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Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Spec 3.17

Refraction in Rectangular Blocks, Prisms and Semicircles

Covers trace rays through three glass shapes, Measure angles from the normal and Explain why semicircular blocks are useful.

Physics revision video

Refraction in Rectangular Blocks, Prisms and Semicircles

Spec 3.17

What you need to know

  • Trace rays through three glass shapes
  • Measure angles from the normal
  • Explain why semicircular blocks are useful

Active recall

Quick check

Answer each question before opening the answer.

From which line are angles measured?

The normal

Why is the prism ray deviated overall?

The prism faces are not parallel

Why does a radial ray not bend at the curved face?

It meets the surface normally, at zero incidence angle

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