Refraction and total internal reflection - AAQ Pearson Applied Science

Complete “Ready to go” lesson with no adapting necessary!
New for AAQ Pearson Applied Science BTEC from Sept 2025 Specification
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This lesson covers:
•Introduction and recap of what refraction using analogy and with animated labelled diagram of how light refracts through a glass block - opportunity for a fun engaging demo in the introduction but alternatively I have embedded a video alternative
•How to calculate refractive index using n = c/v followed by example and practice
•How to calculate refractive index using n = sin i/ sin r followed by example and practice through a short practical where students measure the angle of refraction at different angles of incident. I have provided example practical results so alternatively, students could be given the table with the angle results in and the sin i, sin r and refractive index columns blank
•Linking both equations to obtain c/v = sin i/sin r followed by example and practice
•Short practical where students explore how light refracts in a semi-circular block to discover the link between angle of incidence and refraction as you go from a denser medium to a less dense medium as well as critical angle and total internal reflection
•Content follows the practical covering the link between angle of incidence and refraction as you go from a denser medium to a less dense medium as well as critical angle and total internal reflection.
•How to calculate critical angle using sin C = 1/n followed by example and practice

NO PRINTING REQUIREMENTS
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This lesson follows my usual style and contains:
•Recall starter to build retention of previously learned content
•Clear levelled learning objectives and outcomes
•Clear and modern layout utilising GIFS and Youtube
• Variety of tasks and plenaries with self assessment to assess progress
• ANSWERS INCLUDED!

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