GCSE questions on refraction and TIR

Q11. Nick investigated the refraction of light at the boundary between air and glass.

The photo shows the ray box he used.

(a) The ray of light from the ray box should be as narrow as possible.

Explain why using a wider ray would give less accurate results than using a narrower ray.

[2 marks]

(b) The graph below shows the results.

Show on the graph how you obtained your answer.

[2 marks]

(d) Describe a method the student could have used to obtain the results shown in the above graph.

[6 marks]

(e) The student repeated each measurement three times.

When the angle of incidence was 40° the three measured values for the angle of refraction were:

28°

25°

22°

Estimate the uncertainty in the angle of refraction when the angle of incidence was 40°.

Show clearly how you determined your estimate.

[2 marks]

(f) Tick the one of the following properties of a light wave that changes when it is refracted.

Colour

Frequency

Velocity

[1 mark]

(Total 13 marks)