Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Refraction
16 practice questions
Practice questions
1–8 of 8 · Normal
Question 1
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State what is meant by refraction and explain why refraction occurs when a light ray passes from air into water.
Question 2
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A ray of light passes from air into a block of glass. The diagram below shows the path of the ray.
Ray of light entering glass (a)[2 marks]On the diagram, clearly label the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction.
(b)[1 mark]State which of the two angles (angle of incidence or angle of refraction) is larger and explain why.
Question 3
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram shows the direction of a wave as it passes from shallow water into deep water at an angle. The wave changes speed and is refracted.
Wave passing from shallow to deep water (a)[2 marks]Describe what happens to the speed and direction of the wave as it passes from shallow to deep water.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why the direction of the wavefront changes.
Question 4
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which statement explains why a pencil appears bent when placed in a glass of water?
- A.Light is absorbed by the water.
- B.Light is reflected off the pencil.
- C.Light travels at the same speed in water and air.
- D.Light is refracted as it passes from air to water.
Question 5
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain how the path of a sound wave changes as it moves from warm air into cold air at an angle.
Question 6
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A ray of light passes from air (speed in air = m/s) into glass (speed in glass = m/s). Calculate the refractive index of glass to two significant figures.
Question 7
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student shines a ray of light at an angle on the surface of water in a tank. Some of the ray is reflected and some is refracted. The diagram shows the ray and the normal.
Light ray striking water surface Use the diagram to answer the following.
(a)[2 marks]Which ray shows reflection? Which shows refraction? Write their labels.
(b)[2 marks]Describe the difference between reflection and refraction using this example.
Question 8
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe 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.