Unit 12: Optics, Modern Physics & Electronics
This is the broadest unit of JEE, combining ray optics, wave optics, photoelectric effect, atomic & nuclear physics, and semiconductor electronics — together worth 15–20 % of the paper. Expect:
- JEE-Main: 1–2 ray-optics (lens, prism, total internal reflection), 1 wave-optics (Young's slits, single-slit diffraction), 1 photoelectric, 1 Bohr-model, 1 nuclear/radioactivity, 1 semiconductor/diode/logic gate.
- JEE-Advanced: Multi-step optics (lens + mirror combo); photoelectric + de Broglie crossover; Bohr model with isotope/recoil correction.
This unit splits neatly into five blocks:
- Ray optics (geometric, classical).
- Wave optics (interference, diffraction, polarization).
- Photoelectric + de Broglie (the wave–particle bridge).
- Atoms, nuclei, radioactivity (Bohr → modern).
- Semiconductors and basic logic (the JEE electronics core).
Concept Map
RAY OPTICS
├── Mirrors: 1/v + 1/u = 1/f, m = -v/u
├── Refraction at plane / spherical surface
├── Lenses: lens-maker, 1/v − 1/u = 1/f
├── Combinations of thin lenses, power P = 1/f
├── Prism: A + D = i₁ + i₂; thin prism D = (n−1)A
├── TIR: sin θ_c = 1/n
└── Dispersion, scattering
WAVE OPTICS
├── Huygens construction
├── Young's: β = λD/d; intensity I = I_max cos²(πd sinθ/λ)
├── Single-slit diffraction: a sinθ = mλ
├── Resolving power
├── Thin films
└── Polarization: Malus I = I₀cos²θ, Brewster tan θ_B = n
MODERN
├── Photoelectric: hν = φ + KE_max
├── de Broglie: λ = h/p
├── Bohr model: E_n = −13.6 Z²/n² eV
├── Spectral series (Lyman, Balmer, …)
├── X-rays (Moseley): √f = a(Z − b)
├── Nuclear: ΔE = Δm c²
├── BE/A curve, fission, fusion
└── Radioactivity: N = N₀e^(−λt), t½, mean life
ELECTRONICS
├── Band theory: insulator / conductor / semiconductor
├── Intrinsic vs extrinsic (n, p)
├── pn-junction, forward / reverse I–V
├── Half-wave, full-wave rectifier
├── Zener (regulator)
└── Logic gates (NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR)
Topic 1: Ray Optics
Sub-topic A: Reflection at a Spherical Mirror — Mirror Formula
Sign convention (Cartesian): take pole as origin, optic axis along , light incident from the left as the positive direction. Distances measured from pole; positive in the direction of incident light.
Mirror formula:
where (concave mirror in many texts; sign depends on convention).
Lateral magnification: (negative when image is inverted).
Sub-topic B: Refraction at a Plane Surface (Snell's Law)
Apparent depth (object in medium 1, viewer in medium 2):
Sub-topic C: Refraction at a Spherical Surface
Convention same as above. For a single refracting surface of radius :
Derivation sketch: Use paraxial geometry. Consider an object at distance in medium in front of a spherical surface of radius separating media . A small-angle ray traces from object to a point on the axis; applying Snell's law in linear approximation and using sign convention yields the result.
Sub-topic D: Thin Lens — Lens-maker Formula and Thin-Lens Equation
Apply the spherical-surface formula twice, once at each surface (radii ). For the first surface light goes ; for the second . Adding the two:
For (air), :
This defines the focal length via the lens-maker formula:
For a biconvex lens both 's contribute the same sign; for biconcave, the opposite.
Thin-lens equation:
Magnification: .
Sub-topic E: Lens Combinations and Power
For two thin lenses in contact:
Power: (in diopters when in metres). For combinations:
Sub-topic F: Prism
A ray entering and leaving a prism of angle at angles (on each face) gives deviation .
