Physics: Wave Optics Class 12 MCQ

1. The phenomenon that demonstrates the wave nature of light when two coherent sources overlap is:

a) Diffraction
b) Refraction
c) Polarization
d) Interference

Answer:

d) Interference

Explanation:

Interference is the phenomenon where wavefronts from coherent light sources overlap, leading to constructive or destructive superposition.

2. A pattern of alternate dark and bright bands obtained on a screen due to interference is called:

a) Dispersion
b) Polarization
c) Diffraction pattern
d) Fringe pattern

Answer:

d) Fringe pattern

Explanation:

The fringe pattern results from the interference of light waves and consists of alternating bright and dark bands.

3. Which of the following is not required for the interference of light?

a) Coherent sources
b) Monochromatic light
c) Polarized light
d) Overlapping of waves

Answer:

c) Polarized light

Explanation:

Polarization isn't a necessary condition for interference. However, coherence, monochromaticity, and overlapping of waves are essential.

4. The phenomenon of bending of light around the corners of an obstacle or aperture is:

a) Interference
b) Diffraction
c) Polarization
d) Refraction

Answer:

b) Diffraction

Explanation:

Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles or through apertures.

5. The phenomenon that proves the transverse nature of light waves is:

a) Diffraction
b) Interference
c) Polarization
d) Refraction

Answer:

c) Polarization

Explanation:

Polarization, which involves the orientation of oscillations in light waves, confirms light's transverse nature.

6. The central bright fringe in a single slit diffraction pattern is:

a) Twice as wide as the next bright fringes
b) Half as wide as the next bright fringes
c) Equal in width to the next bright fringes
d) None of the above

Answer:

a) Twice as wide as the next bright fringes

Explanation:

In single slit diffraction, the central bright fringe is twice as wide as the subsequent bright fringes.

7. The colors seen in a soap bubble are due to:

a) Dispersion
b) Refraction
c) Polarization
d) Thin film interference

Answer:

d) Thin film interference

Explanation:

The colors observed in a soap bubble result from the interference of light waves reflected from the front and rear surfaces of the thin soap film.

8. Which of the following phenomena demonstrates both particle and wave nature of light?

a) Refraction
b) Interference
c) Polarization
d) Photoelectric effect

Answer:

d) Photoelectric effect

Explanation:

The photoelectric effect exhibits both the particle nature (through photon energy) and wave nature (through frequency) of light.

9. In Young's double-slit experiment, as the distance between the slits decreases, the fringe width:

a) Increases
b) Decreases
c) Remains unchanged
d) First increases, then decreases

Answer:

a) Increases

Explanation:

In Young's experiment, the fringe width is inversely proportional to the distance between the slits.

10. The phenomenon in which a parallel beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation becomes dispersed is called:

a) Refraction
b) Interference
c) Diffraction
d) Polarization

Answer:

c) Diffraction

Explanation:

When a parallel beam of light spreads out after passing through an aperture or around an obstacle, it's called diffraction.

11. The phenomenon by which a wavefront is divided into regions of minimum and maximum intensity due to superposition is:

a) Diffraction
b) Refraction
c) Interference
d) Polarization

Answer:

c) Interference

Explanation:

Interference occurs due to the superposition of two overlapping waves leading to regions of maxima and minima.

12. Huygens' principle is the basis for:

a) Polarization
b) Refraction
c) Interference and diffraction
d) Reflection

Answer:

c) Interference and diffraction

Explanation:

Huygens' principle, which proposes every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets, is fundamental to explaining interference and diffraction.

13. The phenomenon where light waves oscillate only in one plane is:

a) Diffraction
b) Interference
c) Polarization
d) Refraction

Answer:

c) Polarization

Explanation:

Polarization ensures light waves oscillate in a single plane.

14. A zone plate is a device used to focus light based on:

a) Reflection
b) Refraction
c) Diffraction
d) Polarization

Answer:

c) Diffraction

Explanation:

A zone plate focuses light using the phenomenon of diffraction.

15. The fringe width in Young's experiment depends on:

a) Color of light used
b) Distance between slits
c) Distance between the slits and the screen
d) All of the above

Answer:

d) All of the above

Explanation:

Fringe width is influenced by the wavelength (or color) of light, the distance between slits, and the distance from slits to the screen.

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