Medium MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2025

A lens having refractive index 1.6 has focal length of 12 cm , when it is in air. Find the focal length of the lens when it is placed in water. (Take refractive index of water as 1.28)

  1. A 355 mm
  2. B 655 mm
  3. C 288 mm Correct answer
  4. D 555 mm

Solution

<p>To find the focal length of a lens with a refractive index of 1.6 when placed in water, given that its focal length in air is 12 cm and the refractive index of water is 1.28, we can use the lens maker's formula:</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{f} = \left(\frac{\mu_L}{\mu_m} - 1\right) \left(\frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2}\right) $</p> <p>When the lens is in air, the refractive index of the medium, $\mu_m$, is 1. Therefore, for the lens in air:</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{12} = (1.6 - 1) \left(\frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2}\right) $</p> <p>Simplifying gives:</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{12} = \frac{6}{10} \left(\frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2}\right) $</p> <p>Solving for $\left(\frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2}\right)$:</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2} = \frac{10}{72} $</p> <p>Now, when the lens is placed in water, $\mu_m = 1.28$. Substituting into the equation gives:</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{f} = \left(\frac{1.6}{1.28} - 1\right) \left(\frac{10}{72}\right) $</p> <p>Calculating each part:</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{32}{128} \times \frac{10}{72} $</p> <p>$ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{10}{72} $</p> <p>Hence, solving for $f$:</p> <p>$ f = 28.8 \, \text{cm} = 288 \, \text{mm} $</p> <p>Thus, the focal length of the lens in water is 288 mm.</p>

About this question

Subject: Physics · Chapter: Optics · Topic: Lenses and Optical Instruments

This question is part of PrepWiser's free JEE Main question bank. 197 more solved questions on Optics are available — start with the harder ones if your accuracy is >70%.

Drill 25 more like these. Every day. Free.

PrepWiser turns these solved questions into a daily practice loop. Chapter-wise drills, full mocks, AI doubt chat. No auto-renew.

Start free →