Physics Quiz

Determination of the acceleration due to gravity “g” by a compound pendulum.

1. What do you mean by periodic motion and simple harmonic motion?

Periodic motion: When a body moves in such a way that the path of motion of the body is
repeated at a regular interval of time about a definite point, the motion is said to be
periodic motion. The time required for each repetition is called time-period.
Example: The motion of the moon about the earth, the oscillation of a pendulum, the
motion of a mass suspended from a coil spring, etc.

Simple harmonic motion: When a body moves in such a way that its acceleration is
always directed towards a certain fixed point and varies directly as its distance from that
point, the body is said to be executing simple harmonic motion. Within 4 displacement,
the motion of a simple pendulum is simple harmonic.

2. Define (i) Frequency and (ii) Period of Oscillation. What is the unit of frequency?

Frequency: The number of complete vibrations of a body executing simple harmonic

1
motion per unit time is called the frequency of oscillation, n = . Unit of frequency is Hz.
T
Period: The period (T) of vibration of a particle is the time taken by the particle to
1
perform one complete vibration. T = .
n
Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a particle of the medium either side of its
equilibrium position is called the amplitude (A) of the wave.

Free vibration: If a body vibrates with a period of constant time the vibration of the body
is known as free vibration.

Resonance: When the frequency of the applied force is equal to the natural frequency of
the body then the body vibrates with maximum amplitude and the resulting phenomenon is
known as resonance.

3. Define acceleration due to gravity. What is its value in the earth? If we go away from earth
or towards the centre of the earth then how the acceleration due to gravity will vary?

Acceleration due to gravity: The rate of change of velocity of a free-falling body due to
attraction of the earth is called the acceleration due to gravity. It is denoted by g. The value
of g in the earth is 9.81 cm/sec2. The standard acceleration due to gravity denoted by ɡ0 or
ɡn, is the nominal gravitational acceleration of an object in a vacuum near the surface of
the Earth. It is defined by standard as 9.80665 m/s2. It is originally based on the
acceleration of a body in free fall at sea level at a geodetic latitude of 45°.

If we go away from earth or towards the centre of the earth then the acceleration due to
gravity will decrease in both cases. The acceleration due to gravity is maximum on the
earth surface. At the centre of the earth the value of g is zero.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

4. If the Rod is hanged at the middle point what will happen? What is maximum angel of
deflection or the amplitude of this experiment?
If the rod is hanged at the middle point the rod will not execute simple harmonic motion.
The approximate angle of deflection of the compound pendulum is 4.

5. Write down the equation for period of oscillation of the compound pendulum and explain
each term.
L
The equation of period of oscillation of a compound pendulum is T = 2 , where L is
g
the length of the equivalent simple pendulum equal to the distance between the centre of
suspension and the centre of oscillation and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Frequency of a mass on a spring , where M is the mass of the system and K

is the force constant.

6. Write down the laws of oscillation of a simple pendulum.

Law of length: When the acceleration due to gravity g is constant and the angle of
displacement is with the 4, the period of oscillation of simple pendulum is directly
proportional to the square root of its effective length.
Mathematically, T L , where L is the effective length of the pendulum give as L = l + r,
l = length of the string and r = radius of the bob.

Law of g: When the effective length of a pendulum L is constant and the angle of
displacement is with the 4, the period of oscillation of simple pendulum is inversely
proportional to the square root of the acceleration due to gravity.
Mathematically, , where g is the acceleration due to gravity at the place where the
motion occurs.
Law of mass: The period of oscillation of simple pendulum is independent of the mass of
the bob at constant g.

7. What is compound pendulum? Which is superior-compound pendulum or a simple

pendulum?

Compound pendulum is a rigid body of any shape free to turn about a horizontal axis.

