IGCSE Refractive Index
IGCSE Refractive Index
8 Fig. 8.1 shows parallel wavefronts of a light wave in ice. The wavefronts are incident on a boundary
with air.
direction
of wave
ice
air
Fig. 8.1
The speed of the light wave in air is 3.0 × 108 m / s. The refractive index of the ice is 1.3.
(i) draw the wavefronts of the wave that passes into the air [3]
(ii) draw arrows to show the direction of travel of the refracted wave [1]
(iii) label the angle of incidence i and the angle of refraction r. [1]
[Total: 7]
6 Green light of frequency 5.7 × 1014 Hz is travelling in air at a speed of 3.0 × 108 m / s. The light is
incident on the surface of a transparent solid.
Fig. 6.1 shows the wavefronts and the direction of travel of the light in the air.
wavefront
air
solid
Fig. 6.1
(a) Explain, in terms of the wavefronts, why the light changes direction as it enters the solid. You
may draw on Fig. 6.1 as part of your answer.
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............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(i) The light is incident on the surface of the solid at an angle of incidence of 67°.
(ii) Determine the wavelength of the green light in the transparent solid.
[Total: 9]