ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

Edexcel IGCSE Physics (d) Light & sound Question Bank

Practise interpreting light and sound diagrams, measuring angles, applying refraction equations, and explaining reflection or total internal reflection.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Physics 4PH1

Exam points

  • draw reflected rays with angle of reflection equal to angle of incidence
  • measure incidence, refraction or critical angles from ray diagrams and use sin c = 1/n
  • interpret sound-wave statements, including longitudinal waves and reflection or refraction

(d) Light and sound question 1

[Maximum number: 11]

This question is about light.

Question (a)

(a)

Diagram 1 shows a light ray entering a glass prism.

Diagram 1

Diagram 1

[ 9 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Describe what happens to the light ray when it enters the prism at point A .

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

State the name of line XY .

[ 1 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

State the formula linking critical angle and refractive index.

[ 1 ]

Question (iv)

(iv)

The refractive index for the glass in this prism is 1.6.

Calculate the critical angle for the glass in this prism.

critical angle = ............ degrees

[ 3 ]

Question (v)

(v)

Complete Diagram 1 by continuing the path of the light ray from point B.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Diagram 2 shows a similar prism that is made from a material with a different refractive index.

The critical angle for the material of this prism is 55 degrees.

Complete Diagram 2 by continuing the path of the light ray.

Diagram 2

Diagram 2

[ 2 ]

(d) Light and sound question 2

[Maximum number: 12]

A student does an investigation to determine the refractive index of a block made from flint glass.

Question (a)

(a)

She directs a ray of red light at the block, as shown in diagram 1.

Diagram 1

Diagram 1

[ 9 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Some of the light is reflected from the surface of the block at point A . On diagram 1, draw this reflected ray of light.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Use a protractor to determine the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction of the red light at point A on diagram 1.

angle of incidence = ............ degrees

angle of refraction = ............ degrees

[ 2 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

State the formula linking refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction.

[ 1 ]

Question (iv)

(iv)

Calculate the refractive index of the glass for red light.

refractive index = ............

[ 2 ]

Question (v)

(v)

Describe how the student could improve her investigation to obtain a more reliable value of the refractive index.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The student replaces the red light with a blue light.

Diagram 2 shows a ray of blue light directed at point A, at the same angle of incidence as the previous ray of red light.

The dashed lines on diagram 2 show the previous path of the ray of red light.

Diagram 2

Diagram 2

The refractive index of flint glass for blue light is higher than the refractive index of flint glass for red light.

Complete diagram 2 by drawing the path of blue light from point A until it passes into air.

[ 3 ]

(d) Light and sound question 3

[Maximum number: 13]

This question is about refraction.

Question (a)

(a)

The diagram shows a ray of light from a torch incident on the surface of a pool of water.

Figure for Question (a) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

The angle of refraction of the ray of light is 3333^{\circ}

[ 5 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Draw the path of the ray of light in the water.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

State the formula linking refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction.

[ 1 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

Show that the refractive index of water is about 1.3

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The torch is moved below the surface of the water. Light from the torch is incident on the water surface at an angle greater than the critical angle.

[ 8 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Explain the meaning of the term critical angle.

You may draw a diagram to help your answer.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

State the formula linking critical angle and refractive index.

[ 1 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

Calculate the critical angle of water.

Assume the refractive index of water is 1.3

[ 3 ]

Question (iv)

(iv)

A ray of light leaves the torch as shown in the diagram.

Complete the path of the ray of light.

Figure for Question (iv) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics
[ 2 ]
All question bank results loaded