0654.P3.2.06 — Define the critical angle as the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90° and above which all light is totally internally : past paper questions

Real questions on 0654.p3.2.06 — define the critical angle as the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90° and above which all light is totally internally

The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0654/33 · May/June 2025 · Q12b(ii)[1]

   On Fig. 12.2, label the angle of incidence with the letter i.

   See it on the paper →
2. 0654/33 · May/June 2025 · Q12b(iii)[1]

   The angle of incidence is 40°. State the angle of reflection. angle of reflection = °

   See it on the paper →
3. 0654/33 · 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 →
4. 0654/21 · May/June 2021 · Q35[1]

   What is the critical angle for this liquid?

   See it on the paper →
5. 0654/22 · May/June 2021 · Q35[1]

   What is the critical angle for this liquid?

   See it on the paper →

What examiners said

Candidates should be unambiguous in the labelling, avoiding putting letters over lines.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0654/33 Q12(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

Candidates did not find this straightforward with many considering the angle to be 80°, 50° or 20°.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0654/33 Q12(b)(iii) (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, 0654/33 Q12(c) (Cambridge)