3.3.2.3 Refraction at A Plane Surface

Colonel Frank Seely School
Exampro A-level Physics Name:
(7407/7408) Class:
3.3.2.3 Refraction at a plane surface
Author:
Date:
Time: 321
Marks: 275
Comments:
Page 1
Q1.Monochromatic light passes from air into water. Which one of the following statements is
true?

A The velocity, frequency and wavelength all change
B The velocity and frequency change but not the wavelength
C The velocity and wavelength change but not the frequency
D The frequency and wavelength change but not the velocity
(Total 1 mark)
Q2. The diagram below shows three wavefronts of light directed towards a glass block in
the air. The direction of travel of these wavefronts is also shown.
Complete the diagram to show the position of these three wavefronts after partial
reflection and refraction at the surface of the glass block.
(Total 3 marks)
Page 2
Q3. Figures 1 and 2 each show a ray of light incident on a water-air boundary. A, B, C and
D show ray directions at the interface.
Figure 1 Figure 2
(a) Circle the letter below that corresponds to a direction in which a ray cannot occur.
A B C D

(1)
(b) Circle the letter below that corresponds to the direction of the faintest ray.
A B C D

(1)
(Total 2 marks)
Q4.A small intense light source is 1.5 m below the surface of the water in a large swimming
pool, as shown in the diagram.
Page 3
(a) Complete the paths of rays from the light source which strike the water surface at X,
Y and Z.
(b) Calculate the diameter of the disc through which light emerges from the surface of
the water.
speed of light in water = 2.25 × 108 m s–1

speed of light in air = 3.00 × 108 m s–1
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(Total 7 marks)
Page 4
Q6.The diagram shows a cross-section of one wall and part of the base of an empty fish tank,
viewed from the side. It is made from glass of refractive index 1.5. A ray of light travelling
in air is incident on the base at an angle of 35° as shown.
(a) Calculate the angle θ.
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(2)
(b) (i) Calculate the critical angle for the glass-air interface.
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(ii) Hence, draw on the diagram the continuation of the path of the ray through the
glass wall and out into the air. Mark in the values of all angles of incidence,
refraction and reflection.
(6)
(Total 8 marks)
Q7.Two prisms made from different glass are placed in perfect contact to form a rectangular
block surrounded by air as shown. Medium 1 has a smaller refractive index than medium
2.
Page 6
(a) A ray of light in air is incident normally on medium 1 as shown. At the boundary
between medium 1 and medium 2 some light is transmitted and the remainder
reflected.
(i) Sketch, without calculation, the path followed by the refracted ray as it enters
medium 2 and then emerges into the air.
(ii) Sketch, without calculation, the path followed by the reflected ray showing it
emerging from medium 1 into the air.
(4)
(b) The refractive index of medium 1 is 1.40 and that of medium 2 is 1.60.
(i) Give the angle of incidence at the boundary between medium 1 and medium
2.
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(ii) Calculate the angle of refraction at this boundary.
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(4)
(c) Calculate the critical angle for a ray passing from medium 2 into the air.
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(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q9.A glass plate surrounded by air is made up of two parallel sided sheets of glass in perfect contact
as shown in the figure. Medium 1, the top sheet of glass, has a smaller refractive index than medium
2.
(a) A ray of light in air is incident on the top sheet of glass and is refracted at an angle
of 40° as shown in the figure. At the boundary between medium 1 and medium 2
some light is transmitted and the remainder reflected.
On the figure, sketch without calculation, the following:
(i) the path followed by the transmitted ray showing it entering from the air at the
top and emerging into the air at the bottom;
Page 8
(ii) the path followed by the reflected ray showing it emerging from medium 1 into
the air.
(4)
(b) The refractive index of medium 1 is 1.35 and that of medium 2 is 1.65.
(i) Calculate the angle of incidence where the ray enters medium 1 from the air.
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(ii) Calculate the angle of refraction at the boundary between medium 1 and

medium 2.
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(5)
(c) Total internal reflection will not occur for any ray incident in medium 1 at the boundary with
medium 2.
Explain, without calculation, why this statement is true.
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(1)
(Total 10 marks)
Page 9
Q10. The diagram shows a ray of light passing from air into a glass prism at an angle of
incidence θi. The light emerges from face BC as shown.
refractive index of the glass = 1.55
(a) (i) Mark the critical angle along the path of the ray with the symbol θc.
(ii) Calculate the critical angle, θc.
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(3)
(b) For the ray shown calculate the angle of incidence, θi.
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(2)
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(c) Without further calculations draw the path of another ray of light incident at the same
point on the prism but with a smaller angle of incidence. The path should show the
ray emerging from the prism into the air.
(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q11. The diagram below shows a liquid droplet placed on a cube of glass. A ray of light
from air, incident normally on to the droplet, continues in a straight line and is refracted at
the liquid to glass boundary as shown.
(a) Calculate the speed of light
(i) in the glass,
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(ii) in the liquid droplet.
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(3)
(b) Calculate the refractive index of the liquid.
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(2)
(c) On the diagram above, complete the path of the ray showing it emerge from the
glass cube into the air.
No further calculations are required.
(2)
(Total 7 marks

Q14. The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the base of a glass tank containing
water. A point monochromatic light source is in contact with the base and ray, R , from the 1
source has been drawn up to the point where it emerges along the surface of the water.
Page 12
(a) (i) Which angle, A to F, is a critical angle?
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(ii) Explain how the path of R demonstrates that the refractive index of glass is
1
greater than the refractive index of water.
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(2)
(b) Using the following information
A = 47.1°
B = 42.9°
C = E = 41.2°
D = F = 48.8°
calculate
(i) the refractive index of water,
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(ii) the ratio, .
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(5)
(c) Ray R emerges from the source a few degrees away from ray R as shown.
2 1
Draw on the diagram above the continuation of ray R . 2
Where possible show the ray being refracted.

(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Q15. The diagram, which is not to scale, shows the cross-section of a 45° right angled glass
prism supported by a film of liquid on a glass table. A ray of monochromatic light is incident on the
prism at an angle of incidence θ and emerges along the glass - liquid boundary as shown.
refractive index of glass = 1.5
(a) Calculate the speed of light in the glass.
Page 14
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(2)
(b) Determine
(i) the angle of incidence, θ,
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(ii) the refractive index of the liquid.
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(5)
(c) The liquid is now changed to one with a lower refractive index. Draw a possible path
for the ray beyond the point A and into the air.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Q16. The diagram shows a cube of glass. A ray of light, incident at the centre of a face of
the cube, at an angle of incidence θ, goes on to meet another face at an angle of
incidence of 50°, as shown in the figure bellow
critical angle at the glass-air boundary = 45°
Page 15
(a) Draw on the diagram the continuation of the path of the ray, showing it passing
through the glass and out into the air.
(3)
(b) Show that the refractive index of the glass is 1.41
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(2)
(c) Calculate the angle of incidence, θ.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q17. The figure below shows a ray of light passing from air into glass at the top face of
glass block 1 and emerging along the bottom face of glass block 2.
refractive index of the glass in block 1 = 1.45
Page 16
(a) Calculate
(i) the incident angle θ , 1
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(ii) the refractive index of the glass in block 2,
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Page 17
(iii) the angle θ by considering the refraction at point A.
3
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(7)
(b) In which of the two blocks of glass will the speed of light be greater?
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Explain your reasoning.
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(2)
(c) Using a ruler, draw the path of a ray partially reflected at A on the figure above.
Continue the ray to show it emerging into the air. No calculations are expected.
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Q18. A ray of light passes from air into a glass prism as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Page 18
(a) Confirm, by calculation, that the refractive index of the glass from which the prism
was made is 1.49.
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(1)
(b) On Figure 1, draw the continuation of the path of the ray of light until it emerges
back into the air. Write on Figure 1 the values of the angles between the ray and
any normals you have drawn.
the critical angle from glass to air is less than 45°

