Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Ray Optics

Question:

A hollow double concave lens is made of very thin transparent material. It can be filled with air or either of two liquids $L_1$ and $L_2$ having refractive indices $n_1$ and $n_2$ respetively $(n_2 > n_1 > 1)$. The lens will diverge a parallel beam of light if it is filled with

Options:

air and placed in air

air and immersed in $L_1$

$L_1$ and immresed in $L_2$

$L_2$ and immersed in $L_1$

Correct Answer:

$L_2$ and immersed in $L_1$

Explanation:

Basic idea behind this problem is simple, but such problems often induce careless mistakes. According to the Lens maker's formula a bi-concave lens will diverge a parallel beam of light in the usual case. I.e. when its medium has a larger refractive index then the medium of surroundings. Now the problem is silent about the refractive index of air as compared to the liquids. Thus a decisive yes or no can be said only in the cases involving the liquids. i.e. the options (C) and (D). Out of these (D) is the correct one.