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3.2.2 Refraction of light

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Question 9

A ray of light traveling in air strikes the surface of a spherical glass marble of centre O O\,O at point AAA.

The refractive index of the glass is 1.50, and the angle of incidence at A A\,A is 45∘45^\circ45∘.

a.

State the equation linking refractive index, angle of incidence, and angle of refraction when light enters a medium from air.

[1]
b.

Show by calculation that the angle of refraction r r\,r at A A\,A is approximately 28∘28^\circ28∘.

[2]
c.

The refracted ray travels through the glass marble and strikes the opposite inner surface at point BBB.

Explain, using the geometric properties of a circle, why the angle of incidence of the ray at B B\,B is also equal to rrr.

[3]
d.

State the angle of reflection for the portion of the light that is reflected at BBB.

[1]
e.

The remaining light is refracted as it emerges from the marble at B B\,B back into the air. Calculate the angle of refraction of this emerging ray.

[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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