(2)
(c) A second prism, prism 2, made from transparent material of refractive index 1.37 is
placed firmly against the original prism, prism 1, to form a cube as shown in Figure
2.
Figure 2
Page 19
(i) The ray strikes the boundary between the prisms. Calculate the angle of
refraction of the ray in prism 2.
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(ii) Calculate the speed of light in prism 2.
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(iii) Draw a path the ray could follow to emerge from prism 2 into the air.
(7)
Q20. The diagram below shows a rectangular glass fish tank containing water. Three light
rays,
P, Q and R from the same point on a small object O at the bottom of the tank are shown.
(a) (i) Light ray Q is refracted along the water-air surface. The angle of incidence of
Page 20
light ray Q at the water surface is 49.0°. Calculate the refractive index of the
water. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
Answer ...............................
(1)
(ii) Draw on the diagram above the path of light ray P from the water-air surface.
(3)
(b) In the diagram above, the angle of incidence of light ray R at the water-air surface is
60.0°.
(i) Explain why this light ray is totally internally reflected at the water surface.
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(2)
(ii) Draw the path of light ray R from the water surface and explain whether or not
R enters the glass at the right-hand side of the tank.
the refractive index of the glass = 1.50
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(4)
(Total 10 marks)
Page 21
Q23. A glass cube is held in contact with a liquid and a light ray is directed at a vertical
face of the cube. The angle of incidence at the vertical face is then decreased to 42° as
shown in the figure below. At this point the angle of refraction is 27° and the ray is totally
internally reflected at P for the first time.
(a) Complete the figure above to show the path of the ray beyond P until it returns to
air.
(3)
(b) Show that the refractive index of the glass is about 1. 5.

(2)
(c) Calculate the critical angle for the glass-liquid boundary.
answer = ........................ degrees

(1)
(d) Calculate the refractive index of the liquid.
Page 22

answer = .....................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q25. The figure below shows a layer of oil that is floating on water in a glass container. A
ray of light in the oil is incident at an angle of 44° on the water surface and refracts.
Page 23
The refractive indices of the materials are as follows.
refractive index of oil = 1.47

refractive index of water = 1.33
(a) Show that the angle of refraction θ in the figure above is about 50°.

(2)
(b) The oil and the glass have the same refractive index. On the figure above, draw the
path of the light ray after it strikes the boundary between the water and the glass
and enters the glass. Show the value of the angle of refraction in the glass.
(2)
(c) Explain why the total internal reflection will not occur when the ray travels from water
to glass.
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Page 24
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(1)
(d) Calculate the critical angle for the boundary between the glass and air.
answer = ......................... degrees

(2)
(e) On the figure above, complete the path of the ray after it strikes the boundary
between the glass and air.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Q28. The figure below shows a glass prism. Light is directed into the prism at an angle of
56°.The path of the ray of light is shown as is it enters the prism.
(a) (i) Calculate the refractive index of the glass.
answer = ......................................
(2)
(ii) Calculate the critical angle for the glass-air boundary.
Page 25

answer = ......................... degrees

(2)
(b) On the figure above, continue the path of the ray of light until it emerges from the
prism.
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
Q31.The diagram below shows three transparent glass blocks A, B and C joined together.
Each glass block has a different refractive index.
(a) State the two conditions necessary for a light ray to undergo total internal reflection
Page 26
at the boundary between two transparent media.
condition 1 .....................................................................................................
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condition 2 .....................................................................................................
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(2)
(b) Calculate the speed of light in glass A.
refractive index of glass A = 1.80
speed of light ..................................... ms −1
(2)
(c) Show that angle is about 30 . o

(2)
(d) The refractive index of glass C is 1.40.
Calculate the critical angle between glass A and glass C.
critical angle ................................. degrees

(2)
(e) (i) State and explain what happens to the light ray when it reaches the boundary
between glass A and glass C.
Page 27
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(2)
(ii) On the diagram above continue the path of the light ray after it strikes the
boundary between glass A and glass C.
(1)
(Total 11 marks)
Q32.Figure 1 shows a ray of light A incident at an angle of 60° to the surface of a layer of oil
that is floating on water.
refractive index of oil = 1.47
refractive index of water = 1.33
Figure 1
(a) (i) Calculate the angle of refraction θ in Figure 1.
angle ................................ degrees

(2)
Page 28
(ii) Calculate the critical angle for a ray of light travelling from oil to water.
angle ................................ degrees

(2)
(iii) On Figure 1 continue the path of the ray of light A immediately after it strikes
the boundary between the oil and the water.
(2)
(b) In Figure 2 a student has incorrectly drawn a ray of light B entering the glass and
then entering the water before totally internally reflecting from the water–oil
boundary.
Figure 2
The refractive index of the glass is 1.52 and the critical angle for the glass–water
boundary is about 60°.
Give two reasons why the ray of light B would not behave in this way. Explain your
answers.
reason 1 ........................................................................................................
Page 29
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explanation .....................................................................................................
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reason 2 ........................................................................................................
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explanation .....................................................................................................
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(4)
(Total 10 marks)
Q33.Monochromatic light may be characterised by its speed, frequency and wavelength. Which
of the following quantities change when monochromatic light passes from air into glass?
A Speed only.
B Speed and wavelength only.
C Speed and frequency only.
D Wavelength and frequency only.

(Total 1 mark)
Page 30

M1.C
[1]
M2. reflection wavefront direction sensible
B1
refraction wavefront direction sensible
B1
one pair of wavefronts correctly spaced
B1
[3]
M3. (a) A
B1
(b) D
B1
[2]
M4.(a) ray straight through at X (1)

ray refracted at >30° at Y (1)
ray totally internally reflected at Z (1)
(b)
at critical angle sinθair = 1 (1)
Page 31
sinθwater = 0.75, θwater = 48.6° (1)
radius = 1.5tan48.6° (1) =1.7m, ∴ diameter = 3.4m (1)
[7]
M5.(a) (i) diagram to show: (1)
ray refracted towards normal (1)

total internal reflection at core-cladding interface (1)
i = r indicated (1)
ray continues whole length of fibre and emerges, without
errors(1)
(ii) refraction (1)
(iii) use of 1n2 = (1)
θ (= θ ) = 75.2° (1)
C 2
[or sin θC = 1/n gives sinθC = nclad/ncore (1)
sin θC = 1.45/1.50 (1)
θC = 75.2°(1)]
(max 7)
(b) (i) to protect outer surface of the core (1)
(ii) greater acceptance angle (1)

enables more light to be collected
(or smaller critical angle makes escape less likely) (1)
(3)
Page 32
(c) endoscopy or communications (1)

(1)
[11]
M6.(a)
θ = 22° (1) (22.48°)

