Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Total Internal Reflection
15 practice questions
Practice questions
1–7 of 7 · Normal
Question 1
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student uses a prism made from glass with refractive index 1.52. She shines a ray of light at 49° to the normal onto the surface between glass and air.
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the critical angle for this glass–air boundary. Give your answer to 1 decimal place.
(b)[3 marks]Will the ray undergo total internal reflection at the boundary? Explain your answer with a calculation or comparison.
Question 2
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Prisms are often used in periscopes instead of mirrors. State one advantage of using prisms over mirrors and explain why this is beneficial.
Question 3
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe an experiment using a semi-circular glass block and a ray box to determine the critical angle of glass. State the steps you would take and the measurements you would make.
Question 4
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which statement correctly describes total internal reflection in the context of light travelling from glass into air?
- A.It occurs when the angle of incidence is less than the critical angle.
- B.It occurs only when the angle of reflection equals the critical angle.
- C.It occurs when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle.
- D.It occurs for any angle when light passes from air into glass.
Question 5
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A glass block has a refractive index of 1.48. Calculate: a) The value of sin of the critical angle. b) The value of the critical angle itself (to 2 decimal places).
Question 6
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A laser beam is sent into an optical fibre made of glass surrounded by air. Explain why the light remains trapped inside the fibre when it travels around bends.
Question 7
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A beam of light travels from water (refractive index 1.33) into air.
(a)[3 marks]Calculate the critical angle for the water–air boundary. Give your answer to 1 decimal place.
(b)[1 mark]Would total internal reflection occur if the angle of incidence in water is 48°? Show your working.