Light is a form of energy that travels in the form of waves. It behaves in two main ways when it interacts with surfaces: reflection and refraction.
Reflection of Light:
- Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface.
- Law of Reflection: Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection.
- Example: Mirror reflects light to form an image.
Refraction of Light:
- Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another.
- The amount of bending depends on the refractive index.
- Example: A straw looks bent in water due to refraction.
Key Differences Between Reflection and Refraction:
- Reflection: Light bounces off a surface.
- Refraction: Light bends when passing through different media.
Practice Questions PDF
Download a printable worksheet on Light – Reflection and Refraction with answers.
Questions on Light – Reflection and Refraction
Showing 1–30 of 1261.An object is placed at the center of curvature of a concave mirror. If the radius of curvature is 20 cm, what is the position of the image? 2.What is the principal focus (F) of a concave mirror? 3.A convex lens of focal length 10 cm forms a virtual image 15 cm from the lens. Where is the object placed? 4.What is the difference between real and virtual images? 5.A light ray passes through a prism. Does it deviate towards the base or away from the base of the prism? 6.Assertion (A): It is easier to see through fog or smoke when a powerful beam of light is used. Reason (R): Fog and smoke particles scatter blue light more effectively than red light. 7.A man is standing in a room and can see his full image in a plane mirror. If the man's height is H, what is the minimum height of the plane mirror required? 8.What happens to the focal length of a spherical mirror if it is immersed in water? 9.Explain how the lateral displacement changes for a light ray passing through a glass slab if the thickness of the slab increases. 10.An object of height 5 cm is placed 20 cm in front of a concave mirror which produces a real image of height 10 cm. Find the focal length of the mirror. 11.What is the common term for a lens that has a positive focal length and always forms a real image when the object is beyond its focal length? 12.A student places a pencil at the focal point of a concave mirror. What will be the nature of the reflected rays? 13.An object is placed 10 cm from a convex lens of focal length 15 cm. Describe the characteristics of the image formed. 14.Why does a coin appear to rise when water is poured into a mug where the coin is initially not visible? 15.Two mirrors, one concave and one convex, both have the same focal length magnitude. If an object is placed at the same distance (less than focal length) from both, compare the nature of the images formed. 16.What happens to the light ray that passes through the principal focus of a concave lens? 17.A light ray passes from a medium A to a medium B. If the speed of light in medium A is greater than that in medium B, what can be concluded about the refractive indices? 18.Why are the headlights of a car fitted with concave mirrors? 19.If an object is placed at 2F of a convex lens, and a screen is placed at 2F on the other side, what will be the magnification of the image? 20.Define the term 'optical center' of a lens. 21.A concave mirror is used in a torch. Where is the bulb usually placed relative to the mirror? 22.Assertion (A): The absolute refractive index of a medium is always greater than or equal to 1. Reason (R): The speed of light in any medium is always less than or equal to the speed of light in vacuum. 23.What is the significance of the pole (P) in spherical mirrors? 24.If a beam of parallel light rays is incident on a concave lens, what happens to the rays after refraction? 25.Compare the field of view of a plane mirror with that of a convex mirror of the same size. 26.What is the condition for a lens to have infinite focal length? 27.A convex lens is used to produce a real, inverted image of a candle flame. If the object distance is 30 cm and the image distance is 60 cm, calculate the focal length of the lens. 28.An object is placed at the 2F position of a concave lens. Describe the characteristics of the image formed. 29.Assertion (A): Convex mirrors are used in street lights. Reason (R): They diverge light over a large area. 30.What is the range of possible values for the refractive index of a medium (excluding vacuum)?