Sunlight comes from infinity and is focused at the principal focus of the convex lens. The paper burns in the shortest time when the intensity of light is maximum, which occurs at the focal point.
Therefore, the focal length of the convex lens is f=30 cm.
Assuming the lens is equiconvex, the radii of curvature are R1=60 cm and R2=−60 cm.
Using the Lens Maker's formula:
f1=(μ−1)(R11−R21)
Substituting the given values:
301=(μ−1)(601−(−601))
301=(μ−1)(602)
301=(μ−1)(301)
μ−1=1⇒μ=2
Given that the refractive index is 10α:
10α=2⇒α=20
Answer: 20