The normal is an imaginary line drawn at right angles (90°) to the boundary between two media.

Define the term angle of incidence .

The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident ray and the normal at the boundary between two media.

Define the term angle of reflection .

The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal at the boundary between two media.

True or False? The law of reflection applies to reflection in plane mirrors.

True. The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection . This applies to reflection at any surface, including plane mirrors.

True or False? An image formed in a plane mirror will be smaller than the object.

False. The image formed in a plane mirror will be the same size as the object.

True or False? The image formed in a plane mirror will be the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.

True. The image formed in a plane mirror is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.

True or False? The image formed in a plane mirror will be laterally inverted.

True. The image formed in a plane mirror is laterally inverted : the left-hand side of the object appears on the right-hand side of the image and vice versa.

True or False? The image formed in a plane mirror is a real image. (Extended Tier Only)

False. The image formed in a plane mirror is a virtual image. It cannot be projected onto a screen because the rays of light do not actually pass through the image.

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what is the independent variable? (Extended Tier Only)

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, the independent variable is the angle of incidence .

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what is the dependent variable? (Extended Tier Only)

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, the dependent variable is the angle of reflection .

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, which factors should be controlled? (Extended Tier Only)

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, control variables include: distance of the ray box from the mirror width of the light beam frequency / wavelength of the light

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what equipment is needed? (Extended Tier Only)

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, the equipment needed is: a ray box a plane mirror a protractor a sheet of paper a pencil a ruler

In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what results would you expect to find? (Extended Tier Only)

You would expect to find that the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence at all angles tested.

True or False? In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, an error could occur if the normal line is not drawn perpendicular to the surface of the mirror. This is an example of a systematic error. (Extended Tier Only)

True. Systematic errors are errors in the apparatus or experimental method. An error in the measured angles caused by drawing the normal line incorrectly is a systematic error.

True or False? In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, a sharp pencil should be used to mark the centre of the light beam. (Extended Tier Only)

True. Using a sharp pencil and marking the centre of the beam reduces random errors in the results.

True or False? Looking directly into the light from a ray box may damage the eyes. (Extended Tier Only)

True. Avoid looking directly at the light and stand behind the ray box during the experiment.

What action should be taken if a hot ray box causes a burn? (Extended Tier Only)

The burn should be held under cold running water for at least five minutes .

Refraction is the change in direction of a light ray when it passes from one medium to another.

True or False? When light refracts by passing from a less dense medium into a denser medium, the ray bends away from the normal.

False. When light passes from a less dense medium into a denser medium, it bends towards the normal.

True or False? When light refracts by passing from a denser medium into a less dense medium, the ray bends towards the normal.

False. When light passes from a denser medium into a less dense medium, the ray bends away from the normal.

True or False? When light passes along the normal, perpendicular to the surface of a medium, the ray does not change direction.

True. When light passes along the normal, perpendicular to the surface of a medium, the ray does not bend at all.

What properties of light change during refraction?

During refraction, the speed and wavelength of light change, but the frequency does not change.

In a ray diagram of refraction through a glass block, how many boundary surfaces does the ray pass through?

In a ray diagram for refraction through a glass block, the ray passes through two boundary surfaces: air-to-glass glass-to-air

True or False? When light refracts through a glass block, the incident ray at the glass-to-air boundary is the ray inside the glass.

True. The refracted ray at the first (air-to-glass) boundary becomes the incident ray at the second (glass-to-air) boundary.

Define refractive index . (Extended Tier Only)

The refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a material.

True or False? The refractive index has no units. (Extended Tier Only)

True. Since the refractive index is a ratio , it has no units.

True or False? The refractive index of a material is always greater than 1. (Extended Tier Only)

True. The refractive index is always larger than 1 and is different for different materials. More optically dense materials have a higher refractive index, e.g. about 2.4 for diamond and about 1.5 for glass.

Define the term critical angle . (Extended Tier Only)

The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90°, above which all light is totally internally reflected.

What are the two conditions required for total internal reflection to occur? (Extended Tier Only)

The two conditions required for total internal reflection to occur are: the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle the ray is travelling from a denser material into a less dense material

How is total internal reflection used in communications? (Extended Tier Only)

Total internal reflection is used to transmit information along optical fibres for telephone, internet and cable television signals.

True or False? Total internal reflection can occur when light travels from a less dense medium into a denser medium. (Extended Tier Only)

False. Total internal reflection only occurs when light travels from a denser material into a less dense material.

