n of the whistle of A is the same as that of B so that we have, [330/(330-15)]n = [330/330-30)]×600 so that n/315 = 600/300 from which n = 630 Hz.
The following MCQ appeared E.A.M.C.E.T. (Med.) A.P. 2003 question paper:
A radar sends a radio signal of frequency 9×10⁹ Hz towards an aircraft approaching the radar. If the reflected wave shows a frequency shift of 3×10³ Hz, the speed with which the aircraft is approaching the radar in m/s is (velocity of radio signal is 3×10⁸ m/s)
(a) 150 (b) 100 (c) 50 (d) 25
The source of waves in this problem is the reflected image of the radar, the aircraft functioning as a mirror. The velocity of the reflected image is twice the velocity of the ‘mirror’(aircraft).You have to note this while calculating the velocity (v_S) of the source using the equation involving ‘blue shift’ discussed in the beginning of this post:
v_S = c(n'-n)/n' = 3×10⁸(3×10³)/(9×10⁹) = 100 m/s.
The velocity of aircraft is half that of the reflected image (source). So the answer is 50 m/s.
Now consider the following question:
A spectral line of wave length 5000 A.U. in the light coming from a distant star is observed to be shifted to 5004 A.U. The component of the recessional velocity of the star along the line of sight is
(a) 1.4×10⁵ m/s (b) 1.8×10⁵ m/s (c) 2.0×10⁵ m/s (d) 2.4×10⁵ m/s (e) 1.4×10⁴ m/s
We have v = zc where z = (λ'-λ)/λ. Therefore, the recessional velocity = [(5004-5000)/5000] ×3×10⁸ = (4×3×10⁸)/5000 = 2.4×10⁵ m/s.
Note that you can substitute the wave length in the given unit itself since z is a ratio of wave lengths.

The following MCQ appeared in IIT-JEE 2003 question paper:
A police car moving at 22 m/s, chases a motor cyclist. The police man sounds his horn at 176 Hz while both of them move towards a stationary siren of frequency 165 Hz. Calculate the speed of the motor cyclist, if it is given that he does not hear any beats. (Velocity of sound = 330 m/s)
(a) 33 m/s (b) 22 m/s (c) zero (d) 11 m/s
Since the motor cyclist does not hear any beats, the apparent frequency of the horn of the police car (as heard by the motor cyclist) is the same as the apparent frequency of the stationary siren. Therefore, we have,
n(v-v_L)/(v-v_S) = n'(v+v_L)/v where v is the velocity of sound, v_L is the velocity of the motor cyclist, v_S is the velocity of the police car and n and n' are the frequencies of the police car horn and the stationary siren respectively. Substituting for the velocities, we obtain
176(330-v_L)/(330-22) = 165(330+v_L)/330, from which v_L = 22 m/s.

Questions (MCQ) on Refraction at Spherical Surfaces

Some of you might be scared of questions on reflection and refraction at spherical surfaces. This unnecessary fear is due to your confusion about the inevitable sign convention used while discussing spherical mirrors and lenses.

The sign convention used widely in Optics is the Cartesian sign convention. The ray incident on the curved surface is to be considered as proceeding in the positive X-direction and you have to measure all distances from the pole, which is supposed to be the origin.

Often you may be given a ray diagram in which the incident ray may be proceeding in the negative X-direction. To avoid confusion, imagine that the direction of the incident ray is still in the positive X-direction. You can even redraw the diagram to make the incident ray proceed from left to right if you want. The signs given to the distances are as in the Cartesian coordinate system: Distances measured from the pole towards right are positive and distances measured from the pole towards left are negative. Similarly, distances measured (from the pole) upwards are positive and those measured downwards are negative. Normally you will encounter problems involving leftward and rightward measurements.

While solving problems, apply signs to all known quantities in accordance with the sign convention. Leave the unknown quantities as they are in the formulae. You will be able to arrive at conclusions by interpreting the sign of the unknown quantity you arrive at finally as the answer. For instance, if the distance of an image is obtained as negative, you will immediately understand that the image is on the same side of the curved surface as the object is. If the focal length of a lens is obtained as negative, you will understand that it is a concave lens. If the focal length or the radius of curvature of a mirror is obtained as positive, you will understand that it is a convex mirror.

