Physics 5054 · O Level · Refraction of light

Refraction of light — practice question

A student is determining the refractive index of oil. The oil is poured into a semi-circular transparent plastic container, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1. The container is set on top of a $360^{\circ}$ protractor, as shown in Fig. 1.2.
(a(i))[1]

State one property of the oil that is necessary for the experiment to work.

(a(ii))[1]

On Fig. 1.2, measure the angle of refraction $r$ for the light travelling in the oil. $r = \ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots^{\circ}$

(b(i))[4]

Complete Table 1.1 with your value of $r$ from (a)(ii). On the grid in Fig. 1.3, plot $r$ on the y-axis against $i$ on the x-axis. Begin both axes at $(0,0)$. Draw a smooth best-fit curve.

(b(ii))[1]

Describe the way $i$ and $r$ are related on the graph.

(b(iii))[2]

Use your graph to find the value of $r$ for $i = 50^{\circ}$. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained your answer. $r = \ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots^{\circ}$

(b(iv))[2]

Theory gives the refractive index $n$ of the oil as: $n = \frac{\sin i}{\sin r}$ Substitute $i$ and your value of $r$ from (b)(iii) to calculate $n$. State your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. $n = \ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots$

(b(v))[1]

On Fig. 1.4, sketch the graph obtained when $\sin r$ is plotted against $\sin i$. No calculations are needed.

(c)[1]

Suggest one reason why the practical method in this investigation may fail to produce an accurate value for $n$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 13-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: needs to be transparent / translucent / not opaque / allows light through / colourless

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