PhysicsCode 5054
Refraction of light
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- Define normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction, then apply these terms
- Define refractive index n by the equation n = sin i / sin r; recall this equation and use it
- Describe an experiment showing how light is refracted by transparent blocks of various shapes
- Define what is meant by the critical angle and by total internal reflection; recall n = 1 / sin c and apply this equation in calculations
- Describe experiments in which both internal reflection and total internal reflection can be seen
- Describe what optical fibres are used for, especially in telecommunications, and state the benefits they bring in each case