Here are the essential formulae you have to remember in connection with refraction at spherical surfaces:
(1) Law of distances in the case of refraction at a spherical interface between two media of refractive indices n₁ and n₂:
n₂ /v – n₁/u = (n₂ – n₁)/R where ‘v’ is the image distance, ‘u’ is the object distance and ‘R’ is the radius of curvature of the refracting surface.
(2) Lens maker’s equation: 1/f = (n₂/n₁ – 1)(1/R₁ – 1/R₂) where ‘f’ is the focal length of the lens, R₁ and R₂ are its radii of curvature, n₂ is its refractive index and n₁ is the refractive index of the medium in which the lens is placed.
If the lens is placed in air or vacuum, lens maker’s equation becomes 1/f = (n – 1)(1/R₁ – 1/R₂) where 'n' is the refractive index of the lens. [It is better that you remember the general Lens maker’s equation since you will encounter questions in which the lens is placed in liquids such as water].
(3) Law of distances (Lens formula): 1/f = 1/v - 1/u where ‘f’ is the focal length of the lens, ‘v’ is the image distance and ‘u’ is the object distance.
(4) Focal length (F) of the combination of two or more lenses in contact:
1/F = 1/f₁ + 1/f₂ + 1/f₃ + …etc. where f₁,f₂,f₃...etc. are the focal lengths of the individual lenses. [ Note that this is a power equation since the reciprocal of focal length is the power (focal power) of the lens].
(5) Focal length of the combination of two lenses separated by a distance:
1/F = 1/f₁ + 1/f₂ – d/f₁f₂ where ‘d’ is the separation.
(6) Formula for calculating the focal length by displacement method (conjugate position method): f = (D² – d²)/4D where D is the distance between the object and the screen (image) and ‘d’ is the displacement (distance between conjugate positions).
(7) Linear magnification, m = size of image/size of object = v/u [Note that by ‘size’ we mean linear size].
(8) Areal magnification = Area of image/Area of object = m²
(9) Condition for achromatic doublet (achromatic combination of two lenses):
ω₁/f₁ + ω₂/f₂ = 0 where ω1 and ω2 are the dispersive powers of the materials of the lenses. This can be written as ω₁/f₁ = -ω₂/f₂ indicating that one lens is converging while the other is diverging.
[Note that crown glass and flint glass lenses are used for achromatic doublets and if you require a converging doublet, the converging lens is to be made of crown glass since the dispersive power of crown glass is less than that of flint glass. You will then have smaller focal length for the converging lens to make the achromatic combination converging].
Let us now consider the following multiple choice question on refraction at a spherical surface:

A thick plano convex lens made of crown glass (refractive index 1.5) has a thickness of 3cm at its centre. The radius of curvature of its curved face is 5cm. An ink mark made at the centre of its plane face, when viewed normally through the curved face, appears to be at a distance ‘x’ from the curved face. Then, x is equal to

(a) 2cm (b) 2.1cm (c) 2.3cm

(d) 2.5cm (e) 2.7cm

The ray of light from the object O

(ink mark) gets refracted at the

interface between lens and air and

therefore appears to start from the

point I (Fig). So, I is the refracted

image of the object O. The object distance 'u' is PO and the image distance ‘v’ is PI. [P is the pole of the spherical surface].

