Required Practical 09: Reflection and Refraction

Question 1

What is the method to investigating the reflection, and refraction, of light by different types of surface, and substances. (11)

Answer 1

1. Insert a slit inside ray box to produce narrow light (ensure it’s off when not in use).
2. Draw straight line near the centre of paper.
3. Draw, and label as “N”, normal line at right angle of straight line.
4. Line up block to straight line and draw around it.
5. Ensure room is dark - turn lights off - and on ray box.
6. Direct light ray at point where normal meets glass using light ray.
7. Mark ingoing and outgoing rays with crosses.
8. Switch on room lights and switch off ray light.
9. Join up crosses with lines to show path of different rays.
10. Record and use protractor to measure: angle of incidence, reflection and refraction.
11. Repeat experiment changing block used

Question 2

What is the conclusion of the light experiment? (2)

Answer 2

• Angle of incidence and reflection are the same for both blocks used because they do not depend on the material.
• Angle of refraction is different between blocks used because it’s different for different materials.