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3.2.2 Refraction of light

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Question 1

A student performs an experiment to investigate the refraction and reflection of light using a rectangular transparent block on a ray-trace sheet. They record the following measurements from their completed ray-tracing diagram:

  • Length of line LGLGLG, a=6.6 cma = 6.6\text{ cm}a=6.6 cm
  • Length of line LKLKLK, b=4.4 cmb = 4.4\text{ cm}b=4.4 cm
  • Angle of incidence, θ=40.0∘\theta = 40.0^\circθ=40.0∘
  • Reflected/refracted return angle, α=38.0∘\alpha = 38.0^\circα=38.0∘
a.

Calculate the refractive index nnn of the block using the equation:

n=ab n = \frac{a}{b} n=ba​
[2]
b.

Another student suggests that angle α\alphaα and angle θ\thetaθ should be equal. State whether the student's results support this suggestion and justify your answer.

[2]
c.

Suggest two practical reasons why different students, all carrying out this experiment carefully, may not obtain identical results for their measurements.

[2]
Markscheme

3.2.2 Refraction of light Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /3.2.2 Refraction of light

100 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 3.2.2 Refraction of light. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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