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3.2.2 Refraction of light

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Question 35

A student has a rectangular transparent plastic block and wishes to determine an accurate value for its refractive index nnn, using the formula:

n=sin⁡isin⁡r n = \frac{\sin i}{\sin r} n=sinrsini​

where iii is the angle of incidence in air and rrr is the angle of refraction inside the block.

The apparatus available includes:

  • a rectangular plastic block
  • a ray box with a single-slit plate and a low-voltage power supply
  • sheets of A4 plain paper

Write a plan for the experiment.

You should:

  • list any additional apparatus needed
  • draw a diagram of how the apparatus will be arranged, clearly labelling the normal line, the angle of incidence iii, and the angle of refraction rrr
  • write a method for carrying out the experiment, including how the value of nnn will be determined
  • state the precautions which should be taken to obtain thin, clearly defined light rays
  • state the precautions which should be taken to ensure that the measurements of the angles are accurate
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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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