Question:

A planoconvex lens becomes an optical system of 28 cm focal length when its plane surface is silvered and illuminated from left to right as shown in Fig-A.
If the same lens is instead silvered on the curved surface and illuminated from other side as in Fig-B, it acts like an optical system of focal length 10 cm. The refractive index of the material of lens is :

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Silvered system: Fig A: 2(n-1)/R = 1/28; Fig B (curved surface silvered): 2n/R = 1/10.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • 1.50
  • 1.55
  • 1.75
  • 1.51
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Let R be the radius of the curved surface.
Fig A (plane surface silvered): light refracts at the curved surface, reflects from the plane mirror (no power) and refracts again at the curved surface: \(\frac{1}{F_A} = \frac{2(n-1)}{R} = \frac{1}{28}\) ... (i)
Fig B (curved surface silvered, light enters through the plane face): the plane surface has no power; the curved mirror in glass has power \(\frac{2n}{R}\) (equivalently two passes through the lens, \(\frac{2(n-1)}{R}\), plus a mirror of power \(\frac2R\)): \(\frac{1}{F_B} = \frac{2n}{R} = \frac{1}{10}\) ... (ii)
Dividing (ii) by (i): \(\frac{n}{n-1} = \frac{28}{10} = 2.8\Rightarrow n = 2.8n - 2.8 \Rightarrow 1.8n = 2.8\Rightarrow n = 1.556 \approx 1.55\).
Answer: (2) 1.55
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