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NCERT Solutions
Class 12
Physics
Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

NCERT Solutions Class 12 Physics Chapter 9 - Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Chapter 9 of Physics for Class 12 is Ray Optics and Optical Instruments. In this chapter, light is studied as a straight line. This chapter provides the foundation for the field of optics and introduces the basics of reflection and refraction. Ray optics investigates the geometry of light (i.e., how it changes direction/angle when it passes from one medium to another) as well as how to create images with mirrors and lenses. Understanding ray optics is crucial to understanding how humans see (the eye) and developing advanced types of technology such as fiber optics, telescopes, and microscopes. As a result, ray optics is one of the most important chapters making up the total score for the CBSE Board Exam, JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), and NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test).

Solutions to questions in NCERT Class XII Physics Chapter 9 (Ray Optics and Optical Instruments) are a comprehensive collection of solutions. It provides an easily understood way to apply the laws of reflection and trace rays from simple reflections through complex optical devices such as lenses and lens systems.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 12 Physics Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments: Free PDF

The study of Ray Optics requires precision in drawing ray diagrams and applying the mirror and lens formulas. These NCERT Solutions offer comprehensive, step-by-step guidance for textbook exercises, including derivations for the prism formula and the magnifying power of telescopes. Students can download these solutions in PDF format to master the Cartesian sign convention and refraction through spherical surfaces, ensuring they can solve multi-step optical problems with high accuracy.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Available Soon

2.0Class 12 Physics Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments: Key Concepts

This chapter focuses on the behavior of light at interfaces and the enhancement of vision through instruments. The key lessons include:

  • Effects of Reflection on Spherical Mirrors - Discovery and utilization of the Mirror Formula and Magnification of both Concave and Convex Mirrors, using the Cartesian Sign Convention.
  • Effects of Refraction and total Internal Reflection (T.I.R.) - Discovering Snell's Law and the conditions required for TIR - the scientific principle that causes diamonds to sparkle and fibre optic cables to work (Diagram demonstrating the Phenomenon of T.I.R. and the Critical Angle).
  • Effects of Refraction from Curved Surfaces and Lenses - Determining Lance Makers Formula and how two or more thin lenses work together.
  • Effects of Refraction through a prism - Derivation of the relationships among the Angle of Incidence, Emergent Angle and minimum deviation angle relationship.
  • Effects of Dispersion and Scattering of Light - Determining why our daytime sky appears blue and how a Rainbow is formed due to the Interaction of Light with the Atmospheric Environment.
  • Optical Instruments - Examination of the workings of the human eye, simple and compound Microscopes and Refraction and Reflection Telescopes.

3.0Key Features of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 9

  • Accurate Ray Trace Diagrams: The Ray Trace website creates simple, accurate ray trace diagrams for all cases studied in the ray tracing field of study so that students can see how an image is created.
  • Mastery of the Cartesian Sign Convention: The Ray Trace site places special emphasis on the "New Cartesian Sign Convention" for this course of study. It is designed to help students learn to avoid the most common + or - mistakes when solving problems using lens equations and mirror equations.
  • Step-by-Step Derivations: All important derivations including the Lens Maker's formula and Prism formula have been broken down into small algebraic steps that a student can follow easily.
  • Logic of Instruments Magnifying Objects: The Ray Trace website has taken time to clarify the differences between normal adjustment and image at the least distance of distinct vision when it comes to telescopes and microscopes.
  • Real-World Physics and Phenomena: The Ray Trace site provides real-world physics for everyday examples of how our environment operates; how a mirage appears to shimmer; and how people with either myopia or hypermetropia utilize spectacles to correct their vision.

Table of Contents


  • 1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 12 Physics Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments: Free PDF
  • 2.0Class 12 Physics Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments: Key Concepts
  • 3.0Key Features of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 9

Frequently Asked Questions

They apply the convention consistently across all solved examples, providing a "rule of thumb" for placing objects and measuring focal lengths to ensure numerical accuracy.

Yes, the solutions provide ray diagrams demonstrating how convex mirrors provide a wider field of view and always form an erect, diminished image.

They cover all foundational topics like displacement method, silvering of lenses, and power of combinations, which are essential for solving advanced optics problems.

The solutions highlight the advantages of reflecting telescopes, such as the lack of chromatic aberration and the ease of supporting large mirrors compared to heavy lenses.

Absolutely; the solutions break down the derivation by considering refraction at two successive spherical surfaces, making the complex logic much simpler to follow.

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