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NEET PHYSICSRAY OPTICS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTSMedium

Question

The refractive index of the material of a prism is 2\sqrt{2} and the angle of the prism is 3030^\circ. One of the two refracting surfaces of the prism is made a mirror inwards with a silver coating. A beam of monochromatic light entering the prism from the other face will retrace its path (after reflection from the silvered surface) if the angle of incidence on the prism is:

A

6060^\circ

B

4545^\circ

C

3030^\circ

D

zero

Step-by-Step Solution

For a ray of light to retrace its path after reflection from a mirror, it must strike the mirror surface normally (perpendicularly). This implies that the angle of incidence on the second face (r2r_2) is 00^\circ.

For a prism, the refracting angle AA is related to the internal refraction angles r1r_1 and r2r_2 by the equation: A=r1+r2A = r_1 + r_2

Given: Prism angle A=30A = 30^\circ Refractive index μ=2\mu = \sqrt{2}

  • Condition for retracing: r2=0r_2 = 0^\circ

Substituting values to find r1r_1: 30=r1+0    r1=3030^\circ = r_1 + 0^\circ \implies r_1 = 30^\circ

Now, apply Snell's Law at the first face (refraction from air to prism): μairsini=μprismsinr1\mu_{air} \sin i = \mu_{prism} \sin r_1 1sini=2sin(30)1 \cdot \sin i = \sqrt{2} \cdot \sin(30^\circ) sini=212=12\sin i = \sqrt{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

Since sini=12\sin i = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, the angle of incidence i=45i = 45^\circ.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from RAY OPTICS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

PHYSICSRAY OPTICS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTSrefractivematerialrefractingsurfacesmirror

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