

A complete, fully-resourced lesson on the refraction of light, aligned to the Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Physics (0972/0625) syllabus — section 3.2.2.
This resource, last updated June 2026, covers all nine learning objectives for this section: defining angle of incidence and angle of refraction; a full step-by-step practical investigation using a glass block (equipment, ray tracing method, and results); Snell’s Law (n = sin i / sin r) with worked examples; the definition of refractive index as a ratio of wave speeds; critical angle; the two conditions for total internal reflection; and real-world applications of total internal reflection including optical fibres in telecommunications and endoscopes in medicine. An interactive simulation (PhET Bending Light) is embedded for students to investigate TIR independently.
Includes retrieval questions, guided investigation tasks, and exam-style Q&A slides — suitable for Years 9–11. Follows on from reflection of light and connects directly into dispersion and thin lenses.
Part of the complete Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0972/0625) Waves series — all individual lessons are available separately or as a bundle in the shop.
Explore the full series in the shop for all other units: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/igcse-physics-waves-unit-bundle-7-full-lessons-0972-0625-13480926
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