The diagram shows a ray of light incident on a glass block - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 3
The diagram shows a ray of light incident on a glass block.
(a) (i) At which point is the ray of light shown likely to leave the glass block?
Put a cross (X) in the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a ray of light incident on a glass block - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
At which point is the ray of light shown likely to leave the glass block?
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Answer
The ray of light is likely to leave the glass block at point C. This is because as light travels from a denser medium (glass) to a less dense medium (air), it bends away from the normal at point C.
Step 2
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
The ray of light changes direction when it enters the glass block because there is a change of speed. As light travels from air (less dense) into glass (more dense), it slows down, which causes the bending of the light ray.