We have, n₂ /v – n₁/u = (n₂ – n₁)/R so that 1/v – 1.5/(-3) = (1- 1.5)/(-5).
Note that we did not bother about the sign of the unknown quantity ‘v’. [In this problem we could have put negative sign for ‘v’ since the image I is on the same side as the object. Since we don’t apply sign to the unknown quantity ‘v’, we will obtain a negative value for ‘v’ on solving the problem]. The sign of ‘u’ is negative in accordance with the Cartesian convention. Since the incident ray is encountering a concave surface the radius of curvature is negative, in accordance with the convention.
Rearranging the above equation, we obtain 1/v = 0.5/5 – 1.5/3 = -6/15 from which v = -2.5cm.
Let us consider another MCQ:
An object is placed in front of a screen and a convex lens is placed at a position such that the size of the image formed is 9cm. When the lens is shifted through a distance of 20cm, the size of the image becomes 1cm. The focal length of the lens and the size of the object are respectively,
(a) 7.5cm and 3.5cm (b) 7.5cm and 4cm (c) 6cm and 3cm (d) 7.5cm and 3cm (e) 6cm and 2.5cm
If h₁ and h₂ are the sizes of the of the image in the two conjugate positions, the size of the object is given by h = √(h₁h₂) = √(9×1) = 3cm.
Considering the formation of the image in the first case, we have v/u = 9/3 so that v = 3u. Also, v = 20+u since v and u interchange in the conjugate positions. Therefore, 3u = 20+u from which u = 10cm. v = 20+u = 30cm.
Focal length f = uv/(u+v), since v is positive and u is negative in the equation, 1/f = 1/v - 1/u. Therefore, f = 10×30/(10+30) = 7.5cm.
[Note that the answer is positive as expected for a convex lens].
The correct option is (d).
The following simple question appeared in Kerala Medical Entrance 2001 test paper:
The focal length of an equi-convex lens in air is equal to either of its radii of curvature. The refractive index of the material of the lens is
(a) 4/3 (b) 2.5 (c) 0.8 (d) 1.25 (e) 1.5
You should note that the radius of curvature of an equi-convex (or equi-concave) lens is equal to its focal length if the refractive index is 1.5. You can check it by substituting R₁ = R₂ = f in the lens maker’s equation: 1/f = (n – 1) [1/f – 1/(-f)] = (n – 1)×2/f, from which n = 1.5. So the correct option is (e).
You should also note that the focal length of a plano-convex or plano-concave lens is twice the radius of its curved face if the refractive index is 1.5.
The following MCQ appeared in IIT 1999 question paper:
A concave lens of glass, refractive index 1.5, has both surfaces of same radius of curvature R. On immersion in a medium of refractive index 1.75, it will behave as a
(a) convergent lens of focal length 3.5R (b) convergent lens of focal length 3.0R (c) divergent lens of focal length 3.5R (d) divergent lens of focal length 3.0R.
On substituting the given quantities in the lens maker’s equation, 1/f = (n₂/n₁ – 1)(1/R₁ – 1/R₂), we have 1/f = [(1.5/1.75)-1] [1/(-R) – 1/R)] = (-0.25/1.75) (-2/R) = 0.5/1.75R, from which f = 3.5R.
You should ensure that all your doubts on applying the sign convention are cleared before proceeding to the next question. In the lens maker’s equation, we applied negative sign to the radius of curvature (R) of the first surface since the concave lens presents a concave surface to the incident ray (and hence the centre of curvature is on the same side of the pole as the object is). The sign of the radius of curvature of the second surface is positive since it presents a convex surface to the ray proceeding towards it after the refraction at the first surface. We did not bother about the sign of the focal length of the lens, since it is the unknown quantity in this problem. The sign turns out to be positive, indicating that the concave lens behaves as a converging lens on immersing it in a denser liquid. The correct option therefore is (a).
You should note that a divergent lens becomes convergent (and a convergent lens becomes divergent) on immersing in a denser medium (of greater refractive index).
Let us consider a numerical example in this context:
A convergent lens made of crown glass (refractive index 1.5) has focal length 20cm in air. If it is immersed in a liquid of refractive index 1.60, its focal length will be
(a) 160cm (b) 100cm (c) -80cm (d) -100cm (e) -160cm
When the lens is in air, we have (from lens maker’s equation),
1/20 = [(1.5/1) – 1] (1/R₁- 1/R₂).
We are not bothered about the signs of R₁ and R₂ since they are unknown quantities.
Even though we know that the convergent lens will become divergent in the denser medium, we write lens maker’s equation without bothering about the sign of its unknown focal length in the liquid. If ‘f’ is the focal length in the liquid, we can write,
1/f = [(1.5/1.6) – 1] (1/R₁ – 1/R₂).
Dividing the first equation by the second, we obtain f/20 = 0.5×1.6/(-0.1) from which f = -160 cm [Option (e)].
Consider now the following MCQ:
The plane face of a plano-convex lens of focal length 20cm is silvered. The lens will then behave as a concave mirror of focal length
(a) 5cm (b) 10 cm (c) 20cm (d) 40cm (e) 80cm
When you direct a ray of light (through the un-silvered surface) in to this lens, the ray will be reflected by the silvered face. Therefore, the ray undergoes refraction twice at the lens and the effect is to make the lens a biconvex one, as though we are keeping two identical plano-convex lenses in contact, the only difference being that the ray is sent back. The focal length of the silvered lens therefore becomes half that of the un-silvered one. So, the answer is 10cm [Option (b)].
In this problem, the silvered surface, being plane, acts just to return the ray. If the curved surface were silvered, it would have acted as a spherical mirror complicating the problem. But, there is no significant complication and you can tackle the problem using the general expression for the resultant focal length (F) given by 1/F = 1/f + 1/f_m + 1/f.
Or, 1/F= 2/f + 1/f_m. Here ‘f’ is the focal length of the un-silvered lens while fm is the focal length of the mirror.
The power of the un-silvered lens appears twice and the power of the mirror appears once in this equation.
When you use this equation for solving the above question, the mirror term will vanish since the focal length of a plane mirror is infinite and you get F = f/2.
The following simple question appeared in Kerala Medical Entrance 2000 test paper:
A convex lens of focal length 40cm is in contact with a concave lens of focal length 25cm. The power of the combination in dioptre is
(a) -6.5 (b) -1.5 (c) +1.5 (d) +6.5 (e) +6.67
As you know, the power (expressed in dioptre) is the reciprocal of the focal length in metre. A convex lens (or, generally a converging lens) has positive power while a concave lens (or, generally a diverging lens ) has negative power. When you combine lenses in contact, the net power (P) of the combination is equal to the algebraic sum of the individual powers: P = P₁+P₂+P₃+….
In the present case, P = (1/0.4) + (-1/0.25) = 2.5 – 4 = -1.5 dioptre.

