1
1 The red light produced by a laser is monochromatic.
The red light from the laser hits the curved surface of a semicircular transparent plastic block at
point P and passes into the plastic.
The red light travels through the plastic and hits the straight edge of the block at its midpoint M.
The diagram shows that some of the light is reflected and that some light travels in the air along
the straight edge of the plastic block.
laser
reflected light
P
red light
plastic block
37°
Explain why the red light does not change direction as it enters the plastic block.
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[Total: 2]
2
2 The diagram shows a plan view of a room. There is a plane mirror on one wall and a picture across
the whole of wall AB.
plane mirror
A
X
B
(plan view)
A person is standing at point X and is looking at the mirror. The person cannot see all of the picture
on wall AB reflected in the mirror.
There is a point P on wall AB which is the closest point to A that the person can see reflected in
the mirror.
On the diagram, draw a reflected ray and an incident ray to show the position of the point P. [2]
[Total: 2]
3
3 The diagram shows three rays of green light passing through glass blocks.
ray of green light
glass blocks
Three rays of red light approach the glass blocks on the same paths as the rays of green light.
On the diagram, draw the paths of these rays of red light to the right of the glass blocks.
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[Total: 2]
4
4 A wave, in air, is incident on a glass block. The diagram shows the wavefronts at the air-glass
boundary. The arrow shows the direction of travel of the wavefronts.
The wave undergoes reflection at the air-glass boundary.
On the diagram draw the wavefronts of the reflected wave.
[3]
[Total: 3]
5 A ray of light travelling in air strikes a glass block at an angle of 30° to the normal. The light slows
down as it enters the glass block.
State and explain, in terms of wavefronts, what happens to the light.
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[Total: 3]
5
14 8
6 Green light of frequency 5.7 × 10 Hz is travelling in air at a speed of 3.0 × 10 m / s. The light is
incident on the surface of a transparent solid.
The diagram shows the wavefronts and the direction of travel of the light in the air.
The light travels more slowly in the transparent solid.
Explain, in terms of the wavefronts, why the light changes direction as it enters the solid. You may
draw on the diagram as part of your answer.
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[Total: 3]
7 When a ray of white light is incident on a glass prism, dispersion produces a continuous spectrum
of coloured light. Violet light is refracted more than red light.
State how the speed of light in glass depends on its frequency. Explain how this is shown by the
dispersion of white light in a glass prism.
statement..................................................................................................................................
explanation................................................................................................................................
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[Total: 3]