Define the term principal axis .

The principal axis is a line which passes through the centre of a lens.

Define the term principal focus or focal point .

The principal focus , or focal point, is the point at which rays of light travelling parallel to the principal axis intersect the principal axis and converge, or the point at which diverging rays appear to proceed.

Define the term focal length .

Focal length is the distance between the centre of the lens and the principal focus.

What is another name for a converging lens?

A converging lens is sometimes referred to as a convex lens.

True or False? In a converging lens, parallel rays are brought to a focus.

True. In a converging lens, parallel rays are brought to a focus at a point called the principal focus .

True or False? The more curved the converging lens, the longer the focal length.

False. The more curved the converging lens is, the shorter the focal length.

Which two characteristics are used to describe an image?

An image can be described by comparing it to the object using: its size : enlarged, same size or diminished its orientation : upright or inverted

Describe the characteristics of an image viewed through a magnifying glass.

An image viewed through a magnifying glass is: enlarged , bigger than the object upright , with the same orientation as the object

True or False? An image viewed through an eye is diminished and inverted.

True. An image viewed through an eye, a camera or a glasses lens is diminished (smaller than the object) and inverted (upside down compared to the object).

True or False? Real images are always inverted.

True. Real images are always inverted .

How is a real image produced?

A real image is produced when rays of light converge and meet at a point after passing through the lens.

True or False? A converging lens will form a real image of an object if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal length of the lens.

False. A converging lens will form a real image of an object if the object is placed at a distance greater than the focal length of the lens.

Rays that are parallel to the principal axis are refracted by a converging lens and pass through the ______ .

Rays that are parallel to the principal axis are refracted by a converging lens and pass through the focal point .

An object is placed at a distance greater than 2 f from a converging lens. Where does the image form and what is its size?

The image forms between *f* and 2*f * and is diminished (smaller than the object).

What are the two types of images that can be produced by lenses? (Extended Tier Only)

The two types of images that can be produced by lenses are: real images virtual images

Define the term real image . (Extended Tier Only)

A real image is an image that is formed when the light rays from an object converge and meet each other and can be projected onto a screen.

Define the term virtual image . (Extended Tier Only)

A virtual image is an image that is formed when the light rays from an object do not meet but appear to meet behind the lens, and cannot be projected onto a screen.

True or False? Virtual images are always upright. (Extended Tier Only)

True. Virtual images are always upright .

How are virtual images formed? (Extended Tier Only)

Virtual images are formed by the divergence of light away from a point.

True or False? A converging lens will form a virtual image of an object if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal length of the lens. (Extended Tier Only)

True. A converging lens will form a virtual image of an object if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal length of the lens. This is how a magnifying glass works.

IGCSEScienceCambridge (CIE)Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award)PhysicsFlashcards3. WavesLight

Light (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award): Physics): Flashcards

Exam code: 0654 & 0973

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FrontReflection of Light
What is the normal?

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Cards in this collection (70)