The following MCQ appeared in the IIT Screening 2005 question paper:
Concave and convex lenses are placed touching each other. The ratio of magnitudes of their powers is 2:3. The focal length of the system is 30cm. Then the focal lengths of individual lenses are
(a) -75cm, 50cm (b) -15cm, 10cm (c) 75cm, 50cm (d) 75cm, -50cm
This too is a simple question. The power of the combination is 1/0.3 dioptre. [Note that the power of the combination is positive since the focal length of the combination is positive]. The concave lens has therefore smaller power and since the ratio of magnitudes of powers is 2:3, we can write -2k+3k = 1/0.3 where ‘k’ is the constant of proportionality. From this, k = 1/0.3 so that the powers of the concave and convex lenses are respectively – (2/0.3) and +(3/0.3). Therefore, their focal lengths are – (0.3/2)m and +(0.3/3)m. The focal lengths in cm are -15 and +10 [Option (b)].

Additional Multiple Choice Questions on Electromagnetic Induction

In continuation of the post on 5th October 2006, let us discuss some more questions on electromagnetic induction. Generally, students are enthusiastic in working out problems in electromagnetic induction.
The following question is one that can be included under ‘different type’:
A straight copper rod of length ‘L’ is rotating (with angular velocity ‘ω’) about an axis perpendicular to the rod and passing through a point O on the rod, at a distance L/4 from one end of the rod. A uniform magnetic field ‘B’ parallel to the axis of rotation exists in the entire region where the rod rotates. The potential difference developed between the ends of the rod is
(a) ½ BωL² (b) BωL² (c) ¼ BωL² (d) ¾ BωL² (e) 2BωL²
The easiest method of solving this problem is to find out the velocity (v) of the centre of the rod and calculate the potential difference developed between the ends of the rod using the expression, V = BLv, for the motional emf (V) in a straight conductor of length ‘L’ moving in a magnetic field with velocity ‘v’. The value of ‘v’ is the velocity of the centre of the conductor which is ωL/4 since the centre is at a distance L/4 from the axis of rotation. So the answer is BL(ωL/4) = ¼ BωL² .
If this method does not look sufficiently appealing to you, you may use the expression for the voltage induced across a conductor of length ‘L’ rotating about a perpendicular axis through one end: V = ½ BωL² . In the present case, you have to imagine two conductors of lengths ¾ L and ¼ L respectively. The potentials at their ends with respect to the point O (through which the axis of rotation passes) are ½ Bω(9/16)L² and ½ Bω(1/16)L² . The potential difference between the ends is therefore (9/32)BωL² – (1/32) BωL² = ¼ BωL² .
Here is another simple question:
When the number of turns in a coil is made 2.5 times the original number without changing the area, the self inductance of the coil becomes
(a) 2.5 times (b) 5 times (c) 6.25 times (d) 1.25 times (e) 10 times
You should remember that the self inductance of a coil is equal to the magnetic flux linked with the coil when unit current flows in it. The flux linked with the coil is directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil. It is directly proportional to the magnetic field (produced by the coil) also, which again is directly proportional to the number of turns. Hence the self inductance is directly proportional to the square of the number of turns.
The self inductance of the coil mentioned in the question will therefore become 6.25 times the initial value.
The following MCQ also is simple but there is chance of picking out a wrong answer.
A plane rectangular coil is rotating with angular velocity ‘ω’ in a uniform magnetic field. If the axis of rotation is parallel to the plane of the coil and perpendicular to the magnetic field, what is the phase difference between the magnetic flux linkage and the induced emf in the coil?
(a) π (b) zero (c) π/4 (d) π/2 (e) ω/π
If you take the time to be zero when the plane of the coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field B, the flux (Φ) at any instant can be written as Φ = BAcosωt where A is the area of the coil. The induced emf, V = -dΦ/dt = BAω sinωt. Since the flux is a sine function and the induced voltage is a cosine function, the phase difference between the flux linkage and the induced emf is π/2.
