Optical Instruments
NIOS · Class 12 · Physics
Most important questions from Optical Instruments for NIOS Class 12 Physics board exam 2026. MCQs, short answer, and long answer questions with marks.
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The magnifying power of an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment, where f₀ = 100 cm and fₑ = 5 cm, is:
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20
Step 1: Formula for magnifying power of a telescope in normal adjustment: M = f₀/fₑ. Step 2: Substitute f₀ = 100 cm and fₑ = 5 cm. Step 3: M = 100/5 = 20. Option A (5) is fₑ alone. Option C (500) multiplies instead of dividing. Option D (95) subtracts the focal lengths incorrectly.
The length of an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment is:
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f₀ + fₑ
Step 1: In normal adjustment, the final image is at infinity. Step 2: This means the back focal point of the objective coincides with the front focal point of the eyepiece. Step 3: The distance between the two lenses is therefore f₀ + fₑ. This is the length of the telescope tube. Option A (f₀ − fₑ) is used for Galilean telescope in some contexts. Options B and D are mathematically incorrect interpretations.
Resolving power of a telescope is given by (R.P.)_T = D / (1.22λ). If the diameter of the objective D = 3 cm and wavelength of light λ = 6 × 10⁻⁵ cm, what is the resolving power?
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4.1 × 10⁴
Step 1: Formula: R.P. = D / (1.22λ). Step 2: D = 3 cm, λ = 6 × 10⁻⁵ cm. Step 3: R.P. = 3 / (1.22 × 6 × 10⁻⁵) = 3 / (7.32 × 10⁻⁵) ≈ 4.1 × 10⁴. Step 4: The other options arise from common errors such as forgetting the factor 1.22 or misplacing the decimal. Larger resolving power means the telescope can distinguish finer details.
Which of the following is an advantage of a reflecting telescope over a refracting telescope?
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It uses a concave mirror as the objective, making it free from chromatic aberration
Step 1: A reflecting telescope uses a concave (parabolic) mirror as its objective instead of a lens. Step 2: Mirrors reflect all wavelengths at the same angle, so there is no chromatic aberration. Step 3: Lenses in refracting telescopes refract different colours by different amounts, causing chromatic aberration. Step 4: Option A is wrong because reflecting telescopes use mirrors, not lenses. Option C is incorrect as reflecting telescopes can be longer. Option D is incorrect as they still form inverted images.
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