Monochromatic light of wavelength 589 nm | Class 12 Physics Chapter Wave Optics, Wave Optics NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 10 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter Wave Optics. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 1:

Monochromatic light of wavelength 589 nm is incident from air on a water surface. What are the wavelength, frequency and speed of
(a) reflected, and
(b) refracted light? Refractive index of water is 1.33.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 1:

Monochromatic light of wavelength 589 nm is incident from air on a water surface. What are the wavelength, frequency and speed of
(a) reflected, and
(b) refracted light? Refractive index of water is 1.33.

Answer:

Wavelength of incident monochromatic light,

λ = 589 nm = 589 × 10−9 m

Speed of light in air, c = 3 × 108 m/s

Refractive index of water, μ = 1.33

(a) The ray will reflect back in the same medium as that of incident ray. Hence, the wavelength, speed, and frequency of the reflected ray will be the same as that of the incident ray.

Frequency of light is given by the relation,

v = c / λ

   = 3 x 108 / 589 x 10-9

   = 5 .09 x 1014 Hz

Hence, the speed, frequency, and wavelength of the reflected light are 3 × 108 m/s, 5.09 ×1014 Hz, and 589 nm respectively.

(b) Frequency of light does not depend on the property of the medium in which it is travelling. Hence, the frequency of the refracted ray in water will be equal to the frequency of the incident or reflected light in air.

So Refracted frequency, ν = 5.09 ×1014 Hz

Speed of light in water is related to the refractive index of water as:

v = c / μ

v =  3 x 108 / 1.33 = 2.26 x 108 m/s 

 

Wavelength of light in water is given by the relation,

 λ = v / v

v =  2.26 x 108 / 5 .09 x 1014 = 444.007 x 10-9 m

   = 444.01 nm

Hence, the speed, frequency, and wavelength of refracted light are 2.26 ×108 m/s, 444.01nm, and 5.09 × 1014 Hz respectively.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Wave Optics.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 1: Monochromatic light of wavelength 589 nm is incident from air on a water surface. What are the wavel....

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