Advanced Institution of Physics

Marks 23 Time: 30 min

1 A polarising filter is placed in front of a laser. When the laser is switched on a red spot is seen on a
screen. The filter is then rotated through 180°. As the filter is rotated, the intensity of the red spot falls
almost to zero and then returns to the original intensity.
Explain these observations.
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(Total for Question 1 = 3 marks)

2 It is often difficult to see below the surface of a pond because of glare. This is when the intensity of light
from the sky reflected from the surface is much greater than that of light from below the surface.
Sunglasses with polarising lenses can reduce the effect of glare, allowing the observer to see clearly what
is below the surface of the water. This is because light from the sky becomes plane polarised when it is
reflected.
(a) Explain the difference between plane polarised and unpolarised light.
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(b) Explain how a polarising lens may be used to remove the glare but still allow light from below the
surface of the pond to reach the observer.
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(Total for Question 2 = 6 marks)

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3 The photograph shows a shoe with novelty shoelaces.

The laces are long, flexible plastic strands. Light from the light source passes through the tied laces,
illuminating the ends.

(a) (i) State what is meant by critical angle.

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(ii) Show that the refractive index for the plastic used for the laces is about 1.5 speed of light in plastic =
1.97 × 108 m s-1.
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(iii) Calculate the critical angle for the plastic used for the laces.
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Critical angle = ..........................................

(b) Explain how light from the source is able to reach the end of the laces.
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(Total for Question 3 = 8 marks)

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4 A student has the equipment shown in Figure 1:
� protractor
� 15 cm ruler
� laser light source
� pencil
� sheet of paper
� rectangular block of plastic.

Figure 1

(a) The student uses the equipment shown in Figure 1 to take the measurements needed to determine the
refractive index for light travelling from air into the plastic.
Explain one limitation of this equipment when used to obtain the measurements.
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(b) The value of refractive index obtained by the student was 1.52.
(i) Calculate the speed of light in the plastic.
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Speed of light in the plastic = .........................................................

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(ii) Calculate the critical angle for the plastic.
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Critical angle = .....................................

(Total for Question 4 = 6 marks)

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