(2)
(b) (i) (sinθc = 1/n gives) sinθc = (1)
θ = 42° (1) (41.8°)

c
(ii) ray diagram to show:

one total internal reflection (1)
with one angle of reflection marked as 68° (1)
correct refraction of ray on exit from top surface with 35° marked (1)
angle of incidence of 22° marked at point of exit (1)
(6)
[8]
M7.(a)
Ray diagram to show:
Page 33
(i) refraction towards normal at boundary (1)
emerging ray refracted away from normal (1)
(ii) reflection at boundary with i ≈ r

emerging ray refracted away from normal (1)
4
(b) (i) 20° (1)
(ii)
θ = 17 (.4)° (1)
2
(c) (sin θ = 1 / n gives) sin θc = 1 / 1.60 (1)

c
= θ = 38.7° (1)

c
2
[10]
M8.(a) (i) fringes formed when light from the two slits overlap (or diffracts) (1)
slits emit waves with a constant phase difference (or coherent) (1)
bright fringe formed where waves reinforce (1)
dark fringe formed where waves cancel (1)
[or if 3rd and 4th not scored, waves interfere (1)]
path difference from slits to fringe =
whole number of wavelengths for a bright fringe (1)
whole number + half a wavelength for a dark fringe (1)
[or phase difference is zero (in phase) for a bright fringe (1)
and 180° for a dark fringe (1)]
(ii) (interference) fringes disappear (1)

single slit diffraction pattern observed
[or single slit interference observed] (1)
central fringe (of single slit pattern) (1)
side fringes narrower than central fringe (1)
max 8
(b) (i) fringes closer (1)

(because) each fringe must be closer to the centre for the
Page 34
same path difference
[or correct use of formula as explanation] (1)
(ii) sin θ c (1) (= 0.88)
θ = 61.6° (1)
c
(iii) for second light ray, diagram to show:

smaller angle of incidence at P than first ray (1)
point of incidence at core / cladding boundary to right of first ray (1)
total internal reflection drawn correctly or indicated

at point of incidence to right of right angle (1)
[alternative if ray enters at P from above:

correct refraction at P (1)
TIR at boundary if refraction at P is correct (1)
angle of incidence visibly ≥ critical angle (1)]
7
[15]
M9.(a)
(i) incident angle > 40° (1)

angle of refraction into medium 2 < 40° (1)
emergent ray with correct refraction (1)
(ii) reflection at boundary between media with i ≈ r (1)

(hence) emergent ray at approximately same angle as incident ray
and showing correct refraction (1)
max 4
Page 35
(b) (i) (use of 1n2 = gives) 1.35 = (1)
θ = 60(2)° (1)
1
(ii)
θ = 31.7° (1)
5
(c) (total internal reflection) only occurs when light goes

from a higher to a lower refractive index
[or goes from a more dense to a less dense medium/material] (1)
1
[10]
M10. (a) (i) θ marked (1)

c
(ii) sin θ = c (1)
θ = 40.2° (1)
c
(b) n = (1)
(θ = 90 – 75.2 = 14.8°)
2
θ (= sin {1.55 sin 14.8}) = 23.3° (1)

1
–1
(c) Mark scheme not available.

3
[8]
Page 36
M11. (a) (i) (use of n = gives) c glass =×
= 2.07 × 10 m s (1)8 –1
(ii) use of (1)
c liquid = = 2.26 × 10 m s (1)

8 –1
(allow C.E. for values of c glass from (i))

3
(b) use of
to give n liquid = = 1.33 (1)
(allow C.E. for value of c )

liquid
[or use n =1 2 to give correct answer]

2
(c) diagram to show :

total internal reflection on the vertical surface (1)
refraction at bottom surface with angle in air greater
than that in the liquid (29.2°) (1)
2
[7]
Page 37
M12. (a) (i) sin c = (1)
c = 42° (1) (41.8°)
(ii) 1.5 sin i = sin 40 (1)

i = 25° (1) (25.4°) (use of c = 41.8° gives i = 26.4°)
(iii) total internal reflection at R (1)

further total internal reflection below Q (1)
further total internal reflection (1)
7
(b) (i) light ray enters fibre without refraction (1)

total internal reflection at fibre/air surface (1)
(ii) pulse in fibre 1 takes longer because it travels across the fibre
as well as along it (1)

3
[10]
M13. (a) (i) diagram to show: refraction towards normal on entry (1)
total internal reflection shown along fibre (1)
refraction away from normal on leaving glass (1)
(ii) speed of light decreases on entry into glass and

increases on leaving (1)
4
(b) (i) (use of sin θ = c gives) sin θ =

c ) (1)
θ = 39.6° (1)
c
(ii) = (1) (=1.07)
sin θ =
c (1)
θ = 69.4° (1)
c
Page 38
(iii) to protect the core surface
[or to prevent cross-over]
6
[10]
M14. (a) (i) (angle) F (1)
(ii) angle D is greater than angle B

[or at the glass-water boundary, ray R refracts away
1
from the normal] (1)

2
(b) (i) (use of sin θ =c gives) sin 48.8 = (1)
n = 1.3 (1) (1.33)
(ii) use of (1)
(1)
= 1.1 (1) (1.11)

5
(c) ray R to have greater angle of refraction in water than ray R (1)
2 1
total internal reflection at water-air boundary (1)

2
[9]
Page 39
M15. (a) c (=
g )= (1)
= 2.0 × 10 m s (1)
8 –1
(b) (i) sin  (= n sin  ) = 1.5 × sin 15 (1)

1 2
1  = 23° (1) (22.8°)
(ii) use of (1) (or equivalent)
n =
2 (1)
= 1.3 (1)
5
(c) total internal reflection at A (1)

correct refraction out of glass at r.h.
surface (1) (same angles as l.h. side)
2
[9]
M16. (a) diagram to show:

total internal reflection on side face (1)
ray emerging at base bent away from normal (1)
with ≈ correct angles (1)
3
(b) n = (1)
= with calculation (1) (= 1.41)

2
Page 40
(c) sin θ = n sin θ (1)

i r
sin θ = 1.41 × sin 40 (1)

i
θ = 65° (1)
i
3
[8]
M17. (a) (i) (use of gives)1.45 = (1)
θ1 = 22.8 (1)o
(ii) (1)
(1)
use of and (1)
[or n sin θ = n sin θ ]

1 1 2 1
1.45 sin θ = 1.60 sin 51.3 (1)

3
θ = 59.4º (1)
3
(allow C.E. for value of n from (ii))

7
(b) block 1 (1)(requires some explanation)
reference to (1)
[or statement such as light refracts/bends towards normal as it enters a

denser/higher refractive index material, or block 1 has lower refractive
index]
Page 41
2
(c) reflection at boundary with i  r (1)
refraction (at bottom surface) bending away from normal (1)

2
[11]
M18. (a) (1)

1
(b) TIR on hypotenuse and refraction at top surface (1)

55°, 10° and 15° all marked correctly (1)
2
(c) (i) use of
[or n sin θ = n sin θ ] (1)

1 1 2 2
1.49 sin 55º = 1.37 sin θ 2 (1)
θ = 63º (1)
2
(ii) (use of ) gives 1.37 = (1)
c = 2.2 ×10 ms (1)

2
8 –1
(2.19 × 10 ms )
8 –1
(iii) refraction at boundary between prisms, refracted

away from normal (1)
emerging ray (r.h. vertical face) refracting away

from normal (1)
7
Page 42
[10]
M19. (a) sin c = n /n (1)

c f
B1
78.6° (1)
B1
2
(b) required for total internal reflection (1)
B1
avoids signal loss (1)
B1
avoids cross-talk (owtte) (1)
B1
max 2
[4]
M20. (a) (i) (refractive index of water = 1/sin 49.0) = 1.33 (not 1.3 or 1.325) (1)
(ii) ray P shown in the air to right of vertical (1)
refracted away from the normal in the correct direction (1)
correct partial reflection shown (1)

4
(b) (i) critical angle for water-air boundary = 49.0°
Page 43
or angle of (incidence of) Q is θ (1) c
the angle of incidence (of R) exceeds the critical angle (1)
(ii) the figure shows that R undergoes TIR at water surface and
strikes the glass side (1)
angle of incidence at glass side = 30° (1)
R enters the glass and refracts towards the normal (1)
because n > n (1) (or water is optically less dense than glass)
g w
(calculates angle = 26.2° gets last two marks)

