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Ray Optics and Optical Instruments appeared 63 times across 3 years — 7.3% of Physics. This question is from Minimum Deviation in Prism.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 19 34 10 63

Consider following statements for refraction of light through prism, when angle of deviation is minimum. (A) The refracted ray inside prism becomes parallel to the base. (B) Larger angle prisms provide smaller angle of minimum deviation. (C) Angle of incidence and angle of emergence becomes equal. (D) There are always two sets of angle of incidence for which deviation will be same except at minimum deviation setting. (E) Angle of refraction becomes double of prism angle. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

For a prism of angle A:

  • Deviation: δ = i + e - A
  • Minimum deviation δmin occurs when:
i = e and r₁ = r₂ = (A)/(2)
  • Under minimum deviation, the ray inside an equilateral/isosceles prism travels symmetrically, making it parallel to the prism base.
Core Logic

Let's check the validity of each statement:

  • Statement (A): The refracted ray inside the prism becomes parallel to the base at minimum deviation. (True for symmetric prisms)
  • Statement (B): Larger angle prisms provide smaller minimum deviation. By minimum deviation equation:
μ = ( A+δmin2) ((A)/(2))

As A increases, δmin generally increases, not decreases. (False)

  • Statement (C): Angle of incidence i and angle of emergence e become equal (i = e) during the minimum deviation state. (True)
  • Statement (D): The δ-i curve is asymmetric and parabolic-like; for any deviation δ > δmin, there are always exactly two different incident angles (i and e) that yield the same deviation, except at the minimum deviation point (which has a single unique value). (True)
  • Statement (E): Angle of refraction r = A/2, which is half of the prism angle, not double. (False)
Step 1: Conclusion

Since statements A, C, and D are true, the correct option is (1).

Pattern Recognition

Review the classic parabolic shape of the deviation vs. angle of incidence (δ-i) graph. Notice that any horizontal line above the minimum point intersects twice (representing i and e for that deviation). Minimum deviation is the unique local minimum, where i = e and r₁ = r₂ = A/2.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments: Refraction through Prism

Reference Study Guides

More Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Previous-Year Questions

Q jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Lenses
A collimated beam of light of diameter 2 mm is propagating along x-axis. The beam is required to be expanded in a collimated beam of diameter 14 mm using a system of two convex lenses. If first lens has focal length 40 mm, then the focal length of second lens is ____ mm.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 280 to 280

Solution

Related Formula
Magnification m = DoutDᵢₙ = (f₂)/(f₁)
Core Logic

For a beam expander using two convex lenses, the lenses are arranged such that their focal points coincide. This creates an afocal system where parallel input rays remain parallel upon output.

Lenses solution diagram for Q46 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Lenses solution diagram for Q46 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
By similar triangles at the focal point:

θ = (D₁ / 2)/(f₁) = (D₂ / 2)/(f₂)
Step 1: Solving for f2
(D₁)/(f₁) = (D₂)/(f₂) (2)/(40) = (14)/(f₂) f₂ = 14 × (40)/(2) = 14 × 20 = 280 mm
Pattern Recognition

A standard beam expander (Keplerian telescope design used in reverse) has f₂/f₁ = D₂/D₁.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Q50 jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Microscope
In a microscope the objective is having focal length f₀ = 2 cm and eye-piece is having focal length fₑ = 4 cm. The tube length is 32 cm. The magnification produced by this microscope for normal adjustment is ____.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 100 to 100

Solution

Related Formula
m ≈ (L)/(f₀) × (D)/(fₑ)
Core Logic

For a compound microscope in normal adjustment (image formed at infinity), the magnifying power is given by the standard approximation:

m l Df₀ fₑ

where l is the tube length, D = 25 cm is the least distance of distinct vision.