The ideal conditions of a simple pendulum can not be attained in practice. In a compound
pendulum the length of an equivalent simple pendulum can be determined and hence the
value of g can be accurately found out. The compound pendulum oscillates as a whole and
due to its heavy mass, goes on oscillation for a long time. Hence compound pendulum is
superior to simple pendulum. A compound pendulum is a fully realistic pendulum in that
the mass is distributed well beyond a small volume far from the pivot point.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

8. (i) Draw a typical graph with length (l) of a compound pendulum from the centre of mass
with the time period. (ii) Explain how will you measure the acceleration due gravity?

9. What is second pendulum? Find the length of the second pendulum. Find how many times
you need to increase the length of the pendulum to obtain twice the Oscillation period?

Second pendulum: A pendulum with 2 second period of oscillation is called the second
pendulum. The length of the second pendulum is
l l g 981cm
T = 2  2 = 2 l = 2 = = 99.396cm
g g  (3.14) 2
l1 l2
Let T1 = 2 , T2 = 2 . Given that T2 = 2T1
g g
l2 l
So, T2 = 2T1  2 = 2  2 1  l 2 = 2 l1 or  l 2 = 4l1
g g
Thus, the length of the pendulum should be increased 4 times to obtain twice the
Oscillation period.

Determination of the modulus of rigidity of a wire by dynamical method.

1. What is meant by elasticity? Define (i) Perfectly elastic body and (ii) Elastic limit.

Elasticity: It is that property of a body which enables it to recover from a deformation

caused by the application of a force, after the force is removed.

Perfectly elastic body: When a body regains its original state after the removal of the
stress applied on it, the body is said to be perfectly elastic.

Elastic limit: The limit of upto which a body shows the elasticity i.e., Hooke’s law
obeyed, is called the elastic limit.

2. Write down the different kinds of stress and strain. Define (i) Stress and (ii) Strain. Give
their units and dimensions. Show that strain has no unit.

Types of stress and strain:

(i) tensile stress and tensile strain
(ii) volume stress and volume strain
(iii) shearing stress and sharing strain

Stress: The applied force per unit cross-sectional area of a body along the perpendicular
direction is called the stress. Unit of stress is N/m

Strain: Elongation per unit length of a body is called the strain. Strain has no unit.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

If the force F is perpendicularly applied to a body of length L of cross-sectional area A and

F l
l is the elongation then Stress = and Strain =
A L
The unit of L and l are same so strain has no unit.

3. What are the different kinds of Elastic modulus? Define modulus of rigidity. What is its
unit?

Types of Elastic modulus:

(i) Young’s modulus
(ii) Bulk modulus
(iii) Modulus of rigidity
tensilestress F / A F .L
Young’s modulus, Y = = =
tensilestrain l / L l. A
stress F / A F .V
Bulk modulus, K = = =
volumestrain v / V v. A
tan gentialstress F / A F / A F .L
Modulus of rigidity,  = = = =
tan gentialstrain  l/L l. A
2
Unit of modulus is dyne/cm .

4. Write down the equations for moment of Inertia of a cylinder mass M and radius a.

The equation of moment of inertia of a cylinder of mass M and radius a is given by

1
I = Ma 2
2

5. On which factors the modulus of rigidity (n) of a material of a wire depends on?
The rigidity modulus depends on the material of the wire and temperature. It does not
change with the size and shape such as with the radius or length. Longer or thicker wire
does not change the value of rigidity modulus (n). With the increase of temperature,
rigidity decreases.

6. Does the period of oscillation depend on the amplitude of oscillation of the cylinder?
No, the angle of oscillation may have any value with the elastic limit of the suspension
wire.

7. How will the period of oscillation be affected if the bob of the pendulum be made heavy?
With greater mass, the moment of inertia increases and hence it will oscillate slowly with
greater period.

8. Draw the experimental setup to determine the modulus of rigidity of a wire by dynamical
method. Write down the equation of modulus of rigidity of the wire.
The equation of modulus of rigidity of the wire is given by , where I is the
moment of inertia of the cylinder, l is the length of the wire, T is the time period and r is
the radius of the wire.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Determination of the spring constant and effective mass of a loaded spring.

