Physics 5054 · O Level · Reflection of light

Reflection of light — practice question

Fig. 9.1 is a view from above of a man in a room looking at a mirror.
(a(i))[2]

The man can see an image of part of wall AB in the mirror. Point C is the point on the wall nearest to A that the man can see by reflection in the mirror. This point is not shown on Fig. 9.1. On Fig. 9.1, locate point C and draw a light ray from C that allows the man to see the image of C.

(a(ii))[2]

On the ray you have drawn in Fig. 9.1, mark the angle of incidence $i$ and the angle of reflection $r$.

(a(iii)1)[2]

Explain what the term virtual image means.

(a(iii)2)[1]

State one further characteristic of an image formed by a plane mirror.

(b(i))[2]

Optical fibres guide light by total internal reflection. State two differences between total internal reflection and reflection in a mirror.

(b(ii))[2]

For light travelling from the material of the fibre to air, the critical angle is $44^{\circ}$. Calculate the refractive index of the material in the fibre.

(b(iii))[2]

Air is the medium from which light enters the optical fibre, and the angle of incidence is $50^{\circ}$. Calculate the angle of refraction.

(b(iv))[2]

Optical fibres are used in telecommunications to carry large amounts of data. Light pulses move through a fibre at almost the same speed as electrical pulses along a metal wire. State two advantages of using optical fibres rather than wires for transmitting data.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: A ray drawn from the mirror's right-hand corner to the eye

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