6
[10]
M21. (a) (i) (using n sin θ = n sin θ or sin θ = n /n gives)

1 1 2 2 c 2 1
correct substitution in either equation (eg 1.55 sin c = 1.45 (sin 90)
or sin c = 1.45/1.55) (1)
= 0.9355 (accept less sf) (1)

c = 69.3(°) (1) (accept 69.4°, 69° or 70°)
(ii) the angle (of incidence) is less than the critical angle
or values quoted (1)
(iii) (using n sin θ = n sin θ gives)

1 1 2 2
1.55 sin 60 = 1.45 sin θ (1)
(sin θ = 1.55 sin 60/1.45 =) 0.9258 or 0.926 or 0.93 (1)
θ = 67.8° (1) (accept 68° or 68.4)

7
(b) any two from:
Page 44
keeps signals secure (1)
maintains quality/reduces pulse broadening/smearing (owtte) (1)
it keeps (most) light rays in (the core due to total internal reflection
at the cladding-core boundary) (1)
it prevents scratching of the core (1)
(keeps core away from adjacent fibre cores) so helps to prevent

crossover of information/signal/data to other fibres (1)
cladding provides (tensile) strength for fibre/prevents breakage (1)
given that the core needs to be very thin (1)

max 2
[9]
M22. (a) (i) A: cladding + B: core (1)

1
(ii)
refraction towards the normal line (1)
continuous lines + strikes boundary + TIR correct angles by

eye + maximum 2 TIRs (1)
2
(b) or = 0.9865 (1)
80.6 or 80.8 or 81 (°) only (1)

2
Page 45
(c) to reduce multipath or multimode dispersion (1)
(which would cause) light travelling at different angles to arrive at

different times/pulse broadening/merging of adjacent pulses/’smearing’/
poor resolution/lower transmission rate/lower bandwidth/less distance
between regenerators (1)
or to prevent light/data/signal loss (from core or fibre) (1)
(which would cause) signal to get weaker/attenuation/crossover/data

to be less secure (1)
2
(d) correct application (1) (endoscope, cytoscope, arthroscope etc,

communications etc)
linked significant benefit stated eg improve medical diagnosis/improve

transmission of data/high speed internet (1)
2
[9]
M23. (a) reflects at correct angle by eye (use top of ‘27’ and bottom
of ‘42’ as a guide) or 27° or 63° correctly marked (1)
refracts away from normal at glass/air (1)
symmetrical by eye or refracted angle (42°) correctly marked

and at least one normal line added (1)
3
(b) (n ) =
g (1) DNA 42/27 = 1.56
= 1.47 (1.474) 3 sf shown (1)

2
(c) 63 (°) (1)

allow 62 to 62.99 with reasoning, allow ‘slightly less than 63’
without reason given
1
Page 46
(d) = 1.474 sin (c) (1) or use of n = 1.5
= 1.3(1) or 1.34 if n = 1.5 used (1)

2
[8]
M24. (a) (sheath) to protect fibre (and cladding)/to add strength

(to cladding)/prevent loss of signal from scratches
at least sense of protecting fibre/cladding

disallow anything that could infer that it is cladding
[eg prevent signal
loss/protects info]
treat extra as neutral
cladding explanation zero marks
B1
1
(b) use of sin c = n /n (condone ratio inverted)

2 1
C1
sin 60 = n /1.6 (condone lack of subscript)

2
C1
1.4/1.39 (condone units)
or sub for c and an n or 1.85/1.9/1.8 seen (1 ) st
alternative use of n sinθ = n sinθ with a θ = 90 (1 )

1 1 2 2
st
correct sub (2 )
nd
A1
3
(c) different wavelengths different speeds/different

wavelengths different refractive indices/different
paths/different angles/different distances
B1
Page 47
spreading of pulse/spreading into different wavelengths
B1
2
[6]
M25. (a) sin θ = or 1.33 sin θ = 1.47 sin44 or sin 0.768 (1)
–1
θ = 50.15, 50.2, 50.35 (°) (1)

answer seen to > 2 sf
2
(b) refracts towards normal (1) 44° shown (1)

2
(c) (TIR) only when ray travels from higher n to lower n or (water to glass) is
lower n to higher n (1)
do not allow ‘density’, allow ‘optical density’, n or refractive
index only
1
(d) sin θ =c or 1.47 sin θ = (1 ×) sin90 (1)

c
θ = 42.86 (= 43.0(°)) (1)

c
(e)
Page 48
2
[9]
M26. (a) use of c/c = n (condone inversion of c and c )

s s
C1
1.9 × 10 (m s )
8 –1
A1
2
(b) (i) path difference = 120 m or 0.12 km/finds two

times and subtracts
(allow incorrect speed with working) (condone power

of ten error)
Page 49
C1
(penalise use of different speeds)
6.4 × 10 s (ecf from (a))

–7
A1
2
(ii) refractive index varies across (graded-index)

core/refractive index maximum at centre of core
B1
ray travels slower in centre/rays travel faster at

edge/ray B travels faster/ray A travels slower
B1
2
[6]
M27. (a) decrease
constant
decrease
3
(b)
straight ray (ignore arrow) reflecting to the right
reflected angle = incident angle

(accept correct angle labels if reflected angle is outside
Page 50
tolerance)
2
(c) (i) (n = ) use of 3 (× 10 ) 8

= = 1.47 (1.4706)
(must see 3 sf or more)

2
(ii) sin θ = c or correct substitution in un-rearranged formula
θ = 80.4
c (80.401) (80.3 to 80.54) (≈ 80°) must see 3 sf or more
2
(d) angle of refraction = 180 – 90 – 80.4 = 9.6°
sinθ = 147(06) sin 9.6 = 0.25 ecf from first mark
θ = 14 (= 14.194°) ecf from first mark
range 13 to 15° due to use of rounded values

3
(e) (reduced amplitude) due to absorption/energy loss

(within the fibre)/attenuation/scattering (by the medium)
/loss from fibre
(pulse broadening caused by) multi-path (modal) dispersion

/different rays/modes propagating at different angles/non
axial rays take longer time to travel same distance along fibre
as axial rays
2
[14]
M28. (a) (i) sin 56 = n glass sin 30
(n glass = sin56/sin30) (= 1.658) = 1.7

2
Page 51
(ii) sin θ = 1/1.658
c ecf from ai
θ = (37.09 or 37.04) = 37 (degrees)

c
accept 36 (36.03 degrees) for use of 1.7

2
(b) TIR from the upper side of the prism ecf from part aii
and correct angle
refraction out of the long edge of the prism away from the normal
2
[6]
M29. (a) (i) cladding
1
(ii) sin θ = 1.41/1.46
c
θ = 75.0 (°) (74.96)

c
(b) (i) 65 (degrees)
1
(ii) 1.46 sin 65 = 1.41 sin r or sin r = 0.93845 ecf bi
r = 70 (degrees) (69.79) ecf bi

2
(c) Two from:
 less light is lost
 better quality signal / less distortion
Page 52
 increased probability of TIR
 Less change of angle between each reflection
 reflects more times (in a given length of fibre) keeping (incident) angle
large(r than critical angle)
 (angle of incidence is) less likely to fall below the critical angle
 less refraction out of the core
 improved data transfer / information / data / signal carried quicker
 less multipath dispersion (smearing / overlap of pulses)
2
[8]
M30.(a) (n =) OR 0.2436 / 0.1657 working must be seen

0.24 / 0.17 = 1.41 is not acceptable
AND ( = 1.4699) = 1.47 given correctly to 3 or more significant figures

Watch for:14.1 / 9.54 = 1.478
1
(b) (i) ray goes along the boundary

Deviation by no more than 1mm by the end of the diagram.
(partial) reflection shown

