PAPER 2 THEORY QUESTIONS

1 (a) Fig. 1.1 shows a ray of light incident on a mirror at X. The incident ray makes an angle
of 50 with the surface of the mirror.

Fig. 1.1

(i) Complete Fig. 1.1 to show the normal and the reflected ray at X. [1]
(ii) State the values of

1. the angle of incidence, ...............................................

2. the angle of reflection. ............................................... [1]

(b) Describe with the help of a diagram how you would find the position of the image
produced by a plane mirror.

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MS / Sh.M / FT12 / Gr 10 / physics / Theory questions / light & electromagnetic spectrum 1

2 Fig. 2.1 shows a very large plane mirror, inclined at 45 to the horizontal, beneath a pattern
on the high ceiling of a hall.

Fig. 2.1

The mirror is set on a stand at head-height immediately below the centre C of the pattern.
R and S are two rays of light from C that strike the mirror.

(a) (i) On Fig. 2.1, continue the rays R and S after they strike the mirror. [1]

(ii) On Fig. 2.1, show how these rays are used to locate the image of C and mark and
label the position of this image with the letter I. [2]

(iii) State two characteristics of this image.

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(iv) Suggest how the mirror helps visitors to the hall to see the pattern on the ceiling.
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(b) Violet light from C has a wavelength of 4.0 107 m.

(i) Calculate the frequency of this light, clearly stating the value of any constant used in the
calculation.

frequency = ....................................... [3]

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 (ii) State two different components of the electromagnetic spectrum that have wavelengths
smaller than the wavelength of violet light.
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(iii) 1. Discuss a medical application of one of these components of the electromagnetic

spectrum.
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2. State a health risk associated with this component of the electromagnetic spectrum.
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3 Fig. 3.1 shows an old coin displayed in a museum.

Fig. 3.1
The coin is vertical and is supported by a transparent stand. A vertical mirror 0.17 m behind
the coin ensures that the back of the coin can be seen by a visitor looking from the line P.
M is a point on the back of the coin.

(a) On Fig. 3.1,

(i) draw two rays of light from M to show how its image is produced, [2]
(ii) label the image I. [1]

(b) State the distance from point M on the coin to its image.

distance = ................................ [1]

MS / Sh.M / FT12 / Gr 10 / physics / Theory questions / light & electromagnetic spectrum 3

4 Fig. 4.1 shows a man looking at his reflection in a rectangular plane mirror.

Fig. 4.1

The vertical side of the mirror has length h.

(a) (i) On Fig. 5.1, draw a ray of light from point X that is reflected by the mirror to the mans
eye. [1]

(ii) On Fig. 5.1, mark the angle of incidence of your ray at the mirror.
Label this angle i. [1]
(iii) Define the angle of incidence.
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....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) On Fig. 5.1, draw a ray of light from the top of the mans hat that is reflected by the
mirror to his eye.
Use your rays to determine the smallest value of h that allows the man to see all of the
image in the mirror, from the top of his hat to his toes.
On the diagram, 1 cm represents 0.5 m.

h = [2]

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5 A student performs an experiment to demonstrate the refraction of light by a regular glass block.
Fig. 5.1 shows, to scale, the outline of the glass block and the paths of incident, refracted and
emergent rays that the student draws on a piece of paper.

Fig. 5.1

(a) Describe the apparatus needed and also a method by which the paths of incident, refracted
and emergent ray may be drawn on a piece of paper.
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(b) (i) Describe what happens to the direction of the ray of light as it enters and leaves the
block.
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(ii) State what happens to the speed, frequency and wavelength of the light as it enters
the block.
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 (c) Take measurements from Fig.5.1 and calculate the refractive index of the glass block.

refractive index = ..

6 Fig. 6.1 shows an air bubble in water. The rays of light are incident on the air bubble.

Fig. 6.1

The angle of incidence of ray 1 on the air bubble is greater than the critical angle.
The angle of incidence of ray 2 on the air bubble is less than the critical angle.
Ray 3 is perpendicular to the surface of the bubble.
The angle of incidence of ray 2 on the air bubble is 27 and the angle of refraction of ray 2inside
the air bubble is 37.