[If you take the time to be zero at some instant when the plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic field, Φ = BAsinωt and V = -BAω cosωt. Again, one is a sine function and the other is a cosine function, indicating a phase difference of π/2].
Consider now the following MCQ which appeared in JIPMER 2000 test paper:
The induced emf in a coil is proportional to
(a) magnetic flux through the coil (b) area of the coil (c) rate of change of magnetic flux through the coil (d) product of magnetic flux and area of the coil.
The correct option is (c). Note that there has to be a time rate of change of magnetic flux for obtaining an induced voltage.
The following MCQ pertaining to motional emf is typical and similar questions often find place in Medical and Engineering Entrance test papers:
A 10m long iron rod, while remaining in the east-west horizontal direction, is falling with a speed of 5m/s. If the horizontal component of earth’s magnetic field is 0.3×10^-4 Wb/m², the emf developed between the ends of the rod is
(a) 0.15V (b) 1.5V (c) 0.15mV (d) 1.5mV (e) 3mV
Since the rod is lying along the east-west direction, it will cut the horizontal magnetic field lines of the earth. The motional emf developed between the ends of the rod is V = BLv = 0.3×10^-4×10×5 = 1.5×10^-3V = 1.5mV.
Let us now consider the following multiple choice question which appeared in I.I.T. Screening 2002 test paper:
A short circuited coil is placed in a time varying magnetic field. Electric power is dissipated due to the current induced in the coil. If the number of turns were to be quadrupled and the wire radius halved, the electrical power dissipated would be
(a) halved (b) same (c) doubled (d) quadrupled
The resistance of the coil will become 16 times the initial value since there is a four fold increase due to the four fold increase of length and another four fold increase due to the four fold decrease in the area of cross section (when the radius is reduced to half the initial value). Note that the resistance is given by R = ρL/A where ‘ρ’ is the resistivity, L is the length and A is the area of cross section.
The induced voltage in the coil is increased to four times since the number of turns is made four times.
We have, power P = V²/R. So, when the value of V is quadrupled and the value of R is made 16 fold, the value of P remains unchanged and hence (b) is the correct option.
You should become capable of working out things in your mind, without wasting time in writing mathematical steps, when you deal with questions of this type.

Additional MCQ on Refraction at Plane Surfaces

In continuation of the post dated 11th November 2006, here is another MCQ which appeared in the Kerala Medical Entrance 2005 test paper:
A fish looking from within water sees the outside world through a circular horizon. If the fish is √7 m below the surface of water, what will be the radius of the circular horizon?
(a) 3m (b) 3/√7m (c) √7m (d) 3√7m (e) 4m
Note that refractive index of water is not given. You are expected to remember it. Most of you know it as 1.33. On many occasions it will be useful to remember the value as 4/3. As you can see from the figure, the fish at F can see the outside world through a cone of semi angle equal to the critical angle ‘c’ of water because the rays of light at grazing incidence are refracted in to water at critical angle ‘c’. The circular horizon meant in the question has radius AB which is equal to √7 tan c. We have sin c = 1/n = 1/(4/3) =3/4. To obtain tan c, you may imagine a right angled triangle having opposite side 3 and hypotenuse 4 to obtain the adjacent side √7 so that you get tan c = 3/√7.
Since the radius of the circular horizon is √7 tan c,

you get the answer as 3m.

The following MCQ appeared in AIIMS 1995 test paper:

Angle of a prism is ‘A’ and its one surface is silvered. Light rays falling at an angle of incidence 2A on first surface return back through the same path after suffering reflection at the second silvered surface. Refractive index of the material is

(a) 2sinA (b) 2cosA (c) 1/2cosA (d) tanA

Since the ray retraces its path on falling (at D) on the silvered face AC of the prism, it follows that it is incident normally on this face. The angle of refraction (r) at the first face is shown in the figure. From the triangle NAD, angle DNA = 90-A. Therefore, r = A. The refractive index of the material of the prism is therefore given by n = sini/sinr = sin(2A)/ sinA = 2sinA cosA/sinA = 2cosA.

