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CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 13 Light Worksheet with Answers

Light is one of the most scoring chapters in CBSE Class 8 Science, yet students often struggle with the laws of reflection, understanding how the human eye works, and the difference between myopia and hypermetropia. This worksheet is designed to give your child focused, exam-style practice across all topics in NCERT Chapter 13. It mirrors the question pattern seen in school periodic tests and the annual examination, ensuring familiarity and confidence.

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Key takeaways

  • Complete worksheet covering reflection, multiple reflections, dispersion and human eye from NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 13
  • Difficulty level: Medium; Suggested completion time: 60 minutes for full worksheet
  • Six distinct question sections from MCQs to HOTS questions testing conceptual clarity and application skills
  • Case-study question simulates real CBSE board exam pattern introduced in recent years
  • Detailed answer key with brief explanations helps students learn from mistakes independently
  • Covers all critical topics: laws of reflection, kaleidoscope principle, Newton's disc, myopia, hypermetropia and presbyopia
  • Printable format enables offline practice—vital for retention and exam preparation

Quick Chapter Recap: Light (NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 13)

Before attempting the worksheet, revisit these core concepts from Class 8 Science Chapter 13. Light is a form of energy that enables us to see objects. The chapter begins with the laws of reflection: the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal all lie in the same plane, and the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Multiple reflections occur in mirrors arranged at angles, as seen in a kaleidoscope or a periscope. Regular reflection happens on smooth surfaces like mirrors, while diffused reflection occurs on rough surfaces. Dispersion is the splitting of white light into its seven constituent colours (VIBGYOR) when passed through a glass prism—a phenomenon first studied comprehensively by Isaac Newton. The human eye is a natural optical instrument with the cornea, pupil, lens, and retina working together to form images on the retina. Common vision defects include myopia (short-sightedness, corrected by concave lenses), hypermetropia (long-sightedness, corrected by convex lenses), and presbyopia (age-related loss of accommodation, corrected by bifocal lenses). The NCERT textbook also introduces the concept of persistence of vision and how cinematography relies on it. Keep these points in mind as you work through the sections below.
  • Laws of reflection: angle of incidence = angle of reflection; incident ray, reflected ray and normal lie in one plane
  • Regular vs diffused reflection: smooth vs rough surfaces
  • Dispersion: white light splits into VIBGYOR through a prism
  • Human eye parts: cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, optic nerve
  • Vision defects: myopia (concave lens), hypermetropia (convex lens), presbyopia (bifocal lens)

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (6 MCQs)

Multiple-choice questions test your ability to recall definitions, identify correct principles, and apply concepts quickly. Each MCQ in this section carries 1 mark. Read each question carefully—sometimes two options may look similar, but only one aligns perfectly with NCERT terminology. For instance, when asked about the angle of incidence, remember it is measured between the incident ray and the normal, not the mirror surface. Similarly, questions on the human eye often test whether you know which part controls the amount of light entering (the iris and pupil) versus which part forms the image (the retina). Mark your answers on a separate sheet and then check against the answer key provided at the end. Aim to complete this section in about 6 minutes during timed practice. If you find yourself unsure, eliminate obviously wrong options first—this is a useful exam strategy. Make sure you understand why the correct answer is right and why the distractors are wrong. This method strengthens conceptual clarity and prevents repeated mistakes in future assessments or board exams.
  • Q1. Which of the following statements about reflection is correct? (a) Angle of incidence is greater than angle of reflection (b) Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection (c) Incident ray and reflected ray are always perpendicular (d) The normal is parallel to the mirror
  • Q2. The splitting of white light into seven colours is called: (a) Reflection (b) Refraction (c) Dispersion (d) Diffusion
  • Q3. A person cannot see distant objects clearly. He is suffering from: (a) Hypermetropia (b) Myopia (c) Presbyopia (d) Cataract
  • Q4. Regular reflection occurs from: (a) Rough surface (b) Polished surface (c) Ground glass (d) Cardboard
  • Q5. The part of the eye where image is formed is: (a) Cornea (b) Iris (c) Lens (d) Retina
  • Q6. A kaleidoscope works on the principle of: (a) Dispersion (b) Refraction (c) Multiple reflection (d) Total internal reflection

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (5 Questions)