(a) On Fig. 5.1, at the point where ray 1 meets the air bubble, mark
(i) the normal to the surface,
(ii) the angle of incidence.

(b) Complete Fig. 5.1 to show how all three rays continue after they meet the air bubble.

(c) (i) Define what is meant by the refractive index of water.

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(ii) Calculate the refractive index of water.

refractive index = ..

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7 Fig. 7.1 and Fig. 7.2 show rays of light passing through the same semi-circular block of
plastic.

Fig. 7.1 Fig. 7.2

Q is the centre of the straight side of the block.
(a) State the value of the critical angle in the plastic.
critical angle = .................................. [1]
(b) Explain what is meant by the critical angle.
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(c) Calculate the refractive index of the plastic. State the formula that you use.

refractive index = .............................. [3]

(d) Some light reflects back into the plastic at Q.
On Fig. 7.1, draw the reflected ray at Q. [1]

8 Fig. 8.1 shows a ray of light entering a semi-circular glass block and striking the glass surface
at M, the mid-point of the straight face.

Fig. 8.1
(a) The ray of light strikes the glass surface at M with an angle of incidence C equal to the
critical angle of light in glass.

(i) State what is meant by critical angle.

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(ii) On Fig. 8.1, mark and label the angle C. [1]

(iii) On Fig. 8.1, continue the ray of light after it strikes the glass surface at M. [1]

MS / Sh.M / FT12 / Gr 10 / physics / Theory questions / light & electromagnetic spectrum 7

 (b) Fig. 8.2 shows a second ray of light striking M.

Fig. 8.2
This ray has an angle of incidence at M smaller than the critical angle.
On Fig. 7.2, continue this ray of light after it strikes the glass surface at M. [1]

(c) The refractive index of this glass is 1.5. A third ray of light enters the block from air with an
angle of incidence of 50. Calculate the angle of refraction.

angle= ........................... [2]

9 Describe an experiment to measure the critical angle for light in glass or perspex.
Your answer should include a labelled diagram.

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10 Fig. 10.1 shows a ray of light PQR passing along a simple optical fibre to its end at R.

Fig. 10.1

(a) (i) Explain why the ray PQ does not leave the optical fibre at Q.
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(ii) Explain why the ray QR changes direction at R.

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(b) The refractive index of glass is 1.5. The ray QR makes an angle of 15 with the normal
to the glass surface at R. Calculate the angle x, shown on Fig. 9.1.

angle x = ............................. [2]

(c) State one advantage of optical fibres rather than copper wires for carrying telephone
communications.
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11 Fig. 11.1 shows part of an optical fibre.

Fig. 11.1

The ray PQ undergoes total internal reflection in the optical fibre.

(a) On Fig. 11.1, continue the path of ray PQ until it reaches end R. [1]

(b) Explain what is meant by total internal reflection.

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 (c) Optical fibres are cheaper and lighter than copper wires. State one other advantage of
using optical fibres rather than copper wires for telephone communications.
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8
(d) The light in the optical fibre is travelling at a speed of 2.1 10 m / s and has a wavelength
of 6.4 107m. Calculate the frequency of the light.

frequency = ............................ [2]

11 Diagram shows light rays incident on both converging and diverging lens. Complete the rays of
light in both the diagrams.

12 Fig. 12.1 shows words seen through a lens. Fig. 12.2 shows the same words without the lens.

Fig. 12.1 Fig. 12.2

(a) State two properties of the image formed by the lens.

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(b) On Fig. 12.3, sketch a ray diagram to show how the image in Fig. 12.1 was formed by the
lens. Mark clearly the focal length of the lens and the image formed.

MS / Sh.M / FT12 / Gr 10 / physics / Theory questions / light & electromagnetic spectrum 10

 Fig. 12.3

13 Fig.13.1 shows the lens of a simple camera being used to photograph an object.

Fig. 13.1

The lens forms a focused image of the object on the film.

(a) On Fig.13.1, draw two rays from the top of the object to show how the lens forms
the image.

(b) (i) On Fig. 13.2, draw ray diagram to show how image is formed in camera.

