Investigating Refraction

Question 1

Why should you use a thin beam of light to carry out experiments on refraction?

Answer 1

e.g. so that there is less random error when measuring angles

Question 2

If you shine a beam of light through a rectangular glass block, how many times will it be refracted?

Answer 2

The beam will be refracted twice

Question 3

Lauren is investigating how blocks of different transparent materials refract visible light. What could she use to produce a thin ray of light?

Answer 3

e.g. ray box

Question 4

Describe how she could take measurements of the angles of incidence and refraction of a light ray as it passes from air into a transparent block

Answer 4

Trace the path of the incoming ray and the outline of the block, and mark the point where the ray leaves the block. Then, after removing the block and joining the points where the ray enters and leaves the block, draw a normal to the block outline at the point where the incoming ray meets it. Then use a protractor to measure the angles of incidence an refraction.

Question 5

Lauren wants to carry out repeats of her readings. Give two variables that Lauren should control while taking repeat measurements

Answer 5

E.g. the block she uses, the ray box she uses, the thickness of the pen/pencil she uses to trace the ray and the block