Dispersion of light: past paper questions
Real questions on dispersion of light
The newest 11 of 11 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/41 · May/June 2026 · Q9a(i)[1]
State which of the rays, 1, 2, 3 or 4, is: • the green ray
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2026 · Q9a(ii)[2]
The light leaves the prism. On Figure 9.1, continue ray 1 and ray 4 to show the path of light in the air.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q6b(ii)[1]
Complete the sentence for Figure 6.3 by stating the name of the process. screen red light air violet light glass ray of white light Figure 6.3 The separation of white light into the colours of the spectrum is .
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[3]
A ray of white light replaces the ray of red light, as shown in Fig. 5.2. The ray of white light splits into different colours. screen ray of white light air glass air Fig. 5.2 Draw on Fig. 5.2 to show the dispersion of white light to produce a coloured spectrum on a screen. Label the red and violet (purple) parts of t...
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[3]
A ray of white light replaces the ray of red light, as shown in Fig. 5.2. The ray of white light splits into different colours. screen ray of white light air glass air Fig. 5.2 Draw on Fig. 5.2 to show the dispersion of white light to produce a coloured spectrum on a screen. Label the red and violet (purple) parts of t...
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2025 · Q7b[1]
Fig. 7.2 represents the dispersion of white light by a glass prism. air air white light red light glass prism violet light Fig. 7.2 Two of the colours of the visible spectrum are shown in Fig. 7.2. State the other five colours of the visible spectrum in the correct order. red
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
In Fig. 7.3, one region is unlabelled. State the name of the unlabelled region.
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q21[1]
Which statement describes what happens to the frequency and wavelength of the light in observing from P to Q across the spectrum?
See it on the paper → - 0625/11 · May/June 2023 · Q20[1]
Which diagram shows the dispersion of white light by a glass prism?
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · May/June 2023 · Q20[1]
Which diagram shows the dispersion of white light by a glass prism?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2019 · Q7b(i)[1]
State the name of the process of separating white light into a spectrum.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates correctly determined the process as dispersion. Limited responses • Some candidates confused the process shown with that of refraction.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q6(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Many candidates only showed dispersion as the light left the prism. Fewer drew the dispersion occurring as the light entered the prism. The angle of the screen may have given a hint about where the rays should end up. Most candidates were able to label the red and violet/purple rays correctly.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/32 Q5(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Many candidates only showed dispersion as the light left the prism. Fewer drew the dispersion occurring as the light entered the prism. The angle of the screen may have given a hint about where the rays should end up. Most candidates were able to label the red and violet/purple rays correctly.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/33 Q5(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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