Physics 5054 · O Level · Refraction of light

Refraction of light — practice question

A student carries out an investigation into the reflection and refraction of light with a semi-circular glass block. • He puts a glass block on a sheet of paper. • He traces the outline of the block with a pencil. • He uses a ray box to send a ray of light to the centre C of the flat face AB of the block. • He marks AB and point C. Fig. 3.1 shows the observation made by the student. • He uses a pencil to put two crosses $X_1$ and $X_2$ on the incident ray. • He uses a pencil to put two crosses $X_3$ and $X_4$ on the emergent ray. • He uses a pencil to put two crosses $X_5$ and $X_6$ on the ray reflected from the face AB. • He removes the glass block and the ray box. Fig. 3.2 shows the student’s sheet of paper.
(a)[1]

Construct the normal to the surface of the glass block at C.

(b)[1]

1. Join $X_1$ to $X_2$ with a line. Extend it to C. 2. Join $X_4$ to $X_3$ with a line. Extend it to C. 3. Join $X_6$ to $X_5$ with a line. Extend it to C.

(c(i))[1]

Measure the angle of incidence $i$ of the light ray on face AB.

(c(ii))[1]

Measure the angle of refraction $r$ at point C for this ray.

(d)[1]

Calculate the refractive index $n$ of the glass. Use the equation shown. $n = \frac{\sin i}{\sin r}$

(e)[1]

Measure the angle of reflection $R$ from face AB. The angle of incidence $i$ should be the same as the angle of reflection $R$. State one practical reason why the angles $i$ and $R$ that you measured may not be equal.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Normal at C perpendicular to AB

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