1. Write the statement of Hooke’s Law of elasticity? Give its mathematical representation
and explain the physical significance of the negative sign.

Hooke’s law: Provided that the distortion of a body is not too great, it has been found that
restoring force is directly proportional to the amount of distortion. This is known as the
Hooke’s law.

Let a wire of length l is stretched or compressed a distance x by an applied force F.

According to Hooke’s law, F = −kx , where k is called the spring constant whose value
depends on the material, the dimension of the wire and the units used for measurement.

Spring force F is the force applied by a spring given by Hooke’s law. The spring force is
called a restoring force because the force exerted by the spring is always in the opposite
direction to the displacement. This is why there is a negative sign in the Hooke’s law
equation. The negative sign gives the direction of the restoring force which is opposite to
the distortion.

2. Define Poisson’s ratio. What is the range for the value of Poisson’s ratio?

Poisson’s ratio: The ratio of the lateral strain to the elongation strain is called the
1 1
Poisson’s ratio of the material. Its value lies between + to − .
2 2

3. Write down the equation of spring constant k of a loaded spring and explain the terms.
What is the unit of spring constant?
F mg
The spring constant of a spring obeying Hooke’s law is k = = , where m is the
x x
quantity of hanging mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity and x is the elongation under
the force F. The unit of spring constant is N/m.

4. Draw the experimental setup to determine the spring constant and effective mass of a
loaded spring.

5. Draw the typical graphs of (i) extensions of the spring (x in cm) and (ii) T2 as a function of
added loads (m0 in grams) respectively.

6. Which is more elastic, rubber or steel? Explain clearly.

To produce a certain strain, greater stress is necessary for steel than for rubber and hence
steel is more elastic than rubber.

7. What is effective mass of the spring?

On the period of vibrations of a spring with a load, the effect of the mass of the spring
distributed over its whole length is the same as though one-third the mass of the spring is
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

added to the load. This one-third mass of the spring is known as the effective mass of the
spring.

In a real spring–mass system, the spring has a non-negligible mass m. Since not all of the
spring's length moves at the same velocity as the suspended mass M, its kinetic energy is
1
not equal to mv 2 . As such, m cannot be simply added to M to determine the frequency of
2
oscillation, and the effective mass of the spring is defined as the mass that needs to be
added to M to correctly predict the behavior of the system.

Determination of the specific resistance of a wire using a meter bridge.

1. Define (i) Ammeter, (ii) Voltmeter, (iii) Galvanometer and (iv) metre bridge. How are they
connected in a circuit?

Ammeter: An instrument which is used to measure current in a circuit. Ammeter is

connected in series.

Voltmeter: An instrument which is used to measure voltage across a resistor or capacitor

or voltage source. Voltmeter is connected in parallel with the resistor.

Galvanometer: The galvanometer is the device used for detecting and indicating the
presence of small current and voltage or for measuring their magnitude. The galvanometer
is mainly used in the bridges and potentiometer where they indicate the null deflection or
zero current. It is based on the premise that the current sustaining coil is kept between the
magnetic field experiences a torque.

Metre bridge: A meter bridge also called a slide wire bridge is an instrument that works
on the principle of a Wheatstone bridge. A meter bridge is used in finding the unknown
resistance of a conductor

2. Define (i) Conductor, (ii) Insulator and (iii) Semiconductor. Give their examples.

Conductor: Materials through which charge can move freely/easily we call such materials
conductors. Conductors have a large number of loosely bound valence electrons; these
electrons are easily knocked out of their orbit and are then referred to as free electrons.
Example: metals, tap water, human body, Iron, copper, Nickel…. etc.

