Optics Revision Notes – Concept, Formulas, & Diagrams for Exams

Below are some important topics students must consider while studying the Optics chapter. These topics are picked from the previous year’s JEE Main exams. Hence, before downloading the Revision notes, you can go through the list of important topics in this chapter:

• Laws of Reflection

• Laws of Refraction

• Total Internal Reflection

• Lens and Mirror Formulae

• Lens-Maker's Formula

• Magnification

• Thin Lens and Lens Combinations

• Dispersion and Prism

• Optical Instruments (Microscope, Telescope)

• Polarization of Light

• Huygens Principle and Interference

• Young's Double Slit Experiment

• Diffraction of Light

• Polarization by Scattering

These topics cover the fundamental concepts within the Optics chapter that are commonly asked in the JEE Main exam.

Year Wise Weightage of Questions: JEE Main Optics

Students must consider Optics Notes For JEE PDF as a crucial resource because this chapter entails comprehending the behaviour of light, including reflection, refraction, and the interplay of lenses and mirrors. You can understand the significance of Optics in JEE Main by checking the information in the table provided below.

Take advantage of the opportunity to boost your preparation with our Optics Notes. These notes cover the entire JEE Main Physics syllabus; you can download them for FREE.

Learn with Optics Notes for JEE Main 2026 and Score High

Optics is the field of studying how light behaves and interacts with various materials and objects. It explores phenomena like reflection, refraction, diffraction, and polarization to understand how light forms images, travels, and interacts with lenses, mirrors, and other optical devices.

The weightage of Optics in JEE Main is around 10%, and students can also expect direct questions from this section which makes it one of the scoring Topics. Here are the few points that make the chapter of high weightage. 

Section 1: Fundamentals of Optics

Light and its Properties:

Light exhibits dual nature, acting as both a particle and a wave. The electromagnetic spectrum includes different types of light such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Understanding concepts like wavelength, frequency, and velocity of light is crucial.

Reflection and Refraction:

Reflection occurs when light bounces back from a surface, following the laws of reflection. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, governed by Snell's law. These principles find practical applications in our daily lives.

Laws of Reflection and Refraction:

The laws of reflection state that the incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence lie on the same plane. The laws of refraction define the behavior of light when it passes through different mediums. Total internal reflection occurs when the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle.

Section 2: Geometrical Optics

Mirrors:

Different types of mirrors, such as plane, convex, and concave mirrors, have distinct characteristics. Understanding the formation of images in mirrors using ray diagrams is crucial for JEE Main. Reviewing past questions will help consolidate your understanding.

Lenses:

Lenses, including convex and concave lenses, have their own properties. Mastering the formation of images by lenses using ray diagrams is essential. Additionally, understanding the lens formula and its applications will strengthen your optics knowledge.

Section 3: Wave Optics

Young's Double Slit Experiment:

Interference is a key concept in wave optics. Young's double slit experiment demonstrates interference patterns and the conditions for constructive and destructive interference. Appreciating the significance of interference is important in understanding the wave nature of light.

Diffraction and Polarization:

Diffraction refers to the bending of waves around obstacles or through small openings. Polarization is the restriction of light vibrations to a specific plane. Questions related to diffraction and polarization have been asked in past JEE Main exams.

Section 4: Advanced Topics in Optics

Scattering and Interference:

Scattering occurs when light interacts with small particles, leading to phenomena like Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering. Interference principles manifest in various natural phenomena. The applications of scattering and interference are extensive across different fields.

Fermat's Principle:

Fermat's principle states that light follows the path that takes the least time. The principle of least time is applied to light propagation, leading to the formation of images. Understanding Fermat's principle is crucial for a comprehensive knowledge of optics.

Important Formulas in Optics for JEE

Laws of Reflection:

• Angle of incidence (i) = Angle of reflection 

(r)i=r

Laws of Refraction (Snell's Law):

• $n_1 \sin i = n_2 \sin r$

Where $n_1$ and $n_2$​ are the refractive indices of the two media.

Refractive Index:

• $n = \dfrac{c}{v}$​

Where c is the speed of light in vacuum and v is the speed of light in the medium.

Lens Formula:

• $\dfrac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}$

Where:

• f = focal length of the lens

• v = image distance (positive if real)

• u = object distance (positive if real)

Mirror Formula:

• $\dfrac{1}{f} = \dfrac{1}{v} + \dfrac{1}{u}$​

• Similar definitions as in the lens formula.

