Refraction
3 marks · NormalDescribe an experiment a student could carry out to investigate the refraction of light as it passes from air into glass. Include the apparatus needed and the steps in the method.
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Apparatus: Ray box or torch, glass block, protractor, ruler, paper. Method: 1. Place the glass block on paper and draw its outline. 2. Use the ray box to shine a ray of light at an angle towards one side. 3. Mark the incident ray and emergent ray. 4. Remove the block and join the points to draw the path inside the glass. 5. Measure the angles of incidence and refraction using a protractor.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States appropriate apparatus (glass block, ray box or torch, protractor, paper, ruler)
B1 · 1 mark · Describes method (draw outline, shine ray at angle, mark rays)
B1 · 1 mark · Measures and compares angles of incidence and refraction
Worked solution
Place a glass block on a sheet of paper and draw around it. Shine a ray of light at an angle into the block. Mark the incident, refracted, and emergent rays. Remove the block, use a protractor to measure the angle of incidence (incoming ray to normal) and angle of refraction (inside the block). Apparatus: Ray box, glass block, paper, ruler, and protractor.