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6.2 Electromagnetic waves

6.2 Electromagnetic waves

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Question 3

A student investigates how the angle of refraction of light in an acrylic block depends on the angle of incidence.

Table 1 shows some of the student's results.

Angle of incidence (degrees)Mean angle of refraction (degrees)
1510
3019
45YYY
6035
a.

For an angle of incidence of 45∘45^\circ45∘, the student's three measurements for the angle of refraction were:

27∘,29∘,28∘ 27^\circ, \quad 29^\circ, \quad 28^\circ 27∘,29∘,28∘

Calculate the mean value Y Y\,Y to complete Table 1.

[2]
b.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options: random, systematic, or zero.

"The student conducted three trials for each angle of incidence and calculated a mean to reduce the effect of __________ errors."

[1]
c.

Using the data in Table 1, state whether the angle of refraction is less than, equal to, or greater than the angle of incidence.

[1]
d.

Why is the student's conclusion only valid for angles of incidence between 15∘ 15^\circ\,15∘ and 60∘60^\circ60∘?

[1]
e.

The student wants to compare the refraction caused by the acrylic block with that of a glass block. Which variable must the student keep the same for both blocks to ensure a fair comparison?

  • The angles of incidence tested
  • The size of the two blocks
  • The total number of results recorded
  • The brightness of the light source
[1]
Markscheme

6.2 Electromagnetic waves Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /6.2 Electromagnetic waves

29 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Physics 6.2 Electromagnetic waves, covering 6.2.1 Types of electromagnetic waves, 6.2.2 Properties of electromagnetic waves 1, 6.2.3 Properties of electromagnetic waves 2, 6.2.4 Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves, 6.2.5 Lenses, and 6.2.6 Visible light. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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