What is the normal?
The normal is an imaginary line drawn at right angles (90°) to the boundary between two media.
Define the term angle of incidence.
The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident ray and the normal at the boundary between two media.
Define the term angle of reflection.
The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal at the boundary between two media.
True or False?
The law of reflection applies to reflection in plane mirrors.
True.
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This applies to reflection at any surface, including plane mirrors.
True or False?
An image formed in a plane mirror will be smaller than the object.
False.
The image formed in a plane mirror will be the same size as the object.
True or False?
The image formed in a plane mirror will be the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
True.
The image formed in a plane mirror is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
True or False?
The image formed in a plane mirror will be laterally inverted.
True.
The image formed in a plane mirror is laterally inverted: the left-hand side of the object appears on the right-hand side of the image and vice versa.
True or False?
The image formed in a plane mirror is a real image. (Extended Tier Only)
False.
The image formed in a plane mirror is a virtual image. It cannot be projected onto a screen because the rays of light do not actually pass through the image.
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what is the independent variable? (Extended Tier Only)
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, the independent variable is the angle of incidence.
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what is the dependent variable? (Extended Tier Only)
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, the dependent variable is the angle of reflection.
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, which factors should be controlled? (Extended Tier Only)
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, control variables include:
- distance of the ray box from the mirror
- width of the light beam
- frequency / wavelength of the light
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what equipment is needed? (Extended Tier Only)
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, the equipment needed is:
- a ray box
- a plane mirror
- a protractor
- a sheet of paper
- a pencil
- a ruler
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, what results would you expect to find? (Extended Tier Only)
You would expect to find that the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence at all angles tested.
True or False?
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, an error could occur if the normal line is not drawn perpendicular to the surface of the mirror. This is an example of a systematic error. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
Systematic errors are errors in the apparatus or experimental method. An error in the measured angles caused by drawing the normal line incorrectly is a systematic error.
True or False?
In an experiment to investigate reflection by a plane mirror, a sharp pencil should be used to mark the centre of the light beam. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
Using a sharp pencil and marking the centre of the beam reduces random errors in the results.
True or False?
Looking directly into the light from a ray box may damage the eyes. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
Avoid looking directly at the light and stand behind the ray box during the experiment.
What action should be taken if a hot ray box causes a burn? (Extended Tier Only)
The burn should be held under cold running water for at least five minutes.
Define refraction.
Refraction is the change in direction of a light ray when it passes from one medium to another.
What is the symbol for the angle of incidence of a light ray on a boundary?
The symbol for the angle of incidence of a light ray on a boundary is $i$ .
What is the symbol for the angle of refraction of a light ray on a boundary?
The symbol for the angle of refraction of a light ray on a boundary is $r$ .
True or False?
When light refracts by passing from a less dense medium into a denser medium, the ray bends away from the normal.
False.
When light passes from a less dense medium into a denser medium, it bends towards the normal.
True or False?
When light refracts by passing from a denser medium into a less dense medium, the ray bends towards the normal.
False.
When light passes from a denser medium into a less dense medium, the ray bends away from the normal.
True or False?
When light passes along the normal, perpendicular to the surface of a medium, the ray does not change direction.
True.
When light passes along the normal, perpendicular to the surface of a medium, the ray does not bend at all.
What properties of light change during refraction?
During refraction, the speed and wavelength of light change, but the frequency does not change.
In a ray diagram of refraction through a glass block, how many boundary surfaces does the ray pass through?
In a ray diagram for refraction through a glass block, the ray passes through two boundary surfaces:
- air-to-glass
- glass-to-air
True or False?
When light refracts through a glass block, the incident ray at the glass-to-air boundary is the ray inside the glass.
True.
The refracted ray at the first (air-to-glass) boundary becomes the incident ray at the second (glass-to-air) boundary.
Define refractive index. (Extended Tier Only)
The refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a material.
True or False?
The refractive index has no units. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
Since the refractive index is a ratio, it has no units.
State the equation for refractive index as a ratio of speeds. (Extended Tier Only)
The equation for the refractive index as a ratio of speeds is:
$n = \frac{speed of light in a vacuum}{speed of light in a material}$
Where:
- $n$ = refractive index, which has no units
True or False?
The refractive index of a material is always greater than 1. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
The refractive index is always larger than 1 and is different for different materials. More optically dense materials have a higher refractive index, e.g. about 2.4 for diamond and about 1.5 for glass.
State the equation for refractive index as a ratio of angles. (Extended Tier Only)
The equation for the refractive index as a ratio of angles is:
$n = \frac{\sin i}{\sin r}$
Where:
- $n$ = refractive index of the material, which has no units
- $i$ = angle of incidence, measured in degrees (°)
- $r$ = angle of refraction, measured in degrees (°)
State the angle of incidence shown in the diagram. (Extended Tier Only)
The angle of incidence shown in the diagram is 39°. It is measured between the incident ray and the normal.
State the angle of refraction shown in the diagram. (Extended Tier Only)
