Frequently Examined
Edexcel (1PH0/1, Paper 1): Edexcel questions on reflection and refraction commonly involve completing ray diagrams, explaining total internal reflection in optical fibres, and applying Snell's law — expect both diagram-based and extended-writing questions.
Board note: AQA (8463/8464) examines reflection with ray diagrams (Physics only, all tiers) and refraction qualitatively using wavefront diagrams (Higher tier only). AQA does not examine total internal reflection, the critical angle, or Snell's law.
Reflection and refraction are tested with diagrams and explanations. Expect to:
- Draw or complete ray diagrams showing reflection at a mirror or refraction at a glass block boundary
- State the law of reflection and confirm angles from a diagram
- Explain total internal reflection — state both conditions and name an application (Edexcel/OCR/Eduqas — not AQA)
- Compare specular and diffuse reflection — smooth vs rough surface, direction of reflected rays
Classic exam question: "Explain how an optical fibre uses total internal reflection to transmit data." — This needs: entering from denser medium, angle exceeds critical angle, complete reflection, no energy loss through the sides. (Edexcel/OCR/Eduqas style; not examined by AQA.)
This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Reflection & Refraction for GCSE Physics. Revise Reflection & Refraction in Waves for GCSE Physics with 17 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 11 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Reflection & Refraction
According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is:
Explain why a ray of light bends when it passes from air into water.