Insulator: An insulator, also called a dielectric, is a material that resists the flow of
electric current. An insulating material has atoms with tightly bonded valence electrons as
a result no electric charge can pass through the insulators. These materials are used in parts
of electrical equipment, also called insulators or insulation, intended to support or separate
electrical conductors without passing current through themselves.
Example: Some materials such as glass, paper or Teflon are very good electrical insulators.
A much larger class of materials, for example rubber-like polymers and most plastics are
insulators.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Semiconductor: Materials with electrical conductivities between those of insulators and

conductors called semiconductors. The electrical resistivity decreases in the case of
semiconductors with the rise of the temperature.
Examples: Si, Ge, GaAs.
3. What is resistance? What is the unit of resistance? Write down the ohm’s law of resistance.

Resistance: The property of a material which opposes the flow of charges through the
material is called the resistance of the material. Resistance of a material depends on the
material itself, impurities, void, defects, temperature, etc.
Unit of resistance: Ohm ().

Symbol of resistance:

Ohm’s law of resistance: At a constant temperature, the flow of current through a wire is
proportional to the potential drop between the two ends of the wire.
V 1
Mathematically, IV  I = , where the constant R is called the resistance and is
R R
called the conductivity of the wire.

4. Write down the equation of resistance of a wire in terms of its length, resistivity and area
of cross-section. Which is constant-resistance or resistivity of a material of a wire?
l l
The equation of resistance is R = = 2 , where  is the resistivity of the material of the
A r
wire and l is the length of the wire A = r2 is the area of cross-section of the wire of radius
r.
Resistivity is constant with temperature. Resistance changes with size, shape and
temperatures. Resistivity is independent of size and shape.

5. What is variable resistance? Draw the symbol of a variable resistance.

Variable resistance: The resistor whose resistance can be changed using a variable knob
by changing the length of the wire is called the variable resistance. The variable resistance
is also known as Rheostat.

Symbol of the variable resistance:

 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

6. Define specific resistance of a wire of a material? What is its unit? On what factors does
the specific resistance of a wire of a material depend?

Specific resistance: The resistance of a material per unit length per unit cross-sectional
area is known as the specific resistance of the material.

Unit of specific resistance: Its unit is ohm-cm (-cm).

Factor upon which specific resistance depends on: It depends on the material and its
temperature. It is higher at higher temperature. It does not change with length or diameter
of the wire.

7. Why is necessary (i) to interchange the resistances and (ii) to reverse the current?

(i) The pointer which indicates the null point may not be situated exactly above the
fine edge of the jockey which contacts bridge wire. This is known as tapping
error. This is eliminated by interchanging the resistances.

(ii) Reversing the current eliminates the effect of thermo-current in the circuit.

8. Draw the circuit diagram to determine the specific resistance of a wire using a meter
bridge. Why is the apparatus called a meter bridge?

Because the length of the bridge wire is one meter, the apparatus is called a meter bridge.

9. Write down the working formula to calculate the specific resistance of a wire using meter-
bridge and explain the terms. Which factor should be determined carefully?
R(l + x)
Unknown resistance is in right gap: X 1 = and in left gap:
(100 − l ) + y
R(100 − l ) + y
X2 =
(l  + x)
Where x and y are end-errors.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Xr 2
Working formula for the specific resistance:  = , where  = the specific
L
resistance of the material of the wire and r = the radius of the cross-section of the wire and
X + X2
L = length of the experimental wire and the mean unknown resistance, X = 1 .
2
The radius should be determined carefully.

Determination of the resistance of a galvanometer by half deflection method.

1. What is meant by the term galvanometer resistance? Is half-deflection method applicable

for galvanometer of any resistance?

Galvanometer resistance: The resistance of a galvanometer is the resistance of the coil of

the wire wound over a rectangular frame kept suspended between two pole pieces.

The method is applicable for galvanometer of high resistance only. In case of low
resistance galvanometer, the shunt resistance becomes comparable and the method fails.

2. Draw the circuit diagram of an experiment to determine the resistance of a galvanometer

by half-deflection method.

3. What is shunt? What is the function of the shunt used in this experiment?

Shunt: Shunt is a very small resistance which is connected in parallel with a

galvanometer.

