Thin lenses: past paper questions
Real questions on thin lenses
The newest 20 of 198 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(ii)[1]
On Figure 7.2, draw another ray from the top of O and continue the ray until it crosses the path of the ray in Figure 7.2.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(iii)[1]
The converging lens forms an image of object O. On Figure 7.2, draw an arrow to represent the image of O and label it I.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(ii)[1]
On Figure 7.2, draw another ray from the top of O and continue the ray until it crosses the path of the ray in Figure 7.2.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(iii)[1]
The converging lens forms an image of object O. On Figure 7.2, draw an arrow to represent the image of O and label it I.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(iv)[1]
On Figure 7.2, indicate one principal focus for the converging lens. Indicate the principal focus by writing an F.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6a[3]
Complete the definition of the ‘principal focus’ of a lens. The principal focus of a lens is a point on the principal axis where
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6b[3]
Figure 6.1 is a full-scale diagram of a converging lens and an object O. F F O principal axis The two points labelled F show the positions of the focal points. On Figure 6.1, draw two rays to locate the position of the image. Label the image I. Figure 6.1
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6a(i)[1]
Mark the position of the image. Label it I.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Draw on Figure 6.1 to show the path of the light from object O to the person’s eye.
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3a[2]
Measure the height h O of the illuminated object in Figure 3.2. Give your answer in centimetres to the nearest millimetre. Include the unit. h O = unit
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(i)[1]
On Figure 3.1, measure the distance v between the centre of the lens and the screen. v = cm
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(ii)[1]
The diagram is th actual size. 5 V = cm Calculate the actual distance V between the centre of the lens and the screen.
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
The student measures the height h 1 of the image on the screen. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 0625/61/M/J/26 3.3 cm h 1 = Calculate the magnification m 1 using the equation: h 1 m 1 = . h O Give your answer to a suitable number of significant figures for this experiment. m 1 =
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3d[2]
The student: • • • moves the lens to a distance V from the illuminated object adjusts the position of the screen until a focused image is formed on the screen measures the height h 2 of the image. 0.6 cm h 2 = Calculate the magnification m 2 using the equation: h 2 m 2 = . h O Give your answer to a suitable number of s...
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3e[1]
A student suggests that the product m 1 × m 2 should be 1.00. State whether your results support this suggestion and justify your answer by reference to the results. statement justification
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q3f[1]
In this type of experiment, it can be difficult to judge the screen position that produces the clearest image. Suggest two techniques to overcome this difficulty.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q6b(iii)[1]
Complete the sentence for Figure 6.4 by stating the name of the process. ray of red light air glass Figure 6.4 The change in direction of the ray of red light at each surface is .
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q6a(i)[1]
Identify Z. (a) (i)
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Determine the focal length of the lens L. Show any working in the space provided or on Figure 6.1. focal length = cm
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q6a(iii)[2]
The image in Figure 6.1 is inverted. State two other characteristics of the image.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates correctly determined the process as reflection or total internal reflection. Limited responses • Some candidates confused the process shown with that of reflection.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q6(b)(iii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates identified the principal axis in Figure 6.1. Limited responses • Common misconceptions were identifying Z as the principal focus, the normal or 2F. • A few candidates gave ambiguous answers, for example is axis.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q6(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates used Figure 6.1 to construct a ray from the tip of the object to the tip of the image so that it passed through one of the principal focuses of the lens. • These candidates then measured the distance along the principal axis from the centre of the lens to the principal focus and recorded this measurement to two significant figures. • A few candidates noted...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q6(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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