Fig. 13.2
(ii) Describe the characteristic of images formed by the lens in camera.
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MS / Sh.M / FT12 / Gr 10 / physics / Theory questions / light & electromagnetic spectrum 11
 (c) The object moves closer to the camera. State how the lens is adjusted to keep the image
in focus.
..
..

14 Sketch a ray diagram to show how the image formed by the projector lens. Mark clearly the focal
length of the lens and the image formed.

Describe the characteristics of images formed by the lens in projector.

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15 Fig.15.1 is drawn full scale. The focal length of the lens is 3.0 cm.

Fig. 15.1

(a) (i) On Fig.14.1, draw two rays from the top of the object O that meet at the image.
(ii) Define the term linear magnification.

(iii) Determine the magnification produced by the lens in the diagram.

magnification = ..........................................
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16 Fig. 16.1 shows a ray of light passing through the edge of a converging lens.

Fig. 16.1

(a) Calculate the refractive index of the glass used in the lens.

refractive index of the glass =

(b) An object of height 20 cm is placed 50 cm to the right of a converging (convex) lens of focal
length 30 cm.

(i) Explain what is meant by the focal length of a lens.

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(ii) Draw a ray diagram to scale to show the formation of the image.

(iii) State two properties of the image.

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(iv) Determine the linear magnification of the image.

magnification = ..........................................

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17 An object is placed in front of a diverging lens as shown on the scale diagram.
The principal focus F is marked on each side of the lens.

(a) At which position will the image be formed?

..
(b) Describe the characteristics of image formed by the lens.

18 Fig.18.1 shows a normal eye viewing an object close to it.

(a) Fig.18.2 shows long-sighted eye.

Fig. 18.1 Fig. 18.2

(i) On Fig.18.2, complete diagram to show the rays travelling through the eye.

(ii) State what type of lens is used to correct this defect.

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(iii) On Fig. 18.3, show how this type of lens is used to focus rays from the far object.

Fig. 18.3
(b) Fig. 18.4 shows a short-sighted eye.

Fig. 18.4 Fig. 18.5

(i) On Fig.18.4, complete diagram to show the rays travelling through the eye.
(ii) State what type of lens is used to correct this defect.

(iii) On Fig. 18.5, show how this type of lens is used to focus rays from the far object.
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19 Fig. 19.1 shows a ray of white light from a ray-box passing into a glass prism. When the light
enters to the prism light disperse and spectrum is formed between P and Q on the screen.

Fig. 19.1

(a) Define dispersion of light in glass prism.

..
..

(b) Complete Fig. 1.1 to show the ray of white light passing through and emerging from the
prism.

(c) State the colour of the light at end P and Q of the spectrum.
..

(d) State whether the value of each of these properties for blue light is greater than, equal
to or less than the value for red light.
(i) speed in a vacuum ................................................................................................................
(ii) wavelength ...........................................................................................................................
(iii) frequency ............................................................................................................................

(e) Fig. 19.2 shows the ray passing through a red filter before it reaches the prism.

Fig. 19.2
Complete Fig.1.2 to show the ray of red light passing through and emerging from the prism.

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 2 Fig. 20.1 shows an incorrect electromagnetic spectrum drawn by a student. The parts of the
spectrum and the wavelengths are in the wrong order. The values of the wavelengths do not
match the correct parts of the spectrum.

Fig. 20.1

(a) On Fig.2.2, complete the table of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radio waves and their
correct wavelength have been inserted for you.

Fig. 20.2

(b) State three properties that are common to all types of radiation in the electromagnetic
spectrum.
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(c) State the uses of

(i) infra-red radiation.

(ii) gamma rays


(iii) ultra violet rays.

(iv) microwaves

(v) radio waves

(vi) visible light


(vii) X - ray

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5 (a) Each object in the table below emits one main type of electromagnetic wave.
Complete the table by writing in the name of the type of wave.
One line has been written for you. [2]

(b) X-rays are used in hospitals to produce images of bones and to show whether bones are
broken.

(i) State what is used to detect X-rays.

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(ii) Explain the properties of X-rays that enable an image of a bone to be produced.
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(c) Describe how microwaves are used in the transmission of television signals by satellite.
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.[3]

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