The angle of refraction shown in the diagram is 25°. It is measured between the refracted ray and the normal.
Define the term critical angle. (Extended Tier Only)
The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90°, above which all light is totally internally reflected.
What are the two conditions required for total internal reflection to occur? (Extended Tier Only)
The two conditions required for total internal reflection to occur are:
- the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle
- the ray is travelling from a denser material into a less dense material
How is total internal reflection used in communications? (Extended Tier Only)
Total internal reflection is used to transmit information along optical fibres for telephone, internet and cable television signals.
True or False?
Total internal reflection can occur when light travels from a less dense medium into a denser medium. (Extended Tier Only)
False.
Total internal reflection only occurs when light travels from a denser material into a less dense material.
Describe what happens to the ray of light at the glass-liquid boundary at X in the following diagram. (Extended Tier Only)
The ray of light undergoes total internal reflection (TIR) at the glass-liquid boundary at X.
Identify the diagram where the angle of incidence equals the critical angle. (Extended Tier Only)
The second diagram shows the angle of incidence i equal to the critical angle c, where the refracted ray travels along the boundary.
Define the term principal axis.
The principal axis is a line which passes through the centre of a lens.
Define the term principal focus or focal point.
The principal focus, or focal point, is the point at which rays of light travelling parallel to the principal axis intersect the principal axis and converge, or the point at which diverging rays appear to proceed.
Define the term focal length.
Focal length is the distance between the centre of the lens and the principal focus.
What is another name for a converging lens?
A converging lens is sometimes referred to as a convex lens.
True or False?
In a converging lens, parallel rays are brought to a focus.
True.
In a converging lens, parallel rays are brought to a focus at a point called the principal focus.
True or False?
The more curved the converging lens, the longer the focal length.
False.
The more curved the converging lens is, the shorter the focal length.
Which two characteristics are used to describe an image?
An image can be described by comparing it to the object using:
- its size: enlarged, same size or diminished
- its orientation: upright or inverted
Describe the characteristics of an image viewed through a magnifying glass.
An image viewed through a magnifying glass is:
- enlarged, bigger than the object
- upright, with the same orientation as the object
True or False?
An image viewed through an eye is diminished and inverted.
True.
An image viewed through an eye, a camera or a glasses lens is diminished (smaller than the object) and inverted (upside down compared to the object).
True or False?
Real images are always inverted.
True.
Real images are always inverted.
How is a real image produced?
A real image is produced when rays of light converge and meet at a point after passing through the lens.
True or False?
A converging lens will form a real image of an object if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal length of the lens.
False.
A converging lens will form a real image of an object if the object is placed at a distance greater than the focal length of the lens.
Rays that are parallel to the principal axis are refracted by a converging lens and pass through the ______.
Rays that are parallel to the principal axis are refracted by a converging lens and pass through the focal point.
An object is placed at a distance greater than 2f from a converging lens. Where does the image form and what is its size?
The image forms between *f* and 2*f* and is diminished (smaller than the object).
What are the two types of images that can be produced by lenses? (Extended Tier Only)
The two types of images that can be produced by lenses are:
- real images
- virtual images
Define the term real image. (Extended Tier Only)
A real image is an image that is formed when the light rays from an object converge and meet each other and can be projected onto a screen.
Define the term virtual image. (Extended Tier Only)
A virtual image is an image that is formed when the light rays from an object do not meet but appear to meet behind the lens, and cannot be projected onto a screen.
True or False?
Virtual images are always upright. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
Virtual images are always upright.
How are virtual images formed? (Extended Tier Only)
Virtual images are formed by the divergence of light away from a point.
True or False?
A converging lens will form a virtual image of an object if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal length of the lens. (Extended Tier Only)
True.
A converging lens will form a virtual image of an object if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal length of the lens. This is how a magnifying glass works.
State the properties of the image formed by a magnifying glass. (Extended Tier Only)
The image formed by a magnifying glass is:
- virtual: the light rays appear to meet when produced backwards
- magnified: larger than the object
- upright: the same orientation as the object
A person's reflection in a mirror is an example of a ______ image. (Extended Tier Only)
A person's reflection in a mirror is an example of a virtual image.
True or False?
White light contains all the colours of the visible spectrum.
True.
White light contains all the colours of the visible spectrum.
Which spectrum is visible light a small part of?
Visible light is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
What object can split white light into its constituent colours when light passes through it?
A prism can be used to split white light into its constituent colours when light is passed through it.
What is the name given to the process of splitting white light into its constituent colours?
The process of splitting white light into its constituent colours is called dispersion.
What type of wave behaviour causes dispersion?
Dispersion is caused by the refraction of light through a prism. Violet light is refracted the most and red light is refracted the least.
What are the seven colours that make up white light?
The seven colours that make up white light are:
- red
- orange
- yellow
- green
- blue
- indigo
- violet
Which colour of the spectrum of visible light has the longest wavelength?
Red light has the longest wavelength of all the colours in the visible spectrum.
True or False?
Blue light has a longer wavelength than yellow light.
False.
Blue light has a shorter wavelength than yellow light.
True or False?
Orange light has a higher frequency than violet light.
False.
Orange light has a lower frequency (and a longer wavelength) than violet light.

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