Question

When is the curved surface formula applicable?

• A. Curved surface is spherical in shape.
• B. Surface is planar in shape.
• C. Aperture of surface is huge.
• D. Refracting surface is convex in shape.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

Refracting surface is convex in shape.

Equation of refraction of light at curved surfaces is given as:
$\frac{{\mu }_2}{v}-\frac{{\mu }_1}{u}=\frac{{\mu }_2-{\mu }_1}{R}$
where, ${\mu }_1$ and ${\mu }_2$ is the refractive index of a two medium and $R$ is the radius of curvature of the curved surface.
This equation are valid for any refracting surface for a small aperture.