Minimum deviation condition: . Then symmetric:
Thin prism ( small): deviation
Sub-topic G: Total Internal Reflection
Going from denser to lighter medium, beyond a critical angle there is no refraction — only reflection.
For water-air: .
Applications: optical fibres, sparkle of diamond (, ).
Sub-topic H: Dispersion and Scattering
Dispersion: , blue refracted more than red. Angular dispersion for thin prism. Dispersive power .
Rayleigh scattering: intensity . Sky is blue (preferentially scatters blue out of sunlight); sunset is red (transmitted long-wavelength light).
Sub-topic I: Optical Instruments
Simple microscope (magnifying glass): where cm is least distance of distinct vision.
Compound microscope: objective + eyepiece. where tube length.
Refracting astronomical telescope (final image at infinity, normal adjustment): , tube length .
Reflecting telescope (Cassegrain/Newtonian): uses a concave mirror as objective — no chromatic aberration.
Resolving power of microscope: ; telescope: .
Eye defects:
- Myopia (short sight): far image forms before retina. Correct with diverging (concave) lens, .
- Hypermetropia (long sight): near image forms behind retina. Correct with converging (convex) lens, .
- Astigmatism: cylindrical lens.
- Presbyopia: bifocal.
Worked Problem 1
A convex lens of focal length cm is in contact with a concave lens of focal length cm. Find the equivalent focal length and power.
Solution. . So cm (converging). D.
Worked Problem 2
A ray of light enters a prism of angle at angle and exits at on the other side (symmetric, ). Find .
Solution. . .
Topic 2: Wave Optics
Sub-topic A: Huygens' Principle
Each point on a wavefront acts as a secondary source. The envelope of secondary wavelets at a later time is the new wavefront. From this:
Reflection: incident plane wavefront hits a flat mirror, secondary wavelets form a reflected plane wavefront; angle of reflection = angle of incidence.
Refraction: at the interface, secondary waves travel with different speeds in the two media. Construction shows Snell's law: .
Sub-topic B: Young's Double-Slit Experiment
Two narrow slits separated by illuminated by monochromatic light of wavelength . Observation screen at distance .
Path difference at a point at distance from the central axis:
Constructive (bright fringe): . Destructive (dark fringe): .
Fringe width:
Intensity distribution:
where is the intensity from one slit alone. Max intensity .
Sub-topic C: Missing Fringes (Slits with Finite Width)
For real slits of width , each slit produces a single-slit diffraction pattern (envelope). The double-slit pattern is modulated by this envelope. A fringe is missing when an interference maximum coincides with a diffraction minimum:
Sub-topic D: Thin Film Interference
For a soap film of thickness , index , in air, viewed at angle (in film):
Path difference between top-reflected and bottom-reflected ray: . Plus phase shift of on reflection from the upper surface (going from lower to higher ): equivalent to extra.
Constructive: . Destructive: .
(Why colourful soap bubbles: different colours satisfy condition at different points of varying .)
Sub-topic E: Single-Slit Diffraction
A slit of width illuminated by parallel light of wavelength . Diffraction minima at
Width of central maximum (between and ):
or linear width on a screen at distance : .
Intensity distribution:
Sub-topic F: Resolving Power
Microscope (Abbe): . Resolving power .
Telescope (Rayleigh): .
Sub-topic G: Polarization
Malus's Law: light of intensity polarized along an axis, then passed through a polarizer at angle to that axis:
(For unpolarized light passing through the first polarizer, .)
Brewster's Angle: reflected light is completely polarized when reflected ray is perpendicular to refracted ray:
At , the reflected ray has entirely perpendicular to plane of incidence (s-polarized).
Worked Problem 3
A YDSE has slits mm apart, screen m away. With nm find the fringe width.
Solution. m mm.
Worked Problem 4
A mm wide slit is illuminated by nm light. Find the width of the central diffraction maximum on a screen m away.
