PastPaper.workedSolution
(a) Calculating \(\sin i\) and \(\sin r\) values to 3 significant figures: For \(i = 15^\circ, 30^\circ, 45^\circ, 60^\circ, 75^\circ\), the values are: \(\sin i = 0.259, 0.500, 0.707, 0.866, 0.966\). For \(r = 10^\circ, 19.5^\circ, 28^\circ, 35^\circ, 40^\circ\), the values are: \(\sin r = 0.174, 0.334, 0.469, 0.574, 0.643\). (b) Rearranging Snell's law gives \(\sin i = n \sin r\). This matches the equation of a straight line through the origin \(y = mx\), where \(y = \sin i\), \(x = \sin r\), and the gradient is \(n\). Using coordinates for \(30^\circ\) and \(60^\circ\): \((x_1, y_1) = (0.334, 0.500)\) and \((x_2, y_2) = (0.574, 0.866)\). Gradient \(m = \frac{0.866 - 0.500}{0.574 - 0.334} = \frac{0.366}{0.240} = 1.525 \approx 1.53\). Therefore, \(n = 1.53\) (or \(1.52\)). (c) Light directed at the midpoint of the flat face enters the block and travels along a radius towards the curved boundary. Because every radius is perpendicular to the circumference, the light meets the curved boundary along the normal (angle of incidence at the boundary is \(0^\circ\)). Therefore, the light exits without refracting/bending, allowing the angle inside the glass to be measured directly from outside. (d) Using \(\sin \theta_c = \frac{1}{n}\), with \(n = 1.525\), we find \(\sin \theta_c = \frac{1}{1.525} = 0.6557\), giving \(\theta_c = 41.0^\circ\) (allow \(41^\circ\)).
PastPaper.markingScheme
(a) [3 Marks] 1.5 marks for correct \(\sin i\) values. 1.5 marks for correct \(\sin r\) values to 3 significant figures. (b) [4.5 Marks] 1 mark for explaining that \(\sin i = n \sin r\) is linear, so the gradient equals \(n\). 2 marks for substituting \(\sin i\) and \(\sin r\) coordinates correctly into the gradient formula. 1.5 marks for finding gradient \(1.52\) to \(1.53\) with no unit. (c) [3 Marks] 1 mark for stating that rays strike the curved boundary along the normal/radius. 1 mark for stating the angle of incidence at this boundary is \(0^\circ\). 1 mark for concluding that there is no change in direction when exiting, enabling direct measurement. (d) [2 Marks] 1 mark for recalling \(\sin \theta_c = \frac{1}{n}\). 1 mark for calculating \(\theta_c \approx 41^\circ\) (accept range \(40.8^\circ - 41.2^\circ\)).