Refraction of light — KCSE Physics
KCSE Physics · 114 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives
What You'll Learn
Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.
State conditions for total internal reflection; describe applications including optical fibres, prism periscopes, and mirages
State Snell's law and apply n = sin i / sin r to calculate the refractive index, angle of incidence or angle of refraction
Define critical angle and total internal reflection; calculate the critical angle using sin c = 1/n
Describe applications of total internal reflection (optical fibres, periscopes, binoculars, sparkling of diamonds)
State the laws of refraction and Snell's law; calculate angles of refraction at plane interfaces
Define refractive index; relate it to real/apparent depth, speed of light, and critical angle
Explain dispersion of white light by a prism; identify colours and the property that distinguishes them
Refraction of light
Sample Questions
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Describe two practical applications of total internal reflection in technology. (4 marks)
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State the two conditions required for total internal reflection to occur. (2 marks)
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When white light passes through a prism, it separates into its constituent colours. (a) Identify the colour that appears in the middle of the spectrum. (1 mark) (b) Name the two colours that are adjacent to the middle colour in the spectrum. (2 marks) (c) Explain the property of light that causes the separation of colours in a prism. (1 mark)
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A beam of white light enters a prism and emerges as a spectrum of colours. (a) Identify the colour that is least deviated when the light exits the prism. (1 mark) (b) Name the colour that is most deviated in the spectrum produced by the prism. (1 mark) (c) List all the colours present in the spectrum in the order of their deviation from least to most. (2 marks)
Why Practise Refraction of light?
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