Dispersion of light: past paper questions
Real questions on dispersion of light
The newest 7 of 7 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q9a(i)[2]
(a) (i) State which of the rays, 1, 2, 3 or 4, is: greenray .......... © theredray. wee
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q9a(ii)[2]
(ii) The light leaves the prism. On Figure 9.1, continue ray 1 and ray 4 to show the path of light in the air. [2]
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · 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 → - 0972/31 · May/June 2021 · Q7a[2]
The rays leaving the prism represent the seven main colours of the visible spectrum. Complete the labelling on Fig. 7.1 by writing the colours of the visible spectrum in the table.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2021 · Q7b(ii)[1]
the different amounts of bending that produce the spectrum.
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · May/June 2020 · Q5c(ii)[1]
reflection E dispersion diffraction
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · May/June 2020 · Q5c(iii)[1]
red, green and blue light only produced F white light produced spectrum of visible light produced
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
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, 0972/32 Q5(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
This item was usually answered correctly and full credit was frequently awarded. Common errors included giving white, black and pink in their list of colours (or giving both purple and violet) and so not giving the six correct colours that were required. The majority of candidates put the colours in the correct order but a small minority reversed the order and a few gave the colours in no particul...
— Examiner report, May/June 2021, 0972/31 Q7(a) (Cambridge)
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