Fill-in-the-blank questions demand precise terminology and test whether you have read the NCERT textbook carefully. Each blank is worth 1 mark. In CBSE Class 8 Science exams, marks are often deducted if you write a synonym instead of the exact term used in NCERT—so if the answer is 'dispersion', writing 'splitting' may not fetch full marks. This section covers definitions, parts of the eye, types of lenses used for correction, and properties of reflection. Take your time to recall the exact word. If you are stuck, try to remember the sentence structure from your Class 8 Science notes or the NCERT textbook illustration captions. Practice this section without looking at your book first, then verify your answers. Completing this segment should take around 5 minutes. Writing the correct scientific term repeatedly helps in long-term retention, which is crucial not only for your Class 8 annual exam but also as foundational knowledge for Class 9 and 10 Science. After checking your answers, rewrite any incorrect ones three times to reinforce memory.
  • Q1. The angle between the incident ray and the normal is called the angle of __________.
  • Q2. A person suffering from __________ cannot see nearby objects clearly.
  • Q3. The phenomenon of splitting white light into seven colours is known as __________.
  • Q4. The coloured part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil is called the __________.
  • Q5. Diffused reflection is caused by __________ surfaces.

Section C: Match the Following (5 Pairs)

Matching exercises assess your ability to connect concepts, defects, corrections, and phenomena correctly. This section carries 5 marks (1 mark per correct match). In recent CBSE Class 8 Science term exams, matching questions have appeared more frequently because they test integrated understanding rather than isolated facts. For example, linking myopia to a concave lens requires you to know both the defect (image forms before retina) and the corrective mechanism (concave lens diverges light). Similarly, connecting the kaleidoscope to multiple reflections shows you understand how the device works, not just its name. Write your answers as A-3, B-1, etc. on your answer sheet. This format is important because during board exams, unclear notation can lead to mark deduction. Attempt this section in about 5 minutes. If unsure about one pair, move on and return later—often other pairs will give you clues. After completing, cross-check each match with the answer key explanations provided to ensure you have not confused similar-sounding terms or concepts. This clarity is especially helpful for revision before periodic tests.
  • Column A: (A) Myopia (B) Hypermetropia (C) Dispersion (D) Kaleidoscope (E) Regular reflection
  • Column B: (1) Convex lens (2) Splitting of light (3) Concave lens (4) Multiple reflections (5) Smooth mirror surface

Section D: Short Answer Questions (5 Questions, 2 Marks Each)

Short-answer questions typically carry 2 marks each and require you to write 30-40 words per answer in CBSE exams. They test your ability to explain a concept, state laws, differentiate between terms, or describe a part's function. In this worksheet, each question targets a specific learning outcome from the NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 13 syllabus. For instance, stating the two laws of reflection in clear language fetches full marks only if both laws are mentioned and correctly phrased. Similarly, explaining why we cannot see in the dark involves the concept that light must reflect off objects and reach our eyes. When writing, underline or highlight keywords such as 'angle of incidence,' 'angle of reflection,' 'retina,' 'myopia,' or 'dispersion'—this shows the examiner you know the precise terminology. Allocate about 10-12 minutes for this section. Use point format where possible; CBSE examiners appreciate structured answers. After completing, compare your answers with the answer key. If your answer is correct but worded differently, that is acceptable—but ensure no key point is missing. Regular practice of such questions builds the writing speed and accuracy essential for scoring well in the annual examination.
  • Q1. State the two laws of reflection of light.
  • Q2. Why are we not able to see anything in a dark room?
  • Q3. What is the function of the retina in the human eye?
  • Q4. Differentiate between regular and diffused reflection.
  • Q5. Name the defect of vision in which a person cannot see distant objects clearly. How is it corrected?

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (3 Questions, 3 Marks Each)

