Refraction of light: past paper questions
Real questions on refraction of light
The newest 20 of 94 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q7a(ii)[1]
On Figure 7.1, label the angle of refraction at B. Use the letter R. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(i)[1]
State the meaning of critical angle.
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(ii)[1]
Figure 7.2 shows the ray of red light at a different angle. This angle is greater than the critical angle. air glass normal red light 40° B Figure 7.2 On Figure 7.2, continue the ray of red light.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(i)[2]
Calculate the refractive index for the glass–water boundary. Use information from Figure 6.2. refractive index =
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(ii)[1]
On Figure 6.2, label the critical angle c.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(iii)[1]
On Figure 6.2, continue the path of ray X after it reaches the glass–water boundary.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q6b(i)[1]
Complete the sentence for Figure 6.2 by stating the name of the process. air glass ray of red light Figure 6.2 At the glass‑air boundary, the ray of red light changes direction. This is .
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(i)[3]
The optical fibre is made of glass with a refractive index of 1.4. Calculate the critical angle c. c =
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(ii)[1]
State the meaning of critical angle. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(iii)[2]
On Fig. 6.1, label the angle of incidence of the ray of light as it hits the wall of the glass fibre. Draw the continuation of the ray until it leaves the glass fibre.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(i)[3]
The speed of the waves in region B is lower than the speed of the waves in region A. On Fig. 6.1, draw the crests of the waves in region B.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(ii)[1]
State the wave effect that occurs as the wave crosses the boundary between region A and region B.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(i)[2]
Light can be totally internally reflected when striking the boundary between two different regions. State two conditions that are necessary for total internal reflection to occur.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(ii)[2]
State two advantages of using optical fibres for transmitting high speed broadband.
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(iii)[1]
The ray of red light travels from the glass into the air at point P. On Fig. 6.1, draw the path for the ray of red light after it leaves the glass at point P.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the name of the process shown in Fig. 5.1 that occurs at the boundaries between air and glass.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the name of the process shown in Fig. 5.1 that occurs at the boundaries between air and glass.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[1]
Define refractive index in terms of the speed of light.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
Show that the angle of refraction as the light enters the soap film is approximately 43°.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
On Fig. 5.1, carefully draw the refracted light ray in the soap film and label the angle of refraction.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates correctly determined the process as refraction. Limited responses • Some candidates confused the process shown with that of reflection.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates showed the correct refraction of the ray as it left the glass block. Common errors included drawing the ray refracted towards the normal or drawing the ray going straight on after exiting the glass block. A significant number of candidates did not answer this question.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/31 Q6(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
Many correct answers were seen here. Some confusion between the terms refraction, diffraction and rarefaction was evident, so more practice in using and defining similar terms would have benefitted candidates. In addition, candidates needed to write clearly because when the answer is just one word, handwritten answers such as reflection, refraction and the confused reflaction were often unclear.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/32 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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