Class 10 Exam > Class 10 Notes > Physics Class 10 ICSE > Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction
Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE PDF Download
| Table of contents |
|
| Properties of Light |
|
| Reflection of Light |
|
| Spherical Mirrors |
|
| Concave Mirror Image Formation |
|
| Sign Convention |
|
| Mirror Formula |
|
| Magnification |
|
| Refraction of Light |
|
| Lenses |
|
Properties of Light
- Definition: Light is a form of electromagnetic energy causing vision.
- Nature: Exhibits dual nature (wave and particle).
- Propagation: Travels in straight lines, does not require a medium.
- Speed: Maximum in vacuum (3 × 10⁸ m/s).
- Phenomena: Image formation, twinkling of stars, rainbows, light bending.
- Interactions: Reflection, refraction, or absorption when light hits a surface.
Reflection of Light
Definition: Light bounces off a surface, changing direction.
Laws of Reflection
- Angle of incidence (∠i) = Angle of reflection (∠r).
- Incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane.
Images
- Real Image: Formed where light rays actually meet.
- Virtual Image: Formed where light rays appear to meet.
- Plane Mirror Characteristics:
- Virtual, erect, same size as object.
- Image distance equals object distance.
- Laterally inverted (right appears left, vice versa).
- Application: AMBULANCE written reversed for correct rearview mirror reading.
Spherical Mirrors
Types:
- Concave: Reflecting surface curved inward (converging).
- Convex: Reflecting surface curved outward (diverging).
- Principal Axis: Line joining pole and center of curvature.
- Pole (P): Center of the mirror.
- Center of Curvature (C): Center of the sphere forming the mirror.
- Radius of Curvature (R): Distance from pole to center of curvature.
- Focus (F): Point where parallel rays converge (concave) or appear to diverge (convex).
- Focal Length (f): Distance from pole to focus (f = R/2).
- Ray parallel to principal axis: Passes through focus (concave) or appears to diverge from focus (convex).
- Ray through focus: Becomes parallel to principal axis after reflection.
- Ray through center of curvature: Reflects back along the same path.
- Ray incident at pole: Reflects obeying laws of reflection.
Concave Mirror Image Formation
- Image formation by a concave mirror for different positions of the object
- Ray diagrams for the image formation by a concave mirror
Concave Mirror Image Formation
Nature, position and relative size of the image formed by a convex mirror
Uses
- Concave: Torches, headlights, dentist mirrors, shaving mirrors, solar furnaces.
- Convex: Rearview mirrors, security mirrors, blind turn visibility.
Sign Convention
- Object on left: Object distance (u) always negative.
- Distances along incident ray: Positive.
- Distances against incident ray: Negative.
- Above principal axis: Positive; below: Negative.
- Focal length: Negative for concave, positive for convex.
Mirror Formula
1/v + 1/u = 1/f
v = Image distance, u = Object distance, f = Focal length.
Magnification
m = hᵢ/hₒ = -v/u
- m negative: Real image.
- m positive: Virtual image.
- m = 1: Same size (plane mirror).
- m > 1: Enlarged.
- m < 1: Diminished.
Refraction of Light
Definition: Bending of light as it passes between media due to change in velocity.
Velocity: Maximum in vacuum/air (3 × 10⁸ m/s), lower in denser media.
Laws of Refraction
- Incident ray, refracted ray, and normal lie in the same plane.
- Snell’s Law: n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂).
Bending Behavior
- Rarer to Denser: Ray bends toward normal (∠i > ∠r).
- Denser to Rarer: Ray bends away from normal (∠i < ∠r).
- Refractive Index (n): n = c/v (c = speed in vacuum, v = speed in medium).
- Higher n for denser media; maximum for violet, minimum for red.
Relative Refractive Index
Refraction: When a ray of light travels obliquely from one transparent medium to another, it changes direction due to a change in speed. This phenomenon is called refraction.
Behaviour of Light:
- From rarer to denser medium: Light slows down, bends toward the normal.
- From denser to rarer medium: Light speeds up, bends away from the normal.