The following MCQ appeared in E.A.M.C.E.T. (Medical) Andhra Pradesh-2003 question paper:
A prism of refractive index μ and angle A is placed in the minimum deviation position. If the angle of minimum deviation is A, then the value of A in terms of μ is
(a) sin^-1(μ/2) (b) sin^-1 √[(μ-1)/2] (c) 2cos^-1(μ/2) (d) cos^-1(μ/2)
In the minimum deviation position, we have μ = sin[(A+D)/2] / sin(A/2) where D is the minimum deviation. Putting D = A, as given in the question, we obtain μ = sinA/sin(A/2) = [2sin(A/2)cos(A/2)]/sin(A/2) = 2cos(A/2). Therefore, cos(A/2) = μ/2, from which A = 2cos^-1 (μ/2).

Here is an interesting question. It is simple, but you may have many doubts on the method of solving it:
One face A of a glass slab of thickness ‘t’ is silvered. An ink mark is made on the opposite face B. If you look through the face B, what is the distance between the ink mark and its image formed by reflection at the silvered face? (Refractive index of glass is μ).
(a) 2t (b) t + (t/μ) (c) t(1+μ) (d) 2μt (e) 2t/μ
You can work it out from first principles using laws of reflection and refraction and of course geometry and trigonometry and get the correct option which is (e). But you will waste a lot of time in the process. Better, do it as follows:
When you look through the face B, the silvered face A (which is at the real distance ‘t’ from B which carries the ink spot) will appear to be at the apparent distance t/μ from B (and the ink spot). The reflected image of the ink spot is at the same distance t/μ behind the apparent silvered face. So, the distance between the ink spot and its reflected image will be (t/μ + t/μ) = 2t/μ.

Questions on Refraction at Plane Surfaces

Questions on reflection and refraction at plane surfaces are interesting to answer, but those involving spherical surfaces may pose some problems to you. Let us discuss some questions involving reflection and refraction at plane surfaces. (We will discuss questions involving spherical surfaces later).
The following MCQ comes under normal refraction:
A transparent cube of edge 9cm contains a small air bubble which appears to be at a distance of 4 cm when viewed normally through one face and at a distance of
2 cm when viewed normally through the opposite face. The refractive index of the material of the cube is
(a) 1.4 (b) 1.45 (c) 1.5 (d) 1.55 (e) 1.6
Here 4 cm and 2 cm are the apparent distances of the air bubble on looking through the two faces. If ‘d’ is the real distance, we can write the refractive index (n) as n = d/4 = (9-d)/2. [We have written n = (Real distance)/(Apparent distance) for the two cases]. From this, d = 6 cm so that n = 6/4 = 1.5.
Suppose there are many layers of thickness t₁, t₂, t₃ etc of different immiscible liquids of refractive indices n₁ , n₂, n₃ etc in a vessel. What will be the apparent depth? You can work it out using Snell’s law. The total apparent depth turns out to be equal to the sum of the individual apparent depths:
Total apparent depth = (t₁/n₁) + (t₂/n₂₎ + (t₃/n₃) +…etc.
Now consider the following MCQ:
A jar is half filled with a liquid of refractive index μ and the other half is filled with another immiscible liquid of refractive index 1.2μ. The apparent depth of the jar is then two thirds the actual depth. Then, the refractive index of the rarer liquid is
(a) 1.6 (b) 1.575 (c) 1.55 (d) 1.475 (e) 1.375

If the thickness of the liquid layers are ‘t’ each, the actual depth of the jar is 2t. The apparent depth as given in the question is (2/3)×2t =4t/3 so that we can write,
4t/3 = t/μ + t/1.2μ from which μ = 1.375.
Here is a simple question which appeared in Kerala Medical Entrance 2005 test paper:
A glass slab of thickness 3 cm and refractive index 3/2 is placed on ink mark on a piece of paper. For a person looking at the mark from a distance 5 cm above it, the distance of the mark will appear to be
(a) 3 cm (b) 4 cm (c) 4.5 cm (d) 5 cm (e) 3.5 cm

If he looks from a point just above the glass slab, the ink mark will appear to be at 3/n = 3/(3/2) = 2 cm. Since he is looking from a distance of 5-3= 2 cm from the top of the slab, the ink mark will appear to be at 2 + 2 = 4cm.
Have you ever seen the setting sun while you are under water (while swimming)? Here is a question:
A diver under water sees the setting sun at an angle of nearly
(a) 41º with respect to the horizontal (b) 49º with respect to the horizontal (c) 42º with the vertical (d) 45º with the horizontal (e) 37º with the horizontal.
The correct option is (a) since the critical angle for water is nearly 49º and this angle is with respect to the vertical in the present case. The angle with the horizontal is therefore 41º.

