MYP Physics · 11 · data analysis
Refraction through a transparent block
Light and optics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- routine
- Marks
- 6
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
Angles measured at the air–block boundary
The plotted points reproduce the two columns of the question table, in the original units.
Vertical axis (y): Angle of refraction / °
Horizontal axis (x): Angle of incidence / °
Read the exact data as a table
| Angle of incidence / ° | Angle of refraction / ° |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7 |
| 20 | 13 |
| 30 | 19 |
| 40 | 25 |
| 50 | 30 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
A student directs light from air into the same transparent block and measures each angle from the normal.
| Angle of incidence / ° | Angle of refraction / ° |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7 |
| 20 | 13 |
| 30 | 19 |
| 40 | 25 |
| 50 | 30 |
- a
Describe Describe the pattern in the data.
2 marks - b
Calculate For the 30° reading, calculate sin(i) ÷ sin(r). Use sin(30°) = 0.500 and sin(19°) = 0.326.
2 marks - c
Evaluate Suggest two changes that would make the conclusion more reliable.
2 marks
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a
Describe Describe the pattern in the data.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
States that the angle of refraction increases as the angle of incidence increases.
- 2
States that the refracted angle remains smaller than the incident angle, so the ray bends towards the normal.
b
Calculate For the 30° reading, calculate sin(i) ÷ sin(r). Use sin(30°) = 0.500 and sin(19°) = 0.326.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Substitutes 0.500 ÷ 0.326.
- 2
Obtains 1.53, to three significant figures or a consistent precision.
c
Evaluate Suggest two changes that would make the conclusion more reliable.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Suggests repeating each measurement and calculating a mean, or taking more angle pairs across the range.
- 2
Suggests a second valid improvement such as using a narrower ray, avoiding parallax, or drawing a more precise normal.
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