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O-LevelPhysicsLight5054/22 · Oct/Nov 2015 · Q74 Marks

Light enters a parallel-sided glass block at A. The angle between the side of the block and the ray of light in air is 35°. The light then strikes the edge of the block at B. Fig. 7.1 shows the ray of light and the glass block. [Figure 7.1] The angle of refraction in the glass at A is 33°.

  1. (a)Calculate the refractive index for light in the glass. refractive index =[2]
  2. (b)(i)The light undergoes total internal reflection at B. State one condition necessary for total internal reflection to occur.[1]
  3. (b)(ii)On Fig. 7.1, continue the ray to show the path of the light after total internal reflection at B and until it leaves the block.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (n = )sin i/ sin r or sin 55°/sin 33°
  2. [1] 1.5(040274)
  3. [1] angle of incidence greater than critical angle or denser to rarer medium
  4. [1] reflected ray in correct direction (by eye) to edge of block and no second TIR (ign marked values)

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About this question

Topic
Light, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 4 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2015 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 7.

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