The newest 20 of 26 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
Figure 11.1 shows a ray of light from the torch entering a glass block. Figure 11.1 State the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction shown on Figure 11.1. angle iNCid@NCe angle refraction
See it on the paper →Alight ray travelling in air is incident on the surface of water. The angle of incidence of the light ray in air is 60° and the angle of refraction in water is 41°. Calculate the refractive index of the water. refractive INdOX
See it on the paper →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 →Draw the refracted ray on Fig. 10.1.
See it on the paper →On Fig. 11.2, complete the diagram to show how the ray of light emerges into the air.
See it on the paper →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 →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 →Comprehensive responses • Some candidates correctly identified the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction. Limited responses • The angle of incidence was less known than the angle of refraction. • Some candidates attempted to measure the angles.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0654/32 Q11(b) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates calculated the refractive index, using the correct formula. Limited responses • Some candidates divided 60 by 41 instead of sin 60 divided by sin 41. • Some candidates divided sin 41 by sin 60.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0654/42 Q10(c) (Cambridge)
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, 0654/31 Q11(c)(iv) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.
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 →Lenses refract light. Complete the ray diagram for the lens in Fig. 11.2 to show the location of the image formed. Draw the image formed with an arrow. converging lens object F F F = principal focus
See it on the paper →In another experiment, an object is placed at a distance of less than the focal length from a thin converging lens. Describe the characteristics of the image formed.
See it on the paper →Visible light waves from a distant star change direction as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. State the name of this effect.
See it on the paper →On Fig. 12.2 continue the path of the ray into the block as it is refracted.
See it on the paper →On Fig. 12.2 label the angle of incidence with an i and the angle of refraction with an r.
See it on the paper →Complete Fig. 3.3 to show the three rays of light focused on the paper at point X. X paper sand Fig. 3.3
See it on the paper →Explain why the athlete’s power output is greater when he runs faster.
See it on the paper →A focused image of the athlete’s head is formed on the image sensor. Complete Fig. 6.2 to show how these two rays pass from the lens to form the image on the sensor.
See it on the paper →On Fig. 6.2, draw a double headed arrow (↔) to show the focal length of the lens.
See it on the paper →Circle two words or phrases that describe the image formed. diminished enlarged same size inverted upright
See it on the paper →Which expression is equal to the refractive index of the glass?
See it on the paper →Visible light can be used to demonstrate refraction. Fig. 12.2 shows refraction of visible light through a glass block. 30° 15° 15° 30° Fig. 12.2 Calculate the refractive index of the glass block. refractive index =
See it on the paper →