Function of a shunt: The shunt protects the galvanometer from damage by allowing the
large proportion of the main current to flow through it, thereby reducing the current
through the galvanometer.

4. Why you prefer a low or high resistance of shunt?

Theory shows that the method gives a correct value of the galvanometer resistance when
the shunt is very low. So, a very low resistance of the shunt is preferred.

5. What will be the change in the galvanometer deflection for a change in the shunt
resistance?

The galvanometer deflection will increase with the increase of the shunt resistance and
will decrease with the decrease of the shunt resistance

6. How do you find the resistance of a galvanometer when the resistance is very low?

In the case of galvanometer of low resistance, it is best to clamp th4e coil and the to find
its resistance by a meter bridge or Post office Box.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Determination of the radius of curvature of a lens by Newton’s rings.

1. What is monochromatic light? Give an example of monochromatic light. Why do you take
sodium light instead of white light? What is the speed of light in vacuum?

Monochromatic light: Light consisting of only one particular wavelength is known as

monochromatic light.

Example: Sodium light is nearly monochromatic. It has only two colours of wavelengths
5890 Å and 5896 Å with an average value of 5893 Å.

Why Sodium light is used? we use sodium light because it gives single wavelength so
that coherent source can be formed easily for interference of light. In the other hand, white
light gives a spectrum of seven colours with which coherent source can not be formed.

2. Define interference of light. Define constructive and destructive interference of light.

Interference of light: When two beams of light cross each other at a certain point,
according to the principle of superposition the resultant intensity at the cross-over will be
either greater or less than that which would be given by one bam alone. This modification
of intensity of light due to superposition of two beams of light is known as the
interference of light.

Figure: Interference of light

Types of interference: Constructive and destructive interference.

The interference is said to be constructive when the resultant intensity is more or

destructive when the resultant intensity is less than that given by any beam alone.

3. What do you mean by coherent sources of light? What are the conditions necessary for
permanent interference?
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Coherent sources: Two sources of light are said to coherent if they emit light waves of
the same frequency, nearly the same amplitude and always have a constant phase
difference between them. Therefore, two sources must emit radiations of the same
wavelength/colour.

Conditions necessary for interference:

(i) The two beams of light which interfere must be coherent.

(ii) The two interfering waves must have the same amplitude.
(iii) The original source must be monochromatic.
(iv) The two coherent sources must be close to each other.

4. Where the rings are formed? Will the central ring be bright or dark?

The rings are formed in the air-gap between the surface of the lens and the plate.
The thickness of the air film at the point of contact is zero. As a result, the central spot is
normally a dark spot. The central spot may even be white. A fringe system of alternate
bright and dark rings concentric with the central dark spot is formed.

5. Write down the equation of the radius of curvature of the lens determined by the
Newton’s rings and explain the terms.
Dn2+ p − Dn2
The radius of curvature of the lower surface of a given lens is R = , where
4 p
Dn+ p and D n are the diameter of the (n+p)th and nth rings, respectively and  = Mean
wavelength of sodium light = 5893 Å.

6. Draw a typical graph of square of the diameter of the rings (D2 in cm2) as a function of
number of the ring.

Determination of the variation of the frequency of the tuning fork with the length of a
sonometer (n-l curve) under a given tension and hence determination of the unknown
frequency of a tuning fork.

1. What are the types of waves? Define transverse wave, longitudinal wave, torsional wave
and wavelength.

Wave motions are of different types. These are: (i) Transverse wave, (ii) Longitudinal
wave, (iii) Torsional wave and (iv) Standing wave, etc.
(i) Transverse wave: When the direction of propagation of a wave is perpendicular to the
direction of vibration of the particles of the medium in which the wave travels, the wave
is said to be a transverse wave. Light wave is a transverse wave.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

(ii) Longitudinal wave: When the vibrations of the medium are in the same or opposite
direction as the propagation, then the waves are known as longitudinal waves. Sound
wave is longitudinal wave.
(iii) Torsional wave: When a twist is propagated through as medium either as a single pulse
or as a succession of pulses with a definite frequency, the wave is called a torsional
wave.

