Physics 5054 · O Level · Refraction of light

Refraction of light — practice question

A laser emits a beam of red light.
(a(i))[1]

The laser’s red light has a frequency of $4.3 \times 10^{14}\,\text{Hz}$. State the speed of light in air.

(a(ii))[2]

Calculate the wavelength in air of this red light.

(b(i))[1]

State what happens to the speed of light as it enters the glass.

(b(ii))[2]

The refractive index of the glass is $1.5$. The angle of refraction in the glass, at the point where the light enters the prism, is $30^{\circ}$. Calculate the angle of incidence $i$.

(b(iii))[1]

The light then passes back into the air and strikes the front of the white screen, as shown in Fig. 10.1. Calculate $\theta$, the angle between the ray in air and the side of the prism.

(c(i))[2]

On Fig. 10.2, draw the path of the light as it travels through the prism and onto the screen.

(c(ii))[2]

Describe what appears on the screen.

(c(iii).1)[1]

On the screen in Fig. 10.2, mark an X to show where infra-red radiation strikes the screen.

(c(iii).2)[1]

Explain why the blackened bulb makes the thermometer a good detector of infra-red radiation.

(d)[2]

Explain the role played by infra-red radiation in intruder alarms.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Speed of light in air = 3.0 \times 10^8 m/s

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