Magnification (for Lenses):

• $m = \dfrac{h_i}{h_o} = -\dfrac{v}{u}$​

Where:

• $h_i$​ = height of the image

• $h_o$​ = height of the object

• m = magnification (positive for upright images, negative for inverted images)

Lens Maker's Formula:

• $\dfrac{1}{f} = (n - 1) \left( \dfrac{1}{R_1} - \dfrac{1}{R_2} \right)$

Where:

• $R_1$ and $R_2$​ are the radii of curvature of the lens surfaces.

Total Internal Reflection:

• Condition for total internal reflection: $n_1 > n_2$​ and $\sin i > \dfrac{n_2}{n_1}$​​

• Critical angle $C = \sin^{-1} \left( \dfrac{n_2}{n_1} \right)$

Power of a Lens:

• $P = \dfrac{1}{f}$(in meters)

• P is measured in diopters (D).

Wavefront Equation:

• For plane waves: d = vt

Where d is distance, v is speed, and ttt is time.

Thin Lens Formula for Combination of Lenses:

• $\dfrac{1}{f_{total}} = \dfrac{1}{f_1} + \dfrac{1}{f_2} + \ldots + \dfrac{1}{f_n}$​

Diffraction and Interference:

• For Young's Double Slit Experiment:

• $y = \frac{D \lambda}{d}$​

• Where y is the fringe width, D is the distance from the slits to the screen, d is the distance between slits, and $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light.

Image Formation by Spherical Mirrors:

• Convex Mirror: Always virtual and upright.

• Concave Mirror: Can be real or virtual depending on the position of the object.

Focal Length and Radius of Curvature:

• For mirrors: $f = \dfrac{R}{2}$​

Where R is the radius of curvature.

Speed of Light in a Medium:

• $v = \dfrac{c}{n}$​

Where n is the refractive index of the medium.

Benefits of Using Optics Notes JEE Main PDF

• Comprehensive Coverage: Optics Notes JEE Main PDF provide an extensive overview of all essential topics, including reflection, refraction, optical instruments, and wave optics, ensuring you have all the necessary information for the exam.

• Simplified Concepts: Optics Notes For JEE break down complex theories and principles into simpler terms, making it easier for students to grasp difficult concepts and apply them to problem-solving.

• Structured Format: The notes are organised in a clear and logical manner, which helps in systematic learning and easy navigation through different topics, enhancing the study experience.

• Key Formulas and Theorems: Optics JEE Notes PDF highlight crucial formulas and theorems, making it easy for students to review and memorize important equations that are often used in calculations during the exam.

• Practice Problems: Many optics notes include practice questions and problems at the end of each topic. This allows you to test your understanding and apply what you've learned to real exam-style questions.

Effective Tips for JEE Mains Preparation on Optics

• Start by mastering the fundamental concepts of optics, such as the nature of light, the laws of reflection and refraction, and the properties of lenses and mirrors. A solid grasp of these basics is essential.

• Practice drawing ray diagrams for various optical instruments. Being able to visualise how light interacts with different surfaces will help you solve related problems effectively.

• Create a list of important formulas related to optics, including those for lens and mirror equations, magnification, and the relationship between angle of incidence and angle of refraction. Regularly review these formulas.

• Incorporate diagrams and illustrations into your study materials. Visual representations of concepts like ray diagrams, optical paths, and wavefronts can aid in understanding and retention.

• Solve a wide variety of problems, from basic to advanced levels. Focus on problems related to lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments. The more you practice, the more confident you will become.

• Analyse past JEE papers to identify frequently asked questions and the types of problems related to optics. This will help you understand the exam pattern and prioritise your study topics.

Important Optics Study Materials links for JEE Mains

Access The supplementary resources for JEE Main 2026 here:

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Prepare with Vedantu’s JEE Main Notes to Raise your Performance

In your journey to conquer JEE Main 2026, Optics Notes are your trusted guide. They simplify complex concepts, highlight key points, and provide practice, making your preparation effective. With Vedantu's JEE Main notes, you will understand better, solve problems confidently, and excel in the exam. Download the Optics Revision Notes for FREE to sharpen your skills and triumph in JEE Main 2026.

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