(allow dotted or solid line. This mark can be awarded if TIR is shown)
Tolerance: 70° to 85° to normal or labelled e.g. θ and θ, etc
2
(ii) (90 − 9.54 = ) 80.46 or 80.5 (° ) ( allow 80° )

Don’t allow 81 degrees
1
(iii) (n = nc sin θ)
allow 80 or 81 degrees here
Page 53
= 1.47 sin 80.46° ecf bii
=1.45 (1.4496)

Correct answer gains both marks
2
(c) • protect the core (from scratches, stretching or breakage)

comment on ‘quality’ of signal is not sufficient
• prevent ‘crossover’ of signal / ensure security of data / prevent loss of

information / data / signal
don’t allow ‘leakage’ on its own.
• increase the critical angle / reduce pulse broadening /

(modal)dispersion / rays with a small angle of incidence will be refracted
out of the core
Don’t allow ‘loss of light’
• increase rate of data transfer

Allow ‘leakage of signal’, etc
max two correct (from separate bullet points)

2
[8]
M31.(a) n > n
1 2
Allow correct reference to ‘optical density’
(incident) angle > critical angle (allow θ not ‘c’)

c
OR critical angle must be exceeded

Allow n > nA B
Do not allow: ‘angle passes the critical angle’

2
(b)

For second mark, don’t allow 1.6 × 10 8
Allow 1.66 × 10 or 1.70 × 10

8 8
Allow 1.6. × 10 8
Page 54
(= 1.667 × 10 ) = 1.67 × 10 (ms )
8 8 −1
(c) sin72 = 1.80sin θ

Correct answer on its own gets both marks
θ = 31.895 = 31.9 correct answer >= 2sf seen

Do not allow 31 for second mark
Allow 31.8 − 32
2
(d) 1.80 sin θ =1.40 OR

c
θ = 51.058 = 51.1 ° (accept 51)

c
Correct answer on its own gets both marks

Don’t accept 50 by itself
2
OR = 0.778
(e) (i) 22 + their (c) (22 + 31.9 = 53.9)

53.9 > (51.1) critical angle
If c + 22 < d then TIR expected
If c + 22 > d then REFRACTION expected
OR
c + 22 ) ecf from (c) and (d)
c
angle less than critical angle

Allow max 1 for ‘TIR because angle > critical angle’ only if
their d > c + 22
2
(ii) TIR angle correct

ecf from e(i) for refraction answer
Tolerance: horizontal line from normal on the right /
horizontal line from top of lower arrow.
If ei not answered then ecf (d). If ei and d not answered then
ecf c
1
[11]
Page 55
M32.(a) (i) sin 60 = 1.47sin θ OR sin θ = sin 60 / 1.47 ✓

(sin 0.5891) = 36 (°) ✓ (36.0955°) (allow 36.2)
−1
Allow 36.0
2
(ii) sin θ = 1.33 / 1.47 OR sin θ = 0.9(048) ✓

c c
(sin 0.9048) = 65 (°) ✓ (64.79)

−1
Allow 64 for use of 0.9 and 66 for use of 0.91

2
(iii) answer consistent with previous answers, e.g.

if aii >ai:
ray refracts at the boundary AND goes to the right of the normal ✓
Angle of refraction > angle of incidence ✓ this mark depends on the
first
if aii
TIR ✓
angle of reflection = angle of incidence ✓
ignore the path of the ray beyond water / glass boundary

Approx. equal angles (continuation of the line must touch
‘Figure 1’ label)
2
(b) for Reason or Explanation:

the angle of refraction should be > angle of incidence when entering the water
✓
water has a lower refractive index than glass \ light is faster in water than in
glass ✓
TIR could not happen \ there is no critical angle, when ray travels from water to
oil ✓
TIR only occurs when ray travels from higher to lower refractive index \ water
has a lower refractive index than oil ✓
Allow ‘ray doesn’t bend towards normal’ (at glass / water)
Allow optical density
Boundary in question must be clearly implied
4
[10]
M33.B
Page 56
[1]
M34.(a) Core is transmission medium for em waves to progress (by total internal reflection)
✓
Allow credit for points scored on a clear labelled diagram.
1
Cladding provides lower refractive index so that total internal reflection takes
place ✓
1
And offers protection of boundary from scratching which could lead to light
leaving the core. ✓
1
(b) Blue travels slower than red due to the greater refractive index
Red reaches end before blue, leading to material pulse broadening ✓

The first mark is for discussion of refractive index or for
calculation of time difference.
1
Alternative calculations for first mark
Time for blue = d / v = d / (c / n) = 1200 / (3 × 108 / 1.467) = 5.87 × 10-6 s
Time for red = d / v = d / (c / n) = 1200 / (3 × 108 / 1.459) = 5.84 × 10-6 s
Time difference = 5.87 × 10-6 – 5.84 × 10-6 = 3(.2) × 10-8 s ✓

The second mark is for the link to material pulse broadening
1
(c) Discussions to include:
Use of monochromatic source so speed of pulse constant
Use of shorter repeaters so that the pulse is reformed before significant pulse
broadening has taken place.
Use of monomode fibre to reduce multipath dispersion ✓ ✓

Answer must make clear that candidate understands the
distinction between modal and material broadening.
2
[7]
Page 57
Page 58