Solution. Half-width angular = rad. Full width on screen m cm.
Topic 3: Photoelectric Effect
Sub-topic A: Phenomenology and Einstein's Explanation
When monochromatic light of frequency strikes a metal:
- Below a threshold frequency , no electrons are emitted, regardless of intensity.
- Above , electrons are emitted instantaneously (no time lag).
- Maximum KE of emitted electrons depends on , not on intensity.
- Number of photoelectrons per second is proportional to intensity (for ).
Classical wave theory cannot explain these. Einstein (1905): light is composed of photons, each of energy . A single photon either ejects an electron (if , the work function) or doesn't.
Stopping potential : applied retarding voltage that just stops the most energetic electron: , so
A plot of vs is a straight line of slope and -intercept .
Sub-topic B: Photon Properties
- Energy .
- Momentum (massless particle).
- Mass equivalence (relativistic concept; rest mass is zero).
Sub-topic C: de Broglie Hypothesis
Particles also have wave nature:
For an electron accelerated through potential : . So
Sub-topic D: Davisson–Germer Experiment
Electrons scattering off a Ni crystal showed Bragg-like diffraction peaks, confirming the wave nature of matter. The measured matched de Broglie's exactly.
Worked Problem 5
Light of wavelength nm falls on a metal of work function eV. Find KE of the most energetic photoelectron and stopping potential.
Solution. eV. KE = eV. KE V.
Worked Problem 6
An electron is accelerated through V. Find its de Broglie wavelength.
Solution. Å.
Topic 4: Bohr Model of the Atom
Sub-topic A: Postulates
- Electrons revolve in circular orbits around the nucleus under Coulomb attraction.
- Only orbits with angular momentum are allowed (quantization).
- While in an allowed orbit, the electron does not radiate. When it transitions, it emits/absorbs a photon of energy .
Sub-topic B: Derivation of Orbital Parameters
Centripetal balance for an electron (charge ) orbiting a nucleus of charge :
Angular momentum quantization: ⇒ .
Substitute:
where Å is the Bohr radius for hydrogen ().
Velocity:
Energy (kinetic + potential):
For hydrogen: eV (ground state), eV, eV, …, .
Sub-topic C: Spectral Series — Rydberg Formula
A transition from to () emits a photon with
Spectral series of hydrogen:
- Lyman (): UV. First line (Lyman-α): , nm.
- Balmer (): visible. H-α (): nm (red).
- Paschen (): IR.
- Brackett (), Pfund (): far IR.
Sub-topic D: X-rays and Moseley's Law
X-rays are emitted when high-energy electrons strike a metal target:
- Continuous (Bremsstrahlung): slowing-down of electrons in the target produces a broad spectrum, with sharp short-wavelength cutoff at .
- Characteristic spectrum: discrete lines from electron transitions to inner shells. K-α: ; K-β: .
Moseley's law (semi-empirical):
For K-α, (one inner electron shields the nuclear charge by ). Established the central role of atomic number .
Worked Problem 7
The wavelength of the first line in the Lyman series of hydrogen is approximately:
Solution. . m nm.
Topic 5: Nuclei and Radioactivity
Sub-topic A: Nuclear Composition and Binding Energy
A nucleus has protons and neutrons. Mass of the bound nucleus is less than the sum of free masses: the mass defect shows up as binding energy:
In practice, masses are expressed in u (atomic mass units), where u MeV/c².
Binding energy per nucleon (B/A) curve:
- Rises sharply for light nuclei.
- Peaks near (iron) at MeV/nucleon.
- Falls slowly for heavier nuclei.
This shape explains:
- Fission of heavy nuclei (e.g. ²³⁵U) into medium nuclei releases energy.
- Fusion of light nuclei (e.g. H → He in stars) also releases energy.
Sub-topic B: Radioactive Decay Law
The rate of decay of a sample is proportional to the number of unstable nuclei:
where is the decay constant (probability per nucleus per unit time).
