O-LevelPhysicsLight5054/11 · Oct/Nov 2012 · Q231 Mark
In the following diagrams, the angle c is the critical angle. Which diagram shows the correct path of the light ray?
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Aray diagram showing a light ray incident from 'air' onto a 'glass' surface at an angle 'c' from the normal. The refracted ray travels along the interface between the 'air' and 'glass' mediums.
Bray diagram showing a light ray incident from 'air' onto a 'glass' surface at an angle 'c' from the normal. The refracted ray enters the 'glass' medium, bending towards the normal.
Cray diagram showing a light ray incident from 'air' onto a 'glass' surface at an angle 'c' from the normal. The incident ray is shown reflecting back into the 'air' medium.
Dray diagram showing a light ray incident from 'air' onto a 'glass' surface at an angle 'c' from the normal. Both a reflected ray back into 'air' and a refracted ray travelling along the interface into 'glass' are shown.
✓ Correct answer
C: ray diagram showing a light ray incident from 'air' onto a 'glass' surface at an angle 'c' from the normal. The incident ray is shown reflecting back into the 'air' medium.
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