E2. Drawings were again very poor. Examiners awarded marks not only for correct
directions of the wavefronts but also for an awareness that wavefront spacings change in
refraction and remain unchanged in reflection. Candidates really must take more trouble
over these relatively simple drawings if they are not to throw away marks.
E3. Although many candidates scored full marks on this simple opening question, there
was a significant number who could not relate the diagram on the paper to the practical
situation of light rays moving across the boundary between two media.
E4.Part (a), which should have proved to be a source of easy marks, produced too many
answers in which ridiculous rays were drawn.
There were many completely correct answers to part (b), but some candidates got no
further than working out a refractive index from the speeds given.
E5.This question also discriminated well. In part (a)(i) almost half the candidates failed to show
the path of the ray changing direction due to refraction on entry into the core of the fibre
and very few showed refraction on exit. The fact that they were not familiar with refraction
was illustrated further by most of the candidates giving T.I.R. as their answer to part (a)(ii).
Correct answers were often produced in part (a)(iii) but frequently the working was very
sparse or confused.
Part (b) worked well and allowed some candidates to show their clarity of thought. The
answer to part (c) required only a statement, but even then some candidates were far too
economical with their answers. For example, one word answers such as ‘by surgeons’,
‘television’ or ‘phone’ were not awarded a mark, but would probably have gained a mark if
these words had been included in a simple sentence with a specific purpose.
Page 59
E6.In general the calculations to this question were performed very well, even by the weaker
candidates. In part (a) many candidates did have difficulty at the intermediate stage of
writing an inverse sine function and the expression θ = sin 35° / 1.5 sin−1 was seen as
often as the correct expression θ = sin−1(sin 35° / 1.5).
Completing the ray diagram in part (b) was the main discriminator in this question.
Essentially, the ray diagram was that of a simple light guide. Many candidates showed the
light refracting out of the side wall, even though they performed the critical angle
calculation correctly. Also, many candidates failed to mark the angles of incidence and
refraction at the point of emergence from the top surface and several candidates
performed an additional calculation to determine the angle of refraction. It was interesting
to observe that candidates who used the equation of Snell’s law in the form n = sin i / sin r
rather than n = sin θ1 / sin θ2, which is given in the data sheet, often mixed up the angles
with the result that the emerging ray was refracted towards the normal
E7.The answers to this question showed that although a large number of candidates had some
knowledge of the subject, they had not covered the specification material adequately. This
lack of knowledge was apparent in the ray drawings in part (a), where the typical mark
was 2 out of 4. There were some surprising aspects of scoring marks in this section, e.g.
two marks were available for drawing the paths of the rays emerging into air and being
refracted away from the normal. These two marks covered the same idea but a majority of
candidates only scored one.
In part (b)(i) only about a quarter of the entry calculated that the angle of incidence at the
boundary was 20°, but then managed to score reasonably well through the use of
consequential errors. There were some good attempts at part (c) by a minority of
candidates. Most candidates were uncertain whether to use a single refractive index or a
relative refractive index throughout the calculations in parts (b) and (c).
E8.This was a long question worth 15 marks and it is pleasing to report that almost all
candidates were able to gain a reasonable mark, with some gaining high marks.
In part (a)(i) most candidates knew that light was diffracted from each of the pair of narrow
slits and that interference fringes were produced and could be seen in the overlap area.
Some candidates referred to coherence in terms of waves being emitted in phase rather
than with a constant phase difference. Most candidates were able to explain how a bright
fringe or a dark fringe was formed and were able to relate their statements correctly to the
path difference or phase difference. A significant number of candidates did not make it
clear that a phase difference of 180° is necessary for cancellation of two waves, and often
just stated that the waves were out of phase.
Page 60
In part (a)(ii), it was clear that many candidates did not know the meaning of 'opaque' and
thought that some light would pass through the opaque object. Few candidates realised
that the fringes seen in (a)(i) would no longer be seen, but a small minority knew that
single slit diffraction would take place and were thus able to give a satisfactory
description.
Most candidates were aware in part (b)(i) that the fringes would be closer but few were
able to give an adequate explanation of why this was so and only the best candidates
were able to quote and use the appropriate expression to justify their answer. In part (ii)
most candidates gave a correct calculation without any difficulty, but some candidates
were unable to make any progress because they calculated the critical angle for a
boundary with air. In part (iii) many candidates scored all three marks with a clear, correct
diagram. The main reason for not scoring full marks was usually a failure to give the
correct point of incidence.
E9.Only a minority of candidates tackled this question satisfactorily. In part (a) about 50% of the
scripts showed incorrect refraction at the surface, with the angle of incidence being less
than the angle of refraction and also did not show the angle of reflection to be equal to the
angle of incidence at the boundary between the two media. A worrying number of
candidates failed to use a ruler when completing the diagram and a penalty was applied to
freehand drawings.
Again, in part (b), only about 50% of the candidates could use Snell’s law correctly when
calculating the angle of incidence and refraction. Part (c) on the other hand, was well
understood and answered correctly by most candidates. Although many candidates
encountered difficulties with this question, the examiners were of the opinion that, in
general, the answers did show a slight improvement to those in previous years on the
optics question.
E10. Not for the first time in the history of this paper the optics question proved to be the
most difficult in the paper. Only the best candidates could identify the critical angle.
Candidates were a little more successful in calculating the critical angle but the units of
degree were frequently omitted. In (b) candidates failed to get the correct answer because
they did not calculate the angle in the glass as (90.0° – 75.2°) and often did not use the
correct equation. The ray diagram in part (c) was done badly by a vast majority of
candidates and the average mark was about one out of possible three.
Page 61
E11. The calculations in part (a) and part (b) were performed successfully by about 50 %
of the candidates, but many fell at the first hurdle by trying to use the angles given in the
question to calculate the speed of light in glass, rather than equate the refractive index to
the ratio of the two speeds. A number of these candidates did however redeem
themselves by calculating part (b) successfully. The overall impression created by the
examinees was that although the relevant equations were known, they did not have the
expertise to decide which equation was appropriate to the given calculation.
It is difficult to understand why so many candidates find ray drawing so demanding. Only
about 10% of the candidates were awarded full marks in part (c). The errors which
occurred were not drawing equal angles for internal reflection and refracting the emergent
ray towards the normal.
E12. Many candidates scored well in parts (a)(i) and (ii), although some were unable to
use the relevant equations correctly. Almost all candidates were aware that the light ray
was totally internally reflected at R in part (iii) although a few failed to mention the
subsequent internal reflections of the ray.
In part (b) most candidates scored well, giving a correct ray diagram as well as a correct
comparison and reason for the different times taken by the light pulses to travel. Some
candidates lost a mark by drawing the refraction at Q incorrectly.
E13. As in previous years only a minority of candidates completed the ray diagram
correctly, thus gaining full marks. The first error in part (a) occurred at the point where the
ray entered the fibre; many candidates drew the refracted ray along the normal. There
was a general lack of care in not making the angle of incidence different in value to the
angle of reflection. Additionally, many candidates did not show any refraction at the far
end of the fibre. Some of the TIR angles along the fibre were very carelessly drawn and
the allocated mark was withheld on several occasions. Although most candidates were
aware of the change in the speed of light as the ray entered the fibre, many failed to state
that there was also a change in speed as the ray left the fibre.
The calculation in part (b) (i) was usually carried out correctly, but in part (ii) the less able
candidates did not attempt to use both refractive indices. Many of the statements made in
answer to part (iii) were of a very general nature and did not explicitly refer to surface
scratches or contamination.
Page 62
E14. As in past papers, the optics question gave rise to the biggest problems in the
paper. In part (a) (ii) many candidates did not clearly identify the boundary they were
considering. In part (b) (i) the correct data was very often not used and a significant
number of candidates used angles from both water and glass. Again, in part (b) (ii)
candidates did not always use the appropriate data. For example, some used angles
between the ray and the boundary itself. Some of the better candidates obtained the ratio
1.11 for the relative refractive index between glass and water but then failed to relate this
to the ratio of the speeds of light in the respective media.
The ray diagram in part (c) was slightly easier than in previous papers but still about one
third of the candidates failed to score the 2 marks available. Unlike in some previous
papers it was rare to see candidates not using a ruler. It should be pointed out that the
command ‘draw’ as opposed to ‘sketch’ in the question implies the use of a ruler and
examiners are within their rights to apply a penalty.
E15. The optics question again seems to be the Achilles heel of most candidates and the
calculation of the speed of light in part (a) was practically the only section that was done
well.
The calculation of è in part (b) (i) was incorrect in about a third of cases because Snell’s
law equation was inverted when data was substituted. Only a minority of candidates
seemed to be able to cope with calculations involving more than one refractive index, as
was required in part (b) (ii). It was extremely common to see
candidates attempting to use the equation at the glass-liquid boundary,

which was wrong on two levels. Firstly it ignored the refractive index of the glass, and also
the critical angle calculated was not the critical angle for the material for which the
refractive index was required. When it came to drawing the path of the ray, there were
more incorrect solutions than correct ones. Most candidates drew the ray passing down
through the liquid and ignored total internal reflection altogether.
E16. As with previous examination papers, the ray diagram in part (a) was attempted with
a general lack of care by most candidates. Very few noted that the emergent angle of the
ray at the bottom of the cube was θ, which was one way of compensating for lack of
accuracy on the diagram.
In part (b), a few candidates did not use the critical angle information and tried to work
backwards from part (c). The problem was, however, tackled quite well on the whole. Part
(c) caused more problems, because either an angle of 50° instead of 40° was used, or
because Snell’s law equation was inverted.
Page 63

