Exam Focus

🎯 Exam Focus

Frequently Examined

This topic is examined in 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.

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
• 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.