Wavelength: The distance (along the direction of propagation) between two successive
corresponding points on the wave is called the wavelength (). This may be thought of as
the distance from crest to crest or from trough to trough etc., for a transverse wave.

2. Define frequency, period, amplitude, free vibration and resonance.

Frequency: The frequency (n) of a wave motion is the number of complete vibrations
1
which a particle performs in one second. n =
T
Period: The period (T) of vibration of a particle is the time taken by the particle to
1
perform one complete vibration. T = .
n
Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a particle of the medium either side of its
equilibrium position is called the amplitude (A) of the wave.

Free vibration: If a body vibrates with a period of constant time the vibration of the body
is known as free vibration.

Resonance: When the frequency of the applied force is equal to the natural frequency of
the body then the body vibrates with maximum amplitude and the resulting phenomenon is
known as resonance.

3. What is sonometer? Write down the equation of the frequency n of a tuning fork and
explain each term involved.

Sonometer: Sonometer or monochord is an instrument which is frequently used to

measure the vibrations or frequency of sound. It consists of a rectangular hollow wooden
box with a fine uniform steel wire stretched over it. Frequencies at which the response
amplitude is a relative maximum are also known as resonant frequencies or resonance
frequencies of the system. The term resonance (from Latin resonantia, 'echo', from
resonare, 'resound') originated from the field of acoustics
1 t
Equation of frequency: The frequency of a tuning fork is given by n = , where l is
2l m
the length of the string between the two fixed points, t is the tension in dynes and m is the
mass per unit length of the string in grams.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

4. What is use of the wooden board below the wire? Why is it made hollow? Will it do if the
box is constructed of steel?

When the string is set into vibration, its vibration is communicated to the board through
the bridges and the board is thrown into the forced vibration.

If the board is made hollow, the volume of air inside it is set into vibration. As a result, the
sound is intensified.
Steel box will not do because greater energy is required to set it into vibration.

5. Why the rider (inverted V shaped paper) over the string falls?

The wooden box is hollow which contains air. When the vibrating tuning fork is kept on
the box the air molecules inside the wooden box start to vibrate. When the natural
frequency of the tuning force becomes equal to the natural frequency of the air molecules,
the amplitude of the vibration becomes maximum. At the same time, stationary waves are
established on the string. At resonance, the frequency of the tuning fork and wire matches
and the amplitude of vibration of string is maximum and rider placed over it falls down.

6. If t and m remain constant how the frequency (n) of the tuning fork and the length of the
string between the two fixed points (l) is related with each other?

If t and m remain constant, then the frequency (n) of the tuning fork and the length of the
1
string between the two fixed points (l) is related with each other by n vs or
l
nl = constant .

1 1
7. Draw the typical curve of n vs l and n vs with frequency n in the x-axis and l and in
l l
the y-axis respectively.

Determination of threshold frequency for photo-electric effect of a photo-cathode and the

value of the Planck’s constant by using a photo-electric cell.

1. What is photo-electric effect? Define work function, threshold frequency, cut-off

frequency.

The photoelectric effect is a quantum electronic phenomenon in which electrons are

emitted from matter after the absorption of energy from electromagnetic radiation such as
x-rays or visible light. The emitted electrons can be referred to as photoelectrons in this
context. The effect is also termed the Hertz Effect, based on its discovery by Heinrich
Hertz.

The energy needed to knock an electron out of the substance is called the work function
(symbol ϕ) of the substance. This is a characteristic of the substance. If the energy of the
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

photon is less than the work function then no electron can be emitted, no matter how many
photons strike the substance.
There exists a certain minimum frequency of incident radiation below which no
photoelectrons can be emitted. This frequency is called the threshold frequency or cutoff
frequency.

In photoelectric effect experiment, an evacuated glass tube contains a metal plate

connected to a negative terminal of a battery of potential difference V. For large V, the
current reaches a maximum value, in addition, the current increases as the light intensity
increases.

