Cambridge IGCSE Physics

3.2.2Refraction of light

Refraction of light in Cambridge IGCSE Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

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Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

3.2.2.1Define and use the normal, the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction.
3.2.2.2Describe an experiment showing refraction of light by transparent blocks of different shapes.
3.2.2.3Describe how light passes through a transparent material at a boundary between two media.
3.2.2.4State what is meant by the critical angle.
3.2.2.5Describe internal reflection and total internal reflection with experimental and everyday examples.
3.2.2.6Supplement: define refractive index as the ratio of the speeds of a wave in two different regions.
3.2.2.7Supplement: use n = sin i / sin r.
3.2.2.8Supplement: use n = 1 / sin c.
3.2.2.9Supplement: describe the use of optical fibres, especially in telecommunications.

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