Long-answer questions and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions carry 3 marks each and demand a deeper, more detailed response of around 60-80 words. They assess your ability to describe processes, explain phenomena with reasons, or apply concepts to new situations. For example, describing how a periscope works involves explaining the arrangement of two plane mirrors at 45° angles and tracing the path of light through them. Drawing a neat labelled diagram often earns an additional mark or appreciation from the examiner. HOTS questions may ask you to predict what happens if conditions change—such as what occurs if the angle between two mirrors in a kaleidoscope increases. These require logical reasoning rooted in NCERT principles. Allocate 12-15 minutes for this section. Write in paragraphs or well-structured points. Use scientific vocabulary: 'incident ray,' 'reflected ray,' 'normal,' 'dispersion,' 'spectrum,' 'accommodation,' etc. After writing, review your answer to check if you have addressed all parts of the question. In CBSE marking schemes, even if your explanation is mostly correct, missing one sub-part can cost you a mark. Compare your answers with the detailed explanations in the answer key and note any gaps in your understanding. If you struggled with a question, revisit that topic in your NCERT textbook or Class 8 Science notes.
  • Q1. Explain the phenomenon of dispersion of white light through a glass prism with the help of a diagram. Name the colours obtained.
  • Q2. Describe the structure and working of the human eye with a labelled diagram.
  • Q3. What is meant by multiple reflections? Explain with two applications in daily life.

Section F: Case-Study Based Question (4 Marks)

Case-study questions are now a regular feature in CBSE exams from Classes 6 to 10. They present a real-life scenario or a descriptive passage followed by 3-4 sub-questions that test comprehension, application, and analysis. This format mirrors the competency-based assessment framework adopted by CBSE in recent years. Read the passage carefully—underline or highlight key facts such as numbers, names of phenomena, or specific terms. Then attempt each sub-question, referring back to the passage as needed. Each sub-question typically carries 1 mark. The case study here involves a student's science project on light and reflection, integrating multiple concepts from Chapter 13. Such integrated questions help you see how different topics connect—essential for deeper learning. In your exam, manage time by spending no more than 6-7 minutes on a case-study question. Write concise, direct answers; there is no need for long explanations unless asked. After completing, check the answer key to see if your interpretation of the passage was correct. If you missed a sub-question, analyse why—was it a reading error, a conceptual gap, or a careless mistake? This reflection will sharpen your exam strategy and improve your performance in periodic tests and the final exam.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

The answer key below provides correct answers and brief explanations for every question in this worksheet. Use it for self-assessment, not as a shortcut before attempting the questions—that defeats the purpose of practice. After you have completed the entire worksheet, sit with this key and mark your own answers honestly. For each mistake, read the explanation carefully and revisit the corresponding section in your NCERT Class 8 Science textbook or your class notes. If you score below 60 percent, consider going through Chapter 13 again, focusing on diagrams and definitions. A score between sixty and eighty percent is good, but aim to identify and revise weak areas. Above eighty percent indicates strong conceptual clarity—maintain it with regular revision. For students preparing for CBSE term exams or annual exams, attempting such worksheets once a week significantly boosts retention and question-solving speed. If you are still confused about any answer, do not hesitate to ask your teacher or use CBSETUTOR.ai, where you can upload a photo of the question and get a detailed explanation from an AI tutor trained on NCERT content—all for a flat ₹999 per month across Classes 6-12, with a 3-day free trial to start risk-free.
  • Section A Answers: 1(b), 2(c), 3(b), 4(b), 5(d), 6(c)
  • Section A Explanations: 1. Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection (first law). 2. Dispersion is the splitting of white light into colours. 3. Myopia means inability to see distant objects; image forms before retina. 4. Regular reflection needs a smooth, polished surface. 5. Retina is the screen where the image forms. 6. Kaleidoscope uses multiple reflections between angled mirrors.
  • Section B Answers: 1. incidence 2. hypermetropia 3. dispersion 4. iris 5. rough
  • Section B Explanations: 1. Angle of incidence is between incident ray and normal. 2. Hypermetropia (long-sightedness) affects near vision. 3. Dispersion splits white light into VIBGYOR. 4. Iris controls pupil size and eye colour. 5. Rough surfaces scatter light in many directions.
  • Section C Answers: A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4, E-5
  • Section C Explanations: Myopia corrected by concave lens; hypermetropia by convex lens; dispersion splits light; kaleidoscope uses multiple reflections; regular reflection from smooth mirrors.
  • Section D Answers: 1. (i) Incident ray, reflected ray and normal lie in the same plane. (ii) Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection. 2. In darkness, no light reflects from objects to our eyes, so we cannot see. 3. Retina contains light-sensitive cells that convert light into electrical signals sent to the brain. 4. Regular reflection occurs on smooth surfaces with parallel reflected rays; diffused reflection occurs on rough surfaces with scattered rays. 5. Myopia; corrected by concave lens which diverges light rays.
  • Section E Answers: 1. When white light enters a prism, it slows and bends. Different colours bend differently, splitting into VIBGYOR spectrum—a phenomenon called dispersion. [Diagram required.] 2. The eye has cornea (refracts light), iris (controls pupil size), lens (focuses light), and retina (forms image). Signals travel via optic nerve to brain. [Labelled diagram required.] 3. Multiple reflections occur when light reflects repeatedly between mirrors. Examples: periscope (two mirrors see over obstacles), kaleidoscope (beautiful symmetrical patterns).
  • Case-Study Answers: 1. Dispersion of white light. 2. Five images (formula: 360°/angle - 1 = 360/60 - 1 = 5). 3. Hypermetropia (presbyopia if age-related). 4. Convex lens.