Half-life:
Mean lifetime:
Activity: . Unit: becquerel (Bq, disintegration/s); curie (Ci) Bq.
Sub-topic C: Types of Decay
- α-decay: nucleus emits ⁴He. , . Range in air few cm; stopped by paper.
- β⁻-decay: . same, . Range ~m in air.
- β⁺-decay: .
- γ-emission: excited nucleus releases photon; unchanged. Highly penetrating; needs lead.
Sub-topic D: Fission and Fusion
Fission (²³⁵U + slow neutron): releases ≈ 200 MeV per fission; harnessed in reactors and bombs.
Fusion (in stars):
- pp-chain: 4¹H → ⁴He + 2e⁺ + 2ν + 26.7 MeV.
- CNO cycle: catalysed by C, N, O.
- Earth-based fusion: deuterium-tritium D + T → ⁴He + n + 17.6 MeV.
Worked Problem 8
A radioactive sample has half-life of 5 years. What fraction remains after 15 years?
Solution. y half-lives. Fraction .
Worked Problem 9
The activity of a sample at is Bq and falls to Bq in 6 hours. Find half-life and decay constant.
Solution. h. h.
Topic 6: Semiconductors and Electronics
Sub-topic A: Band Theory
In solids, atomic energy levels broaden into bands (valence and conduction) separated by a forbidden gap .
| Material | (eV) | Behaviour at room T |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor (metal) | 0 (overlap) | High conductivity |
| Semiconductor | ~1 (Si: 1.1, Ge: 0.7) | Moderate, rises with T |
| Insulator | > 3 | Very low |
Sub-topic B: Intrinsic Semiconductors
Pure Si or Ge. At , some electrons thermally excited from valence band to conduction band, leaving behind holes.
(intrinsic carrier density). At room T, /m³ and /m³.
Conductivity rises rapidly with T (exponentially): .
Sub-topic C: Extrinsic Semiconductors (Doping)
Add traces of impurity to control carrier type and density.
n-type: dope Si with group V (P, As). Each donor adds a loosely-bound electron — promoted easily into conduction band. Majority carriers: electrons; minority: holes.
p-type: dope Si with group III (B, Al). Each acceptor needs an extra electron to bond — creates a hole. Majority: holes; minority: electrons.
For both: (mass-action law).
Sub-topic D: pn-junction
Junction of p- and n-type semiconductors. Initially diffusion creates depletion region with built-in potential V for Si.
Forward bias (p more positive): depletion region shrinks, large current flows. I-V characteristic:
Reverse bias (n more positive): depletion widens, only tiny saturation current . At a critical reverse voltage (breakdown), the junction conducts (avalanche or Zener).
Sub-topic E: Diode Applications
Half-wave rectifier: a single diode in series with a load and AC source. Passes only positive half-cycles. DC component where is peak.
Full-wave rectifier:
- Centre-tap: two diodes and centre-tapped transformer.
- Bridge: four diodes, no centre tap needed.
In both, , ripple factor much lower than half-wave.
Zener diode: operates in reverse breakdown at a sharp voltage. Used as a voltage regulator — output stays at regardless of input variation, provided the current is within rated range.
LED, photodiode, solar cell — all variants of the pn-junction with light coupling.
Sub-topic F: Logic Gates
A logic gate takes binary inputs and produces a binary output.
| Gate | Symbol | Truth Table (2-input) | Boolean |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOT | A → ¬A | ||
| AND | iff both 1 | ||
| OR | iff at least one 1 | ||
| NAND | NOT–AND | ||
| NOR | NOT–OR | ||
| XOR | iff A≠B |
NAND and NOR are universal (can build any logic from them).
Worked Problem 10
A common-emitter NPN transistor amplifier has . If μA, find and .
Solution. mA. mA.
