IB Physics SL C.3.1 Wavefronts & rays

Practise tracing rays through lenses, mirrors, and telescopes by completing ray diagrams, applying focal-length equations, and stating thin-lens assumptions.

Exam points

draw wavefronts and rays for waves spreading in two or three dimensions
use rays perpendicular to wavefronts to predict reflection, refraction or diffraction paths

[Maximum number: 1]

A group of students is investigating refraction in a semi-circular glass block.

Light from a ray box enters the curved side of the block. The light passes through the block and leaves, refracted, at P .

Outline how the students can ensure that the light is not deflected at the curved surface.

measure P to be at the centre of the flat edge/side so that incident rays are aimed at P /go through radial lines

OR

check that the incident angle is $0^{\circ}$ at every point of incidence

[1]

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C.3.1—Wavefronts and rays question 1