0654.P3.2.04 — Describe the passage of light through a 5 Recall and use the equation transparent material (limited to the boundaries sin i n= between two m: past paper questions
Real questions on 0654.p3.2.04 — describe the passage of light through a 5 recall and use the equation transparent material (limited to the boundaries sin i n= between two m
The newest 18 of 18 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0973/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11c[4]
Figure 11.2 shows a ray of light travelling in air. The ray is incident on the surface of a transparent liquid. air transparent liquid Figure 11.2 The refractive index of the liquid is 1.52. Calculate the angle 0. [Total: 1 0)
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2025 · Q10d[1]
On Fig. 10.1 complete the ray diagram to show how a lens is able to focus rays of light from the Sun onto some dry grass. lens dry grass
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2025 · Q11c(iv)[1]
On Fig. 11.2, complete the diagram to show how the ray of light emerges into the air.
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2025 · Q10a(v)[2]
The scientist sees the polar bear under the water. On Fig. 10.2, draw a ray of light to show how the light travels from the polar bear’s head to the scientist’s eye. eye air water
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2025 · Q12c[2]
Fig. 12.3 shows a single ray of white light from the torch passing into a glass prism. Fig. 12.3 Complete Fig. 12.3 to show what happens to the light as it passes through and out of the prism.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(i)[3]
Place one tick (3) in each row of Table 6.1 to state the effect on the properties of frequency, speed and wavelength for light as the light travels from air into glass. Table 6.1 decreases stays the same increases frequency speed wavelength
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(ii)[2]
A ray of light is incident on the screen of the mobile phone. The angle of incidence is 53°. The refractive index of glass is 1.5. Calculate the angle of refraction r. r = °
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2023 · Q12a[2]
Use Fig. 12.1 to calculate the refractive index of the glass block. Give your answer to 3 significant figures. refractive index =
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2023 · Q12b(ii)[1]
Violet light has a wavelength of 4.0 × 10 –7 m. Red light has a wavelength of 7.0 × 10 –7 m. Describe how Fig. 12.2 shows that red light travels faster through glass than violet light.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2022 · Q9c(ii)[2]
Fig. 9.4 shows a single ray of light entering a thin glass block. 50° 28° Fig. 9.4 Calculate the refractive index of the thin glass block. refractive index =
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2021 · Q3c(i)[2]
On Fig. 3.2, label the angle of incidence with the letter i and the angle of refraction with the letter r.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2021 · Q3c(ii)[1]
Explain why the ray of light changes direction as it is refracted through the glass block.
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2021 · Q3b[3]
Fig. 3.2 shows a ray of light being refracted as it passes from air into glass. 42° air glass 29° Fig. 3.2 Calculate the refractive index of the glass block. State the formula you use and show your working. Give your answer to two significant figures. refractive index =
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2021 · Q3c(i)[1]
Explain why the ray does not change direction at point X on Fig. 3.3.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2020 · Q12b(ii)[1]
1-mark question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2020 · Q9a(i)[2]
On Fig. 9.1 draw a ray of light from the man’s hand to show where it will be detected on the image sensor of the camera.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2020 · Q9a(ii)[2]
The image is formed on the image sensor. Circle the two correct words or phrases that describe the image.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2019 · Q12d(ii)[1]
The lens is made from glass. Glass has a refractive index of 1.33. Define refractive index in terms of the speed of light in a vacuum and in glass.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates struggled to draw a line parallel with the incident ray but there were some excellent, carefully drawn refractions seen. It was a common mistake to draw it along the normal, but a wide range of angles were seen. Candidates should be given practical experience where possible to allow them to see this effect.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/31 Q11(c)(iv) (Cambridge)
Candidates attempted a wide range of ray diagrams. The best responses showed straight lines, refracting the correct way at the surface of the water, with arrows showing the direction of the light. Some included the incoming ray correctly refracted. However, most responses showed little understanding of refraction or light. Mistakes included showing the light reflecting off the surface of the water...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/32 Q10(a)(v) (Cambridge)
Most candidates either attempted refraction through the prism or dispersion but many did not seem aware that both took place. Some candidates only showed dispersion at the exit point from the prism and others were not aware that the light ray would bend towards the normal. It was common for candidates to not show the ray of light passing through the prism and to leave a gap here, before showing th...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/32 Q12(c) (Cambridge)
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