Refractive Index (n):
- It quantifies the extent of change in direction of light when passing from one medium to another.
- For two media, the refractive index of medium 2 with respect to medium 1 is:
- Similarly, for medium 1 with respect to medium 2:
Absolute Refractive Index:
- If medium 1 is vacuum or air, the refractive index of medium 2 is called the absolute refractive index:
Speed of light in vacuum: 3×108m/s.- In air, speed is slightly less; in denser media like glass or water, it reduces significantly.
Optical Density:
- Optical density refers to a medium’s ability to refract light, not its mass density.
- A medium with a higher refractive index is optically denser; light slows down and bends toward the normal.
- A medium with a lower refractive index is optically rarer; light speeds up and bends away from the normal.
Key Observations:
- Light travels fastest in a vacuum, slower in air, and much slower in glass or water.
- An optically denser medium may not have higher mass density (e.g., kerosene has a higher refractive index than water but lower mass density).
Lenses
Definition: Transparent material with two curved surfaces or one curved and one plane.
Types:
- Convex (Converging): Thicker at center.
- Concave (Diverging): Thinner at center.
Key Terms
- Optical Center (O): Ray passes undeviated.
- Principal Axis: Line through optical center, perpendicular to lens.
- Principal Focus: Point where parallel rays converge (convex) or appear to diverge (concave).
- Focal Length (f): Distance from optical center to focus.
- Aperture: Effective diameter, intensity ∝ (aperture)².
Ray Diagram Rules
- Ray through optical center: Passes undeviated.
- Ray through first focus (convex) or toward it (concave): Becomes parallel after refraction.
- Ray parallel to principal axis: Passes through second focus (convex) or appears to diverge from it (concave).
Convex Lens Image Formation
Concave Lens Image Formation
Lens Formula
1/f = 1/v - 1/u
f = Focal length, v = Image distance, u = Object distance.
Sign Convention
- u: Always negative.
- v: Positive for real, negative for virtual.
- f: Positive for convex, negative for concave.
Power of Lens
P = 1/f (f in meters).
Unit: Diopter (D).
Sign: Positive for convex, negative for concave.
Magnification
M = hᵢ/hₒ = v/u
- M negative: Real image.
- M positive: Virtual image.
- M = 1: Same size.
- M > 1: Enlarged.
- M < 1: Diminished.
The document Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE is a part of the Class 10 Course Physics Class 10 ICSE.
All you need of Class 10 at this link: Class 10
|
28 videos|161 docs|14 tests
|
FAQs on Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction - Physics Class 10 ICSE
| 1. What are the fundamental properties of light? |  |
Ans. The fundamental properties of light include its ability to travel in straight lines, its reflection and refraction when encountering different media, and its interaction with materials, which leads to phenomena such as absorption and transmission. Light also exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, known as wave-particle duality.
| 2. How does reflection of light work, and what are the laws governing it? | |
Ans. Reflection of light occurs when it strikes a surface and bounces back. The laws of reflection state that the angle of incidence (the angle between the incoming ray and the normal) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle between the reflected ray and the normal). This is true for all types of surfaces, whether they are smooth or rough.
| 3. What is the difference between concave and convex mirrors? | |
Ans. Concave mirrors are curved inward, resembling a bowl, and can converge light rays to a focal point, producing real or virtual images depending on the object's distance from the mirror. Conversely, convex mirrors are curved outward and diverge light rays, always producing virtual images that are smaller than the object and located behind the mirror.
| 4. What is refraction of light, and how does it occur? | |
Ans. Refraction of light is the bending of light rays as they pass from one medium to another with a different density. This occurs due to a change in the speed of light in different materials. The laws of refraction, known as Snell's law, can be expressed as n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂), where n represents the refractive indices of the respective media and θ represents the angles of incidence and refraction.
| 5. How are reflection and refraction applied in daily life? | |
Ans. Reflection and refraction are utilized in various applications in daily life. For instance, reflection is used in mirrors for personal grooming and in reflective safety gear. Refraction is employed in lenses for glasses, cameras, and microscopes, enhancing vision and image quality by manipulating light paths.
