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AQA GCSE · Question 08.5 · Waves
Figure 16 shows a ray of light incident on the reflective surface. Complete Figure 16 to show the reflected ray of light. You should include the normal line at the point where the incident ray meets the reflecting surface.
Figure 16 shows a ray of light incident on the reflective surface. Complete Figure 16 to show the reflected ray of light. You should include the normal line at the point where the incident ray meets the reflecting surface.
How to approach this question
1. **Draw the normal:** The normal is a line drawn at a right angle (90°) to the surface at the point where the incident ray hits. For a curved surface, this means it's perpendicular to the tangent at that point.
2. **Apply the Law of Reflection:** The law states that the angle of incidence (i) equals the angle of reflection (r).
3. **Draw the reflected ray:** Measure the angle of incidence (between the incident ray and your normal). Then draw the reflected ray on the other side of the normal, making sure the angle of reflection is the same size.
Full Answer
1. A normal line is drawn at 90° to the curved surface at the point of incidence.
2. The reflected ray is drawn such that the angle of reflection (angle between reflected ray and normal) is equal to the angle of incidence (angle between incident ray and normal).
The Law of Reflection states two things:
1. The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal all lie in the same plane.
2. The angle of incidence (i) is equal to the angle of reflection (r).
To complete the diagram:
1. First, draw the normal. This is a line perpendicular to the reflective surface at the point where the incident ray hits. For a curved surface, it points away from the centre of curvature.
2. Next, estimate or measure the angle of incidence (the angle between the incident ray and the normal).
3. Finally, draw the reflected ray on the opposite side of the normal, ensuring the angle of reflection (the angle between the reflected ray and the normal) is equal to the angle of incidence.
Common mistakes
✗ Drawing the normal incorrectly (not at 90° to the surface).\n✗ Making the angle of reflection clearly different from the angle of incidence.\n✗ Forgetting to draw the normal line at all.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Paper 2
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