MCQEasyJEE 2025Refraction & Lenses

JEE Physics 2025 Question with Solution

A plano-convex lens having radius of curvature of first surface 2cm2 \, \text{cm} exhibits focal length of f1f_1 in air. Another plano-convex lens with first surface radius of curvature 3cm3 \, \text{cm} has focal length of f2f_2 when it is immersed in a liquid of refractive index 1.21.2. If both the lenses are made of the same glass of refractive index 1.51.5, the ratio of f1f_1 and f2f_2 will be:

  • A

    3:53 : 5

  • B

    1:31 : 3

  • C

    1:21 : 2

  • D

    2:32 : 3

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Two plano-convex lenses are made of the same glass of refractive index 1.51.5. For the first lens, radius of curvature of the first surface is 2cm2 \, \text{cm} and it is in air. For the second lens, radius of curvature of the first surface is 3cm3 \, \text{cm} and it is immersed in a liquid of refractive index 1.21.2.

Find: The ratio f1:f2f_1 : f_2.

For a plano-convex lens, the lens maker's formula is

1f=(n1)(1R11R2)\frac{1}{f} = (n - 1)\left(\frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2}\right)

Since for a plano-convex lens R2=R_2 = \infty, it becomes

1f=(n1)1R1\frac{1}{f} = (n - 1)\frac{1}{R_1}

For the first lens in air:

1f1=(1.51)12\frac{1}{f_1} = (1.5 - 1)\frac{1}{2} 1f1=0.5×12=0.25cm1\frac{1}{f_1} = 0.5 \times \frac{1}{2} = 0.25 \, \text{cm}^{-1} f1=10.25=4cmf_1 = \frac{1}{0.25} = 4 \, \text{cm}

For the second lens in liquid, the effective refractive index is

neff=1.51.2n_{\text{eff}} = \frac{1.5}{1.2}

Hence,

1f2=(1.51.21)13\frac{1}{f_2} = \left(\frac{1.5}{1.2} - 1\right)\frac{1}{3} 1f2=(0.31.2)×13=112\frac{1}{f_2} = \left(\frac{0.3}{1.2}\right) \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{12} f2=12cmf_2 = 12 \, \text{cm}

Therefore,

f1f2=412=13\frac{f_1}{f_2} = \frac{4}{12} = \frac{1}{3}

So, the ratio is 1:31 : 3. The correct option is B.

Direct Relative Refractive Index Method

Given: A plano-convex lens has focal length inversely proportional to (μrelative1)1R\left(\mu_{\text{relative}} - 1\right)\frac{1}{R}.

Find: The ratio f1:f2f_1 : f_2.

For the first lens in air,

1f1=(1.511)12=0.52=14\frac{1}{f_1} = \left(\frac{1.5}{1} - 1\right)\frac{1}{2} = \frac{0.5}{2} = \frac{1}{4}

So,

f1=4cmf_1 = 4 \, \text{cm}

For the second lens in liquid,

1f2=(1.51.21)13=0.253=112\frac{1}{f_2} = \left(\frac{1.5}{1.2} - 1\right)\frac{1}{3} = \frac{0.25}{3} = \frac{1}{12}

So,

f2=12cmf_2 = 12 \, \text{cm}

Thus,

f1:f2=4:12=1:3f_1 : f_2 = 4 : 12 = 1 : 3

Therefore, the correct option is B.

Common mistakes

  • Using the lens maker's formula for a lens in air for both cases is incorrect because the second lens is immersed in a liquid. Use the relative refractive index μlensμmedium\frac{\mu_{\text{lens}}}{\mu_{\text{medium}}} for the immersed lens instead.

  • Taking R2R_2 as a finite value for a plano-convex lens is wrong. One surface is plane, so its radius of curvature is \infty, which makes the corresponding term zero.

  • Calculating 1.51.21\frac{1.5}{1.2} - 1 incorrectly can change the final ratio. First find 1.51.2=1.25\frac{1.5}{1.2} = 1.25, then subtract 11 to get 0.250.25.

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