How to Use This Worksheet Effectively for CBSE Exam Preparation

Simply downloading and glancing through a worksheet achieves little. To maximize learning, print this worksheet and attempt it under timed conditions—set a timer for 60 minutes and work through all sections as if you are in an actual exam hall. This builds time management skills crucial for the CBSE annual exam where every mark counts. After completing, take a 10-minute break, then use the answer key to mark your own work. Make a note of topics where you lost marks: was it reflection laws, dispersion, or the human eye? Create a mini revision list and revisit those specific sections in your NCERT Class 8 Science textbook. Redoing incorrect questions after a day or two reinforces learning—repetition is key to retention. For students in CBSE-affiliated schools across India, combining worksheet practice with conceptual video lessons and doubt-clearing significantly improves performance. CBSETUTOR.ai offers exactly this combination: unlimited worksheets, chapter notes, and 24×7 AI-powered doubt support where you can snap a photo of any question and receive step-by-step solutions aligned with NCERT, all for just ₹999 per month covering every subject in Classes 6 to 12, with a 3-day free trial so your child can explore risk-free before committing.
  • Print the worksheet and attempt it in one sitting under timed conditions (60 minutes)
  • Mark your answers using the answer key honestly; calculate your percentage score
  • Identify weak areas—reflection, dispersion, human eye—and revise those NCERT sections
  • Redo incorrect questions after 2 days to check if concepts are now clear
  • Use the worksheet as a self-assessment tool before periodic tests or term exams
  • Pair worksheet practice with NCERT textbook reading and solving back-exercise questions

Why Chapter 13 Light is Critical for CBSE Class 8 Science

Light is not just another chapter—it forms the foundation for ray optics and wave optics in Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12. In CBSE Class 8, this chapter typically carries 4-6 marks in the annual exam, distributed across MCQs, short-answer, and one long-answer or case-study question. Understanding the laws of reflection prepares you for mirror and lens formulas in Class 10. Dispersion and the spectrum reappear in Class 10 when you study the human eye and optical instruments in greater depth. Vision defects like myopia and hypermetropia are frequently asked in 2-mark or 3-mark questions. Examiners love these topics because they test both theoretical knowledge (definitions, laws) and practical application (why concave lens for myopia, convex for hypermetropia). Moreover, CBSE now emphasizes competency-based questions—case studies, assertion-reason, and application-based problems—all of which are included in this worksheet. Students who master Chapter 13 not only score well in Class 8 but also find the optics portion in Class 10 boards much easier. Regular practice with worksheets like this one builds confidence, reduces exam anxiety, and ensures that silly mistakes—such as confusing angle of incidence with angle of reflection or mixing up myopia with hypermetropia—are eliminated well before the final exam.
  • Chapter 13 typically carries 4-6 marks in CBSE Class 8 annual exams
  • Foundation for ray optics, mirrors, lenses, and optical instruments in Classes 9-12
  • Frequently tested topics: laws of reflection, dispersion, myopia, hypermetropia
  • Competency-based questions (case studies, HOTS) now standard in CBSE pattern
  • Mastering this chapter reduces difficulty in Class 10 board optics questions significantly