(Note: detailed transistor analysis is mostly out of the JEE-Advanced syllabus 2025 onwards, but β and the I_C/I_B ratio still appear in JEE-Main.)
Problem-Solving Heuristics
- Sign convention is everything in geometric optics — mark distances from the pole/lens, sign per direction.
- For a lens combination, add powers; for mirror–lens combinations, treat each surface in turn.
- At a flat surface, apparent depth scales by .
- Total internal reflection requires going from denser to lighter and .
- For minimum deviation in a prism, light goes symmetrically; .
- In YDSE, fringe width is — independent of which fringe.
- For single-slit diffraction, central max is twice the width of side maxima.
- Photoelectric: stopping potential depends only on , not intensity. Plot vs for .
- de Broglie: Å for electrons in V volts.
- Bohr levels: eV, .
- For X-rays, short-wavelength cutoff is , independent of target.
- Half-life vs mean lifetime: .
- Universal gates: any circuit reducible to NAND-only or NOR-only.
- For a Zener regulator, the load voltage equals as long as the Zener is in reverse breakdown and current is within rating.
Common Traps & Mistakes
- Sign of focal length and image distance. Be consistent — and check which side the image is on physically.
- Lens formula vs mirror formula: signs of differ between conventions; pick one (Cartesian recommended) and stick with it.
- Critical angle is from denser to lighter, not the other way.
- In YDSE, increasing slit separation shrinks the fringe width — common reversed answer.
- Single-slit diffraction: minimum (not maximum) at .
- Malus law uses , not .
- Brewster's angle gives 100% polarized reflected light, but the refracted light is still partially polarized.
- Photoelectric: stopping potential is — not .
- Bohr orbits don't apply to multi-electron atoms (only one-electron systems and hydrogen-like ions like He⁺, Li²⁺).
- Half-life and mean life are different: , not equal.
- Activity decays at the same rate as : .
- Doping doesn't change resistivity by a constant factor — depends on dopant concentration and temperature.
- Zener diode in forward bias behaves like a normal diode; only in reverse breakdown does it regulate.
Quick Revision Card
Ray Optics:
- Mirror: , .
- Lens: , .
- Lens-maker: .
- Refraction at sphere: .
- Prism: thin ; min .
- TIR: .
Wave Optics:
- YDSE: , intensity .
- Single-slit: minima ; central width .
- Malus: . Brewster: .
Modern:
- Photoelectric: ; .
- de Broglie: ; electron, volts: Å.
- Bohr: eV, , Å.
- Lyman (, UV), Balmer (, visible), Paschen (, IR).
- Moseley: .
- Decay: , , .
Electronics:
- Semiconductors: (Si) = 1.1 eV, (Ge) = 0.7 eV.
- (mass-action).
- Half-wave rectifier: . Full-wave: .
- Zener: voltage regulator.
- NAND, NOR are universal gates.
Formula Sheet
| Concept | Formula |
|---|---|
| Mirror formula | , |
| Magnification (mirror) | |
| Snell's law | |
| Apparent depth | |
| Refraction at sphere | |
| Lens-maker | |
| Thin-lens formula | |
| Combination of lenses | , |
| Prism deviation | |
| Thin prism | |
| Min-deviation | |
| Critical angle | |
| Microscope (simple) | |
| Telescope (normal) | , length |
| YDSE fringe width | |
| YDSE intensity | |
| Single-slit minimum | |
| Central diff. width | |
| Resolving microscope | |
| Resolving telescope | |
| Malus | |
| Brewster | |
| Photoelectric | , |
| de Broglie | |
| Bohr energy | eV |
| Bohr radius | , Å |
| Rydberg | , /m |
| Moseley | |
| Mass-energy | |
| Binding energy | |
| Decay law | |
| Half-life | |
| Mean life | |
| Activity | |
| Half-wave rectifier | |
| Full-wave rectifier | |
| Mass-action law | |
| Diode I-V |