E17. Answers to this question were relatively good. The typical candidate knew the
appropriate equations to use in part (a) and obtained good marks. The less able
candidates, however, failed to come up with the correct equations when there were two
media involved, or failed to choose the correct data to substitute in the equation.
In part (b), the explanation given by many less able candidates was insufficient to gain the
allocated mark. Simply stating ‘it is less dense’ was quite a common but unsatisfactory
answer. The diagram in part (c) was completed quite well by most candidates, but many
showed the final ray emerging at 90º to the surface.
E18. Almost all candidates calculated the correct answer to part (a). Less able candidates
did not show TIR in the diagram in part (b) and only the best candidates included all the
angles required.
Only the top 10% obtained the correct answer to part (c) (i). There were many errors in
the answers. Many could not determine the correct incident angle (10° was commonly
seen); some did not use both refractive indices in the calculation and others inverted the
equations when substituting data. Part (c) (ii) was tackled in an indirect manner by many
candidates. They would calculate the speed of light in prism 1 and then use their
calculated angles at the internal boundary to find the speed of light in prism 2. When
drawing the ray in part (c) (iii), the direction in which the ray was refracted at the
boundaries was almost a random choice.
E19. Most candidates used the appropriate equation for part (a) but less able candidates
inverted the two refractive indices to achieve a ratio for which they could not take the
inverse sine. A very significant minority of candidates suffered a penalty for not using two
or three significant figures in their answers.
Few candidates were awarded two marks for part (b). Too many seemed confused by the
properties of reflection and refraction (and to a lesser extent diffraction). Talk about ‘total
internal refraction’ was common. Several candidates talked about multipath dispersion or
the idea of this, but most thought that the cladding was a graded index and the cladding
was there to increase the relative speeds between the waves. Few recognised that total
internal reflection can occur without cladding and that the cladding actually increases the
critical angle meaning that transmitted rays are more ‘parallel’ than they would otherwise
be and that this reduces multipath dispersion. Candidates were credited for referring to
Page 64
cross-talk avoidance (or a clear understanding of cross-talk avoidance) between fibres but
not for simply saying that light can leak in and out without cladding. Other candidates
suggested that they believed that the cladding is the sheath.
E20. Many candidates incorrectly performed the calculation in part (a) (i) and some lost
the mark by failing to round to three significant figures.
Most candidates comfortably picked up the first two marks in (a) (ii). The third mark
required a correct indication of the partial reflection and very few candidates showed this.
A majority of candidates were able to point out that the angle exceeded the critical angle
in part (b) (i). However, some candidates need to be careful not to say ‘gone past’ the
critical angle as this does not clearly indicate ‘greater than’. Only a few went on to mention
that the critical angle was 49 degrees.
Many candidates picked up the first two marks for a carefully drawn ray reflecting from the
surface in (b) (ii) but many then did not correctly show the ray refracting into the glass.
Many missed the fact that TIR only occurs when n1>n2 when a ray travels from one to
two. Many also went on to calculate the critical angle for the glass-air boundary (62.5
degrees) which only applies to a ray travelling from glass to water. There was also a
common misconception that a ray cannot pass into a medium with a higher refractive
index. Some struggled to judge angles by eye and the use of a protractor should perhaps
be encouraged for these candidates.
E21. It was very pleasing to see how well the calculations to parts (a) (i) and (iii) were
done by candidates of all abilities. Part (a) (ii) also presented little difficulty to the vast
majority.
The majority of candidates managed to pick up a mark and many the second mark to part
(b). This seems to have been universally well learnt by candidates who often referred to
‘preventing crossover’ and the issue of signal security.
E22. In Part (a) (ii) nearly 50% of candidates did not score any marks. Many did not show
the ray deviating towards the normal as it entered and many showed it bending away from
the normal. It was common to see the reflected ray at a noticeably different angle to the
incident. A significant number did not use a ruler.
Page 65
For part (b), some candidates rounded to 0.986 before calculating the angle which was
penalised and a significant number gave an answer to four significant figures which was
also penalised. However, the majority gained both marks here.
About 30% mentioned multimode dispersion or signal loss in part (c), but only a few
picked up the second mark for explaining the consequence of this.
Part (d) was very easy and most candidates picked up both marks. Typical answers
described the benefits of endoscopy or high speed internet.
E23. Part (a) states that reflection occurs. However, half of all candidates were unable to
show the ray of light reflecting from the glass-liquid surface. Those who did do this tended
to also get the second mark for showing the ray refracting away from the normal line as it
entered the air.
In part (b), most were able to use the angles given to successfully calculate the refractive
index of glass. Most of these also remembered to give their answer to three significant
figures (1.47).
For part (c), candidates needed to realise the incident angle had just passed the critical
angle and therefore the critical angle would be 63° to two significant figures. Some chose
27° instead of 63°. A common incorrect approach was to use 1.0/1.5 = sin θ . c
Part (d) was quite a simple question but perhaps, because it was the last question, some
candidates may have been short of time. Some may not have realised that they would get
full credit for a correct method if they used their answer to part (c).
E24. In part (a) a large number of candidates thought that part X was the cladding.
Part (b) was answered well, with many candidates correctly using the formula and laying
out their working in a structured manner. The most common error seen was due to
candidates confusing n and n . This resulted in an answer of 1.85 for part Y’s refractive
2 1
index.
Part (c) was answered poorly, with many candidates being unsure of dispersion. Some
candidates tried to describe graded index fibres and how these reduced dispersion rather
than answering the question.
Page 66
E25. There were very few mistakes on part (a). Most candidates correctly showed their
answer to more than two significant figures, which was required here. Where one mark
was lost it was usually for only giving the answer as 50 rather than 50.15.
For part (c), many candidates wrongly stated that there was no TIR because the angle
was below the critical angle. Candidates had to use the term refractive index or optical
density. Use of ‘density’ by itself was not given credit.
Part (d) was done very well by the majority of candidates. The most common error was to
calculate sin = 1.33/1.47 for the glass/water boundary rather than the glass/air.
In part (e), the most common answer was to assume that the ray refracts out of the glass
and into the air. Even candidates who correctly calculated the critical angle as 43 degrees
did not realise that the ray is one degree beyond the critical angle. Most candidates who
correctly showed the ray reflecting did not then show the ray continuing into the water.
E26. The majority of candidates were successful in part (a), where errors occurred these
involved mixing up of the c and cs terms in the formula.
Part (b)(i) presented more problems to candidates, with many candidates not converting
from kilometres to metres. There were many candidates who found the time taken for Ray
A and the time taken for Ray B, then subtracted these to find the time difference but many
candidates rounded the time values before subtracting.
There were some excellent answers to part (b)(ii) but these were in the minority. Many
candidates found it difficult to describe graded-index and often described step-index or
monomode instead.
E27. In part (a) relatively few candidates knew that the frequency remains constant when
refraction takes place.
Most drew the ray very well in answer to part (b) and the widespread use of a ruler
showed a significant improvement over similar questions in previous examinations.
However, a large number did not attempt the question. Those who dropped one mark
tended to do so because their ray had a reflected angle that was far too big. Though it is
not necessary to use a protractor to gain this accuracy mark, it should be encouraged for
those who find it hard to make a good approximation by eye.
Part (d) was a little bit more difficult than previous, similar questions in that the angle of
refraction had to be calculated (90 – 80.4 = 9.6°) prior to finding the incident angle. This
confused a large number of candidates. Among those who did know what to do, a
surprisingly common error was to use 100° for a right angle rather than 90°.
Page 67
Candidates tended to focus on one cause of loss in answer to part (e), either ‘multipath
dispersion’ or ‘attenuation due to energy loss from the pulse’. This meant they accessed
only one of the two marks available. Some guesswork was evident in responses to this
question. Some candidates explained that the pulse had its amplitude reduced and length
increased in order to fit inside the narrow fibre – ‘the fibre is too thin to let the high
amplitude through’ was a typical answer. Other common responses were that the
wavelength increased when the light entered the glass (presumably the pulse was
interpreted as a waveform) or the lower speed of light in glass caused the broadening
effect.
E28. Most students got the answer to part (a) (i) correct. However, examiners were
looking for correct rounding and some students lost a mark for 1.6 or 1.65. A common
incorrect approach was to select the equation with the ratio of speeds and use the two
angles instead of speeds.
Most students were also correct in part (a) (ii). These questions always yield high marks.
Part (b) was quite poorly answered. Rays were not drawn carefully enough. It can be
difficult to draw angles well without a protractor. A protractor is often useful for PHYA2.
Students who cannot judge equal angles approximately by eye should be encouraged to
use a protractor. The slanted edge of the prism in this question makes the judgement
more difficult than usual. In this question students lose the mark if their line is more than
five degrees from the true angle. Many students thought that the ray would refract rather
than undergo total internal reflection even though they had calculated the correct critical
angle. Many showed the refracted rays bending towards the normal rather than away.
E29. In part (a)(i) a significant number of students did not know ‘cladding’ and in part (a)(ii)
the majority got this one correct. However, a significant number had their calculators in
radians mode and gained 1 mark for the correct working but got a wrong answer of 1.31.
Some rounded prematurely (eg 1.41/1.46 = 0.97 which leads to an answer of 76° rather
than 75°). When using the inverse sine function it is important that the value used has not
been rounded to less than 4sf.
Quite a few students gave an answer of 85−30 = 55° or 90−30 = 60° for part (b)(i). In part
(b)(ii) most students do very well on Snell’s law questions. Those who got the wrong
answer for (b)(i) often got full marks here with the error carried forward taken into account.
Some did get the refractive indices the wrong way round or omitted the 1.46 – presumably
thinking they were calculating a critical angle for a glass / air boundary.
Page 68
In part (c) many students thought that rays would refract ‘when the critical angle is
exceeded’; perhaps associating a large angle with being ‘too big’. Many thought that a ray
will travel further in a wide core. It will actually travel the same distance if the angle is the
same.
E30.(a) This was a relatively easy question of a type that usually yields high marks. However,
this produced a surprising number of wrong answers. A common error was to
misinterpret n = c / c as a ratio of angles and use it to justify dividing 14.1° by 9.54°.
s
(b) (i) Very few candidates showed the partial reflection and there was a mark
available for this.
(ii) In this question many candidates wrongly used critical angle = sin 1 / 1.47 (=
42.84). Perhaps because they didn’t have the n for the cladding they used n =
1. However, this would have given the critical angle for the air / core. Another
common error was to think that the critical angle was 9.54°.
(iii) Again, many candidates chose the first equation they saw (n = c / cs) and
substituted angles instead of speeds.
E31.(a) This was perhaps not as well understood as could be expected. There was some use
of ‘dense’ rather than ‘optically dense’ and this was not accepted. There was also
confusion with many over whether the incident angle should be greater than or less
than the critical angle in order for TIR to take place.
(b) Most candidates were successful on this, but a few truncated to 1.6 × 10 . 8
(c) This was very well done. Some rounded or truncated 0.52836 to 0.52 or 0.53 which
led to a rounding error in the answer. Only a few did not put a 2 or 3 significant
figure answer.
(d) This was also very well done but again some problems with rounding or truncating,
e.g. 1.4 / 1.8 = 0.78 or 0.77. Rounding to 2 sf should only be done for the final
answer.
(e) (i) There was quite a lot of confusion on this one. Some candidates correctly
calculated the incident angle of 54° but then went on to explain that this is less
than the critical angle of 51° that they correctly calculated in (d). A common
incorrect answer was: ‘It enters glass C because the angle is greater than the
critical angle’.
Page 69
Some candidates do not realise that a calculation can be used to answer a
question like this and they instead reasoned that ‘glass C has a lower
refractive index, therefore the ray will refract away from the normal’.
Many thought the angle of incidence was 31.9° forgetting to add 22° to this.
Some gained only 1 mark because they did not quote the incident angle in
their answer.
(ii) Again, some careless lines were drawn. Rulers were often not used, and
incident and reflected angles were often very different. To get within the
examiners tolerance it is a good idea for students to use a protractor.
E32.(a) (i) Most candidates produced excellent answers, but there were a few slips, especially with
use of 1.33 rather than 1.47.
(ii) Most candidates gained 2 marks here but a few did not use the refractive
index of water (1.33) for n2. It is perhaps the case that some students believe
that n2 is always 1 when calculating the critical angle.
(iii) A common mistake seen here was the use of the phrase ‘Total internal
refraction’ rather than ‘Total internal reflection’.
It was also extremely common for candidates to say that light would not TIR
because it ‘hadn’t reached the critical angle’ for the water-oil boundary. There
would be no TIR (and thus no critical angle) because the light is travelling from
a lower to a higher refractive index material and under these conditions, the
light will refract and there will only be a partial reflection.
(b) In this question candidates sometimes showed TIR despite having successfully
calculated the angle of incidence and the critical angle. Candidates received full
credit if their answer was consistent with their previous two answers but this was not
seen very often. Of those who chose refraction, some unfortunately had the ray
bending towards the normal or even, in a few cases, refracting to the left of the
normal line.
Page 70

