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3.2.2 Refraction of light

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Question 8

A student is investigating the refraction of light through a rectangular transparent block with parallel opposite sides on a ray-trace sheet. They trace an incident ray striking the block at an angle of incidence i=40∘i = 40^\circi=40∘. The measured angle of refraction inside the block is r1=25∘r_1 = 25^\circr1​=25∘.

a.

State the expected angle of emergence, with respect to the normal, when the light ray exits the opposite parallel face of the block into the air.

[1]
b.

State the minimum recommended separation distance between the locating tracking pins (e.g., P3 P_3\,P3​ and P4P_4P4​) used to trace the emergent ray to ensure high accuracy.

[1]
c.

Describe two practical precautions that should be taken when placing or viewing the pins in this experiment to obtain reliable results.

[2]
d.

The student rotates the block by 90∘ 90^\circ\,90∘ and repeats the measurement under the same conditions, obtaining an angle of refraction of r2=27∘r_2 = 27^\circr2​=27∘. State whether these two measurements support the claim that the angle of refraction is the same in both orientations. Justify your answer with reference to experimental limits.

[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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