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Chapter 23 of 30
Important Questions

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.

43 questions40 flashcards5 concepts

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A ray diagram illustrating the working of a simple microscope (converging lens) to produce a magnified, virtual, and erect image when the object is placed between the optical center and the focal poin
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43 Questions·
multiple choicemultiple correct

Sample Questions

1multiple choice
1 marks

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.

2multiple choice
1 marks

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.

3multiple choice
1 marks

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.

4multiple choice
1 marks

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Optical Instruments for NIOS Class 12 Physics?
Key topics in Optical Instruments include Correct Formula Selection: Microscopes and Telescopes, Optical Instruments - Complete Chapter Mind Map, Optical Instruments – Complete Chapter Mind Map. These are the concepts NIOS Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Optical Instruments — NIOS Class 12 Physics?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 43 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.
How many important questions are there in Optical Instruments?
There are 43 practice questions available for Optical Instruments. These cover multiple question types including MCQs, short answer, and long answer questions.

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Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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