3.3.2.3 Refraction at A Plane Surface

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3.3.2.3 Refraction at A Plane Surface

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Colonel Frank Seely School

Exampro A-level Physics Name:

3.3.2.3 Refraction at a plane surface

B The velocity and frequency change but not the wavelength

C The velocity and wavelength change but not the frequency

D The frequency and wavelength change but not the velocity

Figure 1 Figure 2

A B C D

A B C D

speed of light in water = 2.25 × 108 m s–1

(a) Calculate the angle θ.

(b) (i) Calculate the critical angle for the glass-air interface.

On the figure, sketch without calculation, the following:

(ii) Calculate the angle of refraction at the boundary between medium 1 and

Explain, without calculation, why this statement is true.

(ii) Calculate the critical angle, θc.

(a) Calculate the speed of light

(i) in the glass,

(ii) in the liquid droplet.

(b) Calculate the refractive index of the liquid.

(a) (i) Which angle, A to F, is a critical angle?

greater than the refractive index of water.

(b) Using the following information

(i) the refractive index of water,

(ii) the ratio, .

Draw on the diagram above the continuation of ray R . 2

Where possible show the ray being refracted.

refractive index of glass = 1.5

(a) Calculate the speed of light in the glass.

(i) the angle of incidence, θ,

(ii) the refractive index of the liquid.

critical angle at the glass-air boundary = 45°

(b) Show that the refractive index of the glass is 1.41

(c) Calculate the angle of incidence, θ.

refractive index of the glass in block 1 = 1.45

(i) the incident angle θ , 1

(ii) the refractive index of the glass in block 2,

Explain your reasoning.

the critical angle from glass to air is less than 45°

(ii) Calculate the speed of light in prism 2.

the refractive index of the glass = 1.50

(b) Show that the refractive index of the glass is about 1. 5.

(c) Calculate the critical angle for the glass-liquid boundary.

answer = ........................ degrees

(d) Calculate the refractive index of the liquid.

The refractive indices of the materials are as follows.

refractive index of oil = 1.47

answer = ......................... degrees

(a) (i) Calculate the refractive index of the glass.

(ii) Calculate the critical angle for the glass-air boundary.

answer = ......................... degrees

(b) Calculate the speed of light in glass A.

refractive index of glass A = 1.80

speed of light ..................................... ms −1

(c) Show that angle is about 30 . o

(d) The refractive index of glass C is 1.40.

Calculate the critical angle between glass A and glass C.

critical angle ................................. degrees

refractive index of oil = 1.47

refractive index of water = 1.33

(a) (i) Calculate the angle of refraction θ in Figure 1.

angle ................................ degrees