About this Document
4.83/5
Rating
Sep 09, 2025
Last updated
Related Exams
Document Description: Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction for Class 10 2025 is part of Physics Class 10 ICSE preparation.
The notes and questions for Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction have been prepared according to the Class 10 exam syllabus. Information about Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction covers topics
like Properties of Light, Reflection of Light, Spherical Mirrors, Concave Mirror Image Formation, Sign Convention, Mirror Formula, Magnification, Refraction of Light, Lenses and Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Example, for Class 10 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction.
Introduction of Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction in English is available as part of our Physics Class 10 ICSE
for Class 10 & Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction in Hindi for Physics Class 10 ICSE course.
Download more important topics related with notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 10
Exam by signing up for free. Class 10: Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE
Description
Full syllabus notes, lecture & questions for Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE - Class 10 | Plus excerises question with solution to help you revise complete syllabus for Physics Class 10 ICSE | Best notes, free PDF download
Information about Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction
In this doc you can find the meaning of Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides explaining types of
Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction tests, examples and also practice Class 10
tests
Related Searches
Objective type Questions
,Important questions
,practice quizzes
,video lectures
,Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE
,Previous Year Questions with Solutions
,Exam
,Free
,MCQs
,past year papers
,Viva Questions
,Sample Paper
,Extra Questions
,Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE
,Semester Notes
,shortcuts and tricks
,ppt
,mock tests for examination
,Summary
,study material
,Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction | Physics Class 10 ICSE
;
Additional Information about Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction for Class 10 Preparation
Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Free PDF Download
The Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction is an invaluable resource that delves deep into the core of the Class 10 exam.
These study notes are curated by experts and cover all the essential topics and concepts, making your preparation more efficient and effective.
With the help of these notes, you can grasp complex subjects quickly, revise important points easily,
and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. The study notes are presented in a concise and easy-to-understand manner,
allowing you to optimize your learning process. Whether you're looking for best-recommended books, sample papers, study material,
or toppers' notes, this PDF has got you covered. Download the Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction now and kickstart your journey towards success in the Class 10 exam.
Importance of Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction
The importance of Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction cannot be overstated, especially for Class 10 aspirants.
This document holds the key to success in the Class 10 exam.
It offers a detailed understanding of the concept, providing invaluable insights into the topic.
By knowing the concepts well in advance, students can plan their preparation effectively.
Utilize this indispensable guide for a well-rounded preparation and achieve your desired results.
Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Notes
Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Notes offer in-depth insights into the specific topic to help you master it with ease.
This comprehensive document covers all aspects related to Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction.
It includes detailed information about the exam syllabus, recommended books, and study materials for a well-rounded preparation.
Practice papers and question papers enable you to assess your progress effectively.
Additionally, the paper analysis provides valuable tips for tackling the exam strategically.
Access to Toppers' notes gives you an edge in understanding complex concepts.
Whether you're a beginner or aiming for advanced proficiency, Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Notes on EduRev are your ultimate resource for success.
Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Class 10 Questions
The "Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction Class 10 Questions" guide is a valuable resource for all aspiring students preparing for the
Class 10 exam. It focuses on providing a wide range of practice questions to help students gauge
their understanding of the exam topics. These questions cover the entire syllabus, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
The guide includes previous years' question papers for students to familiarize themselves with the exam's format and difficulty level.
Additionally, it offers subject-specific question banks, allowing students to focus on weak areas and improve their performance.
Study Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction on the App
Students of Class 10 can study Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction alongwith tests & analysis from the EduRev app,
which will help them while preparing for their exam. Apart from the Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction,
students can also utilize the EduRev App for other study materials such as previous year question papers, syllabus, important questions, etc.
The EduRev App will make your learning easier as you can access it from anywhere you want.
The content of Cheat Sheet: Light: Reflection and Refraction is prepared as per the latest Class 10 syllabus.
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
Signup to see your scores
go up
within 7 days!
within 7 days!
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup