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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section

Refraction

15 practice questions

Start practising (7 questions)

Practice questions

1–7 of 7 · Normal

  1. Question 1

    4 marks · Normal

    The diagram below shows a wavefront striking a flat barrier at an angle.

    Geometry diagram with points A, B, C
    Wavefronts and barrier with normal
    (a)

    Mark and label the angle of incidence on the diagram.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    State the law of reflection.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    If the angle of incidence is , what is the angle of reflection?

    [1 mark]
    (d)

    Explain why the reflected wave leaves the barrier at this angle.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 2

    2 marks · Normal

    Water waves pass from deep to shallow water. Describe what happens to the direction and speed of the waves. Explain briefly.

    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 3

    1 mark · Normal

    Which statement best describes refraction of light?

    1. A.Light bounces off a surface at the same angle it strikes.
    2. B.Light passes through a boundary and bends due to a change in speed.
    3. C.Light is absorbed and converted to heat.
    4. D.Light travels without changing direction.
    Answer and check →

  4. Question 4

    2 marks · Normal

    Describe one example, other than light, where refraction occurs, and explain why refraction takes place.

    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 5

    4 marks · Normal

    A student shining a light ray into water measures the following angles for different boundaries:

    Angles measured by the student
    BoundaryAngle of IncidenceAngle of Refraction
    Air-water40°28°
    Water-glass30°22°
    (a)

    For the air-water boundary, is the light bending towards or away from the normal? Explain.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    For the water-glass boundary, which medium is slower for light: water or glass? Justify your answer using the angles.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  6. Question 6

    2 marks · Normal

    State two scientific devices that use the refraction of light and briefly describe how refraction is useful in each.

    Answer and see the solution →

  7. Question 7

    1 mark · Normal

    What is always true when a wave is reflected from a flat barrier?

    1. A.The wave changes speed when reflected.
    2. B.The wave is refracted at the barrier.
    3. C.The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
    4. D.The wave leaves the surface at right angles.
    Answer and check →