It will be convenient if you remember the critical angle of water and glass. In many problems you will encounter crown glass of refractive index 1.5. Its critical angle is 41.8º, which is roughly 42º. Critical angle for water is 48.75º, which is roughly 49º. You will come across many questions involving refractive index value of √2. This value has sanctity only for setting questions! It will be convenient to remember the critical angle of 45º for a substance having refractive index of √2. [Note that critical angle and refractive index of any medium is with respect to free space (or, air) unless specified otherwise].

Now, note this question which has been appearing in many test papers:
A plane glass slab is kept over various coloured letters. The letter which appears least raised is
(a) blue (b) violet (c) green (d) red (e) all are equally raised
Basically, you are asked to state which colour will produce the least apparent shift. The apparent shift = (Real distance - apparent distance) = t – (t/n). Since the refractive index (n) is the minimum for red, the least apparent shift is for red. So, red letters will appear least raised. [Since the refractive index is the maximum for violet, letters of violet colour will appear most raised].
Now consider the following MCQ involving the minimum deviation produced by a prism:
When light rays are incident at an angle of 60º on one face of a glass prism, minimum deviation occurs. If the angle of minimum deviation also is 60º, what is the refractive index of the material of the prism?
(a) √3 (b) √3/2 (c) 1.5 (d) √2 (e) 1.6
Under the condition of minimum deviation, the angle of incidence (i₁) and the angle of emergence (i₂) are equal (each equal to i). Since i₁+i₂-A = d where‘d’ is the deviation, we have 2i – A = D when the deviation is the minimum (D). Therefore, 120º - A = 60º, from which A = 60º. The refractive index is given by n = sin [( A+D)/2] / sin (A/2) = (sin60)/sin30 = (√3 /2)/(1/2) = √3.

M.C.Q. on Photoelectric Effect

Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (1921) for his explanation of photoelectric effect and not for his much more famous Theory of Relativity. You will come across questions based on Einstein’s photoelectric equation in almost all Medical and Engineering Entrance Tests.
You can remember Einstein’s photoelectric equation in different forms:
(1) hν = KE_max + Φ where ‘h’ is Planck’s constant, ‘ν’ is the frequency of the incident photon, KE_max is the maximum kinetic energy of the electron emitted from the surface on which the photon is incident and ‘Φ’ is the work function of the surface.
(2) KE_max = hν–hν₀ = h(ν–ν₀) where ν₀ is the threshold frequency which is the minimum frequency (of the photon) required for photoelectric emission. Note that we have written the work function in terms of the threshold frequency as Φ = hν₀ which can also be written as Φ = hc/λ₀ where λ₀ is the threshold wave length and ‘c’ is the speed of light in free space. Therefore, KE_max = hc[1/λ – 1/λ₀].
(3) ½ m(V_max)² = h(ν–ν₀) where V_max is the maximum velocity of the photoelectron.
(4) eV_s = h(ν–ν₀) where ‘e’ is the electronic charge and Vs is the stopping potential which is the negative voltage to be applied on the anode to prevent photo electric emission.
Let us consider the following question which appeared in Kerala Medical Entrance 2000 test paper:
If the photo electric work function is Φ eV, the threshold wave length is
(a) eΦ/h (b) hc/eΦ (c) h/Φ (d) hc/Φ (e) eΦ/hc
Since the work function is given in electron volts you have to write its value in joule and equate to hc/λ₀. You know that Φ electron volt is equal to Φe joule where ‘e’ is the electronic charge. So, we have Φe = hc/λ₀ from which λ₀ = hc/eΦ.

