RP 9

Question 1

Describe how to investigate the reflection of light by different types of surface and the refraction of light by different substances.

Answer 1

1. Draw straight line down the centre of A3 paper using ruler.
2. Use protractor to draw normal line (perpendicular to first line).
3. Place glass block against first line so normal is at the block’s centre.
4. Draw around the glass block and turn off all lights in room.
5. Use ray box with slit to direct ray of light to hit block at the normal - this is the incident ray.
6. Mark reflected, transmitted and incident ray with crosses and turn lights back on (ray box off).
7. Remove glass block and draw incident ray , reflected ray and transmitted ray so it meets the block’s outline.
8. Draw a line from the transmitted ray to the point joining the normal and first line.
9. Use protractor to measure angle of incidence, reflection and refraction.
10. Repeat the experiment using different block materials.

Question 2

What will you conclude from the ray box experiment?

Answer 2

Changing the material will not change the one of incidence or reflection, but the angle refraction will change.