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

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: . 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 10/ 1.33 = 2.26 x 10m/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.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

The Hidden Risks of Online Gaming for Children — Is your child safe while gaming online?

Online gaming has rapidly become one of the most popular pastimes among children. Whether it’s multiplayer mobile games , PC adventures or console challenges , kids are spending more time than ever in the virtual world . On the surface, gaming seems entertaining and even educational – improving hand- eye coordination , teamwork and problem […]

Read More

The Role of Parents in Digital Literacy – Guiding Kids for a Smarter Online Future

Kids today are surrounded by screens from the moment they wake up . Whether it’s smart classrooms, online lessons or video games with friends technology has quietly become a part of everything they do. It’s amazing how much they can learn, explore and create with just a tap or a click. But it also brings […]

Read More

How to Recognize and Prevent Online Scams Targeting Kids

The internet is full of entertaining apps, games and movies for kids of all ages. However not everything online is safe. Hidden among these entertaining platforms are internet frauds that target children with phony gifts, free game currencies or friendly looking people. As a parent, you may believe that scammers only target adults; yet children […]

Read More

How to Talk to Kids About Screen Time rules Without Conflict

Did you know? The average teenager spends 7 – 8 hours daily on screens . That’s almost like working a full – time job in front of a screen – except kids aren’t earning a paycheck; instead they’re often trading sleep, focus and health for digital time. In today’s world, screens are everywhere – TV, […]

Read More

Comments

  • Anand itagi
  • Nov 01, 2019

Thanks


  • Hanan
  • Mar 27, 2019

Good


  • Shivani kaushik
  • Mar 05, 2019

Nice


  • Saurav
  • Mar 05, 2019

Thanks


  • Raksh
  • Feb 16, 2019

Helped me to understand well


  • Pratyush
  • Feb 08, 2019

Thanks


  • Logan
  • May 30, 2018

Good


  • Anurag
  • Oct 28, 2017

Nice


  • Arya kaushik
  • Mar 10, 2017

It was easy...But seemed to be hard😋


  • Amit Kumar
  • Jul 04, 2016

Awesome!


Add Comment

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....