Refraction
3 marks · EasyThe figure below shows a set-up for water waves moving from shallow to deep water.
In the space below, draw a diagram to show how the path of a wave changes as it moves from the shallow region into the deeper region at an angle to the boundary.
Label the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction on your diagram.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) — · must show Incident ray in shallow water, Refracted ray in deep water (bending away from the normal), Normal at the boundary
(b) — · must show Angle of incidence between incident ray and normal, Angle of refraction between refracted ray and normal
Must show: Incident wave path in shallow region, Refracted wave path in deeper region (bending away from normal), Normal at boundary, Angle of incidence and angle of refraction clearly labeled
Common mistakes: Refracted path bending incorrectly; Angles not labeled to normal
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Wave path is correctly drawn bending away from the normal in deep water.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Normal is drawn at boundary.
B3 (b) · 1 mark · Angles of incidence and refraction are correctly labeled to the normal.
Worked solution
a) Draw the incident wave approaching the boundary from shallow water at an angle to the normal. In deep water, draw the wave path bending away from the normal. Draw the normal (a line at right angles to the boundary).
b) Label the angle between the incident wave and the normal as the angle of incidence; label the angle between the refracted wave in deep water and the normal as the angle of refraction.