Step 1: Substitute Values

Given values: l = 32 cm f₀ = 2 cm fₑ = 4 cm D = 25 cm (standard assumption when not given)

m = (32)/(2) × (25)/(4) m = 16 × (25)/(4) = 4 × 25 = 100

Microscope solution diagram for Q50 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Microscope solution diagram for Q50 - JEE Main 2026 Morning

Pattern Recognition

Compound microscope formulas: Normal adjustment → image at ∞, m = (L/f₀)(D/fₑ). Image at near point D, m = (L/f₀)(1 + D/fₑ). Default to standard approximation when given tube length.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Q45 jee_main_2026_21_jan_evening Prism
As shown in the diagram, when the incident ray is parallel to base of the prism, the emergent ray grazes along the second surface.
Ray diagram through prism for Q45 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Ray of light grazing the second surface of a prism after incident parallel to the base.
If refractive index of the material of prism is √(2), the angle θ of prism is.
  • A. 60°
  • B. 75°
  • C. 90°
  • D. 45°

Solution

Related Formula

A = r₁ + r₂

μ = ( i)/( r)
Core Logic

Detailed ray angles in prism for Q45 solution - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Ray of light grazing the second surface of a prism after incident parallel to the base.

Since the incident ray is parallel to the base, looking at the geometry, the angle of incidence on the first face can be derived. The base angle is 45°. Thus, the normal to the first surface makes an angle of 45° with the incident ray. Therefore, i₁ = 45°.

For the emergent ray to graze the second surface, the angle of emergence e = 90°. Applying Snell's Law at the second surface:

μ r₂ = 1 · 90° √(2) r₂ = 1 r₂ = 1√(2) r₂ = 45°
Step 1: First Surface Analysis

Applying Snell's Law at the incident surface:

1 · (45°) = μ (r₁) 1√(2) = √(2) (r₁) (r₁) = (1)/(2) r₁ = 30°
Step 2: Prism Geometry

The prism angle A at the apex is the sum of the internal angles of refraction:

A = r₁ + r₂ = 30° + 45° = 75°
Step 3: Final Conclusion

In the triangle of the prism, the sum of angles is 180°.

A + 45° + θ = 180° 75° + 45° + θ = 180° 120° + θ = 180° θ = 60°
Pattern Recognition

Grazing emergence means r₂ = θc (critical angle). Horizontal incidence with a known base angle gives i₁. Combining these through A = r₁ + r₂ resolves the full geometry.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Q39 jee_main_2026_22_january_morning Lens Combinations and Magnification
A thin convex lens of focal length 5 cm and a thin concave lens of focal length 4 cm are combined together (without any gap) and this combination has magnification m₁, when an object is placed 10 cm before the convex lens. Keeping the positions of convex lens and object undisturbed a gap of 1 cm is introduced between the lenses by moving the concave lens away, which lead to a change in magnification of total lens system to m₂. The value of | m₁m₂| is \_\_\_\_.
  • A. (5)/(9)
  • B. (5)/(27)
  • C. (3)/(2)
  • D. (25)/(27)

Solution

Related Formula
(1)/(f) = (1)/(f₁) + (1)/(f₂) - (d)/(f₁ f₂), m = (v)/(u)
Core Logic

This question was officially dropped by the examining authority. Full marks awarded to all candidates.

Pattern Recognition

Sees: Lens combination with separation gap introduced. Shortcut: Note official exam status (Dropped question). Check: Question dropped in final key. ✓

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Q40 jee_main_2026_22_january_morning Prism Refraction and Grazing Emergence
Consider an equilateral prism (refractive index √(2)). A ray of light is incident on its one surface at a certain angle i. If the emergent ray is found to graze along the other surface then the angle of refraction at the incident surface is close to \_\_\_\_.
  • A. 15°
  • B. 20°
  • C. 40°
  • D. 30°

Solution

Related Formula
μ r₂ = 1 e, r₁ + r₂ = A
Core Logic

Solution prism ray diagram for Q40 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Solution prism ray diagram for Q40 - JEE Main 2026 Morning

For grazing emergence (e = 90°):

μ r₂ = 1 √(2) r₂ = 1 r₂ = 45°

Since prism is equilateral (A = 60°):

r₁ = A - r₂ = 60° - 45° = 15°
Pattern Recognition

Sees: Equilateral prism with grazing emergence. Shortcut: Use critical angle condition at second surface and prism angle relation r₁ + r₂ = A. Check: Matches option (1). ✓

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

More Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Questions — jee_main_2025_03_april_morning

Practice all Ray Optics and Optical Instruments previous-year questions →

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JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)