The following MCQ appeared in the Kerala Engineering Entrance 2006 question paper:
A metallic surface is irradiated by monochromatic light of frequency ν₁and stopping potential is found to be V₁. If light of frequency ν₂ irradiates the surface, the stopping potential will be
(a) V₁ + (h/e) (ν₁ + ν₂) (b) V₁ + (h/e) (ν₂ – ν₁) (c) V₁ + (e/h) (ν₂ – ν₁) (d) V₁ - (h/e) (ν₁ + ν₂) (e) V₁ - (e/h) (ν₂ – ν₁)
In the first case, we have eV₁ = h(ν₁–ν₀) where ν₀ is the threshold frequency.
In the second case, we have eV₂ = h(ν₂–ν₀).
Subtracting the first equation from the second, e(V₂- V₁) = h(ν₂–ν₁), from which V₂ = V₁ + h/e(ν₂–ν₁). So, the correct option is (b).
[If you find this more convenient, you may do it this way: The extra energy available with the photon of frequency ν₂ = hν₂ - hν₁. So the extra stopping potential (ΔV) required is given by e(ΔV) = hν₂ - hν₁, from which ΔV = h/e(ν₂–ν₁). Therefore V₂ = V₁ + h/e(ν₂–ν₁)].
Now consider the following question:
The photoelectric work function of a surface is 2.2 eV. The maximum kinetic energy of photo electrons emitted when light of wave length 6200 A.U. is incident on the surface is
(a) 1.6 eV (b) 1.4 eV (c) 1.2 eV (d) 0.4 eV (e) photo electrons are not emitted
The correct option is (e) since the energy of the incident photon is 12400/6200 = 2 eV, which is insufficient for photoemission in the present case. [Note that the product of the energy in electron volts and the wave length in Angstrom Units in the case of photons is equal to 12400. Remember this to facilitate easy calculation of energy or wave length when one quantity is given].
Now consider the following M.C.Q. which is aimed at gauging your understanding of certain fundamental principles of photoelectric effect:
A photo cell is illuminated by a point source of light 50cm away. When the source is shifted to 2m, then
(a) each emitted electron carries a quarter of the initial kinetic energy (b) The number of electrons emitted is a quarter of the initial number (c) each emitted electron carries one sixteenths the initial kinetic energy (d) the number of electrons emitted is one sixteenths the initial number (e) the number of electrons emitted and the energy of each electron are one sixteenths the initial values.
The kinetic energy of the emitted electron is independent of the intensity of light as is evident from Einstein’s photo electric equation. (It depends only on the frequency of the incident light and the nature of the emitting surface). The number of electrons emitted is directly proportional to the intensity of incident light (number of incident photons). Since the source of light is a point source, the intensity is governed by the inverse square law according to which the intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. When the distance is quadrupled, the intensity becomes one sixteenths and hence the number of electrons emitted also becomes one sixteenths.[Option (d)]. Let us now discuss a question involving stopping potential:
The retarding potential required to stop the emission of photoelectrons when a photosensitive material of work function 1.2 eV is irradiated with ultraviolet rays of wave length 2000 A.U. is
(a) 4V (b) 5V (c) 6V (d) 8V (e)10V
The solution becomes quite simple if you express the energy of the photon in electron volt. Since the product of the wave length in Angstrom and the energy in electron volt is 12400 for any photon, the energy of the photon in the problem is 12400/2000 = 6.2 eV. In accordance with Einstein’s equation, 1.2 eV [which is the work function] is spent for removing the photoelectron from the surface and the remaining 5 eV is transferred to the photo electron (as its kinetic energy). To ‘kill’ this energy of the photo electron you have to apply a retarding potential of 5 volts. So, the correct option is (b).
Here is a ‘different’ question which appeared in the AIEEE 2003 question paper:
Two identical photo cathodes receive light of frequencies f₁ and f₂. If the velocities of the photoelectrons (of mass m) coming out are respectively v₁ and v₂, then
(a) v₁ - v₂ = [2h(f₁ - f₂)/m]^½ (b) v₁² - v₂² = 2h(f₁ - f₂)/m (c) v₁ + v₂ = [2h(f₁ + f₂)/m]^½ (d) v₁² + v₂² = 2h(f₁ + f₂)/m
The energies of the photons are hf₁ and hf₂ and therefore the kinetic energies of the photo electrons are hf₁-Φ and hf₂-Φ respectively, where Φ is the work function. Therefore, ½ mv₁²- ½ mv₂² = hf₁- hf₂, from which v₁² - v₂² = 2h(f₁ - f₂)/m. So, the correct option is (b).
To conclude this discussion for the time being, let me ask you a simple question:
You might have heard of the thermionic work function. Is it greater than or equal to or less than the photo electric work function?
You should note that these two work functions are the minimum energy required to remove the electron from the surface of the emitter. In thermionic emission, the electron is removed by supplying heat energy. In photo electric effect, the required energy is supplied by the incident photon. In both cases the energy required for removing the electron from a given surface is the same. Therefore, thermionic work function of a given surface is exactly equal to its photo electric work function.