GCSE questions on refraction and TIR
Q9. Anya used a ray box and glass block to investigate refraction of light.
Here is a diagram showing a ray of light entering the glass block.
(a) In the diagram, the angle of incidence is labelled with the letter i.
(i) Label the angle of refraction with the letter r.
[1 mark]
(ii) What is the value of the angle of incidence (Measure the angle of incidence on the diagram).
[1 mark]
(iii) Complete the above diagram to show the path taken by the ray of light through the glass block and out into the air.
[3 marks]
(b) Anya repeated the measurement three times and calculated the mean to reduce the effect of errors. What type of error did she reduce?
[1 mark]
(c) Here a the table of some of Anya's results.
It shows the values for the angles of incidence and the mean angles of refraction.
Angle of incidence in degrees |
Mean angle of refraction in degrees |
20 |
13 |
30 |
19 |
40 |
X |
50 |
31 |
(i) For an angle of incidence of 40° the three measurements for the angle of refraction were: 23° 27° 25° Calculate the value of X
[1 mark]
(ii) Anya used the data in the table and correctly concluded that the angle of refraction is _ _ _ _ _ _ the angle of incidence used.
Choose words from the table below to complete this sentence.
equal to |
greater than |
less than |
[1 mark]
(iii) Why is the Anya's conclusion only valid for angles of incidence between 20° and 50°?
[1 mark]
(iv) Anya repeated the investigation using a transparent plastic block.
Why did she use a transparent block and not an opaque block?
[1 mark]
(v) Anya wanted to compare the refraction caused by the plastic with the refraction caused by the glass.
Which one of the following must she keep the same for both the plastic block and the glass block?
(Tick to indicate your choice)
| The angles of incidence tested |
|
| The angles of refraction tested |
|
| The number of results recorded |
|
| The size of the two blocks |
|
[1 mark]
(Total 11 marks)
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