Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Refractive index of glass is higher than that of air. [cite: 130] Reason (R): Optical density of a medium is directly proportionate to its mass density which results in a proportionate refractive index. [cite: 131] In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below: [cite: 132]

Solution & Explanation

### Core Logic Refractive index represents the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to its speed in a given medium[cite: 719]. Glass slows light down more than air does, hence mu_textglass approx 1.5 > mu_textair approx 1.0, which makes Assertion (A) correct[cite: 130]. However, optical density is defined by a medium's capacity to refract light and is completely conceptually distinct from inertial mass density (mass per unit volume)[cite: 719]. For example, turpentine has a lower mass density than water but possesses a higher optical density and refractive index. Therefore, Reason (R) is fundamentally incorrect[cite: 722]. ### Pattern Recognition Optical density vs mass density is a signature conceptual trick in refraction theory[cite: 719]. They share the word 'density' but have entirely different physical meanings and no fixed mathematical proportionality[cite: 719, 722]. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Reference Study Guides

More Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Previous-Year Questions — Page 10

Q34 jee_main_2024_31_jan_morning Prism Deviation
The refractive index of a prism with apex angle A is cot(A/2). The angle of minimum deviation is :
  • A. delta_mathrmm = 180^circ - A
  • B. delta_mathrmm = 180^circ - 3A
  • C. delta_mathrmm = 180^circ - 4A
  • D. delta_mathrmm = 180^circ - 2A

Solution

### Related Formula mu = fracsinleft(fracA + delta_m2right)sinleft(fracA2right) ### Core Logic Given that the refractive index mu = cotleft(fracA2right). Substituting this into the prism formula: cotleft(fracA2right) = fracsinleft(fracA + delta_m2right)sinleft(fracA2right) fraccosleft(fracA2right)sinleft(fracA2right) = fracsinleft(fracA + delta_m2right)sinleft(fracA2right) Equating the numerators: cosleft(fracA2right) = sinleft(fracA + delta_m2right) We can rewrite cosine in terms of sine: sinleft(fracpi2 - fracA2right) = sinleft(fracA + delta_m2right) ### Step 2: Solve for Deviation Comparing the angles inside the sine functions: fracpi2 - fracA2 = fracA2 + fracdelta_m2 Multiply the entire equation by 2: pi - A = A + delta_m delta_m = pi - 2A Converting radians to degrees: delta_m = 180^circ - 2A ### Pattern Recognition Whenever refractive index mu = cot(A/2), the relation sin(90^circ - A/2) strictly matches the prism sine equation, meaning minimum deviation delta_m is always 180^circ - 2A. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics And Optical Instruments

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