2. What is stopping potential? Does it depend on (i) intensity and (ii) frequency of the
incident radiation?

The stopping potential is defined as the potential necessary to stop any electron from
reaching the other side. If we apply a negative potential on this (collector) plate, the
electrons will not approach so easily. Only the electrons with sufficient energy and hence,
velocity, will be able to surpass this opposing potential called retarding potential of the
(collector) plate. If we keep on increasing this negative (retarding) potential, there will be
one point when no more electrons reach this plate and thus, no electron flows through the
circuit. Thus, current flow through the circuit stops. This potential applied on the
(collector) plate is called as the stopping potential. The stopping potential is independent
of radiation intensity and its relation to the maximum kinetic energy ( ) is given by
Kmax = eVs.

3. Draw an experimental setup of photo-electric effect.

4. Write down the Einstein’s photo-electric equation and explain the terms.

5. Write down the equation of stopping potential in terms of frequency of the incident
radiation and explain each term.

6. Draw the typical graph of frequency vs stopping potential and explain how we can find the
threshold frequency.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Verification of the Malus law.

1. State the Malus law.

According to malus, when completely plane polarized light is incident on the analyzer,
the intensity I of the light transmitted by the analyzer is directly proportional to the square
of the cosine of angle between the transmission axes of the analyzer and the polarizer.

2. What is polarimeter?

A polarimeter is a scientific instrument used to measure the angle of rotation caused by

passing polarized light through an optically active substance.

Determination of the focal length and hence the power of a convex lens by displacement
method by an optical bench.

1. What is lens? What are the practical uses of a lens?

Lens: Any transparent refracting medium bounded by two surfaces of which at least one is
curved is called a lens.

Practical use of lens: They are used in telescopes, microscopes and other optical
instruments such as cameras, magnifying glasses, spectacles, etc.

2. Draw (i) Convex lens, (ii) Concave lens, (iii) Plano-convex lens, (iv) Plano-concave lens
and (v) Concavo-convex lens.

Lenses may be broadly divided into two groups- convex and concave.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Types of Convex lens:

(i) double convex or bi-convex, (ii) Plano-convex and (iii) Concavo-convex.
Convex lenses are known as converging lens.

Types of Concave lens:

(i) double concave or bi-concave, (ii) Plano-concave and (iii) Convexo-concave.
Concave lenses are known as diverging lens.

3. Show the (i) focal point, (ii) focal length, (iii) principal axis, and (iv) optical center of a
lens.
 Md. Anisur Rahman
Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Asia Pacific

Converging lenses (positive lenses) are thicker at the center than at the edges. Diverging lenses
(negative lenses) are thicker at the edges than at the center.

The optical center of the lens is located at its geometric centre. The principal axis is a
construction line drawn perpendicular to the lens, through the optical centre. The principal
focus (F) is a point on the principal axis where light comes to a focus (for a converging lens) or
appears to be diverging from (for a diverging lens). Two foci exist, equidistant on either side of
the lens, since light behaves the same way when travelling in either direction (Principle of
Reversibility). The two foci, F and F' are called the primary principal focus and the secondary
principal focus, respectively. F, sometimes also referred to as the primary focal point, is shown
on the right side of a converging lens, and on the left side of a diverging lens, while F', the
secondary focal point is shown on the opposite side of each respective lens.

The focal length is the distance between the principal focus and the optical centre of the lens.
The focal plane is an imaginary plane perpendicular to the principal axis at the focal point.
Parallel rays will converge through a converging lens somewhere on the focal plane.

Determination of the line frequency by Lissajous figures using an oscilloscope and a

function generator and verification of the calibration of the Time/Div knob at a particular
position for different frequencies.

1. What is Lissajous figure?

When a particle is influenced simultaneously by two simple harmonic motions at right angles
to each other, the resultant motion of the particle traces a curve. These curves are called
Lissajous figures.