Common Mistakes Students Make in Light Chapter and How to Avoid Them

One frequent error is measuring the angle of incidence from the mirror surface instead of the normal—always remember angles in reflection are measured from the perpendicular normal line. Another common mistake is writing 'refraction' instead of 'reflection' or confusing 'dispersion' with 'diffusion'; these are distinct phenomena, so use NCERT terminology precisely. In questions about the human eye, students often mix up the functions of the cornea, lens, and retina—create a simple table listing each part and its function to memorize easily. When asked to correct myopia or hypermetropia, stating 'lens' without specifying concave or convex costs marks; always mention the lens type. In diagram-based questions, forgetting to label parts or draw the normal line results in mark deduction—practice drawing neat, labelled diagrams as part of your revision. During fill-in-the-blanks, writing synonyms like 'splitting' for 'dispersion' may not fetch full credit; examiners look for exact NCERT terms. Finally, many students skip reading the question carefully and answer what they think is asked rather than what is actually asked—underline keywords like 'state,' 'explain,' 'differentiate,' or 'name' to ensure your answer format matches the demand. Avoiding these mistakes through regular worksheet practice can easily add 4-5 extra marks to your total score in the exam.
  • Always measure angles of incidence and reflection from the normal, not the mirror surface
  • Do not confuse reflection, refraction, dispersion, and diffusion—learn definitions precisely
  • Use exact NCERT terms in fill-in-the-blanks: 'dispersion' not 'splitting', 'iris' not 'colored part'
  • Specify lens type: concave for myopia, convex for hypermetropia—never write just 'lens'
  • Draw neat, labelled diagrams with a pencil and ruler; include the normal in reflection diagrams
  • Read questions carefully and underline instruction words like 'state', 'explain', 'differentiate'

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level and suggested time for this Class 8 Science Chapter 13 Light worksheet?+
This worksheet is of medium difficulty, designed to match CBSE Class 8 annual exam standards. The suggested time to complete the entire worksheet under exam conditions is 60 minutes. This includes all sections from MCQs to the case-study question.
How many marks does Chapter 13 Light typically carry in the CBSE Class 8 Science annual exam?+
Chapter 13 Light usually carries 4 to 6 marks in the CBSE Class 8 Science annual examination. Questions can appear as 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark short answers, or 3-mark long answers, and sometimes as part of a case-study question worth 4 marks.
What are the two laws of reflection of light as per NCERT Class 8 Science?+
The two laws of reflection are: (1) The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal to the mirror at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane. (2) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. These are foundational for understanding mirrors and optical instruments.
What is dispersion and how is it different from reflection?+
Dispersion is the splitting of white light into its seven constituent colours (VIBGYOR) when it passes through a prism. Reflection, on the other hand, is the bouncing back of light when it strikes a surface. Dispersion involves refraction at different angles for different wavelengths, while reflection involves bouncing at equal angles.
How is myopia different from hypermetropia, and which lenses correct them?+
Myopia (short-sightedness) is when a person cannot see distant objects clearly because the image forms before the retina; it is corrected using a concave lens. Hypermetropia (long-sightedness) is when nearby objects cannot be seen clearly because the image forms behind the retina; it is corrected using a convex lens.
Why is it important to draw labelled diagrams in answers for CBSE Class 8 Science Light chapter?+
Labelled diagrams help the examiner quickly verify your understanding of structures like the human eye, the path of light in reflection, or dispersion through a prism. CBSE marking schemes often allocate 0.5 to 1 mark specifically for neat and correctly labelled diagrams, so skipping them can cost you marks.
Can I use this worksheet for self-study if my school has not yet completed Chapter 13?+
Yes, but it is recommended to first read the NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 13 textbook thoroughly and solve the in-text and end-of-chapter questions. Once you have understood the concepts, attempt this worksheet as a self-assessment tool to identify any remaining gaps in your knowledge.
What is the best way to revise the human eye and vision defects for the exam?+
Create a summary table listing each part of the eye (cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina) with its function. For vision defects, make flashcards: one side with the defect name (myopia, hypermetropia, presbyopia) and the other with symptoms and corrective lens type. Practice drawing and labelling the eye diagram at least five times.
How does CBSETUTOR.ai help with worksheets and doubt-clearing for Class 8 Science?+
CBSETUTOR.ai provides unlimited NCERT-aligned worksheets, chapter notes, and 24×7 AI-powered doubt support. You can upload a photo of any question and receive step-by-step solutions instantly. All this is available at a flat fee of ₹999 per month for all subjects across Classes 6-12, with a 3-day free trial to explore the platform.
Are case-study questions now part of CBSE Class 8 Science exams?+
Yes, CBSE has introduced competency-based and case-study questions in Classes 6 to 10 to align with the National Education Policy 2020. These questions test comprehension, application, and analytical skills. Practicing such questions, as included in this worksheet, prepares students for the new exam pattern and boosts confidence.

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