This document outlines the key topics and learning objectives for a physics syllabus on light, including: reflection of light off mirrors and the law of reflection; refraction of light through transparent materials and critical angles; the action of converging lenses in forming real and virtual images using focal length and ray diagrams; and the dispersion of light through a glass prism.

1. 02/06/14
P8
Syllabus
Light
statements

2. 8.1 Reflection of light
1. Describe the formation and characteristics of
an optical image seen in a plane mirror.
2. Perform simple constructions, measurements
and calculations based on reflections in plane
mirrors.
3. Use the law
angle of incidence = angle of reflection.

3. 8.2 Refraction of light
1. Describe an experimental demonstration of the
refraction of light.
2. Describe, using ray diagrams, the passage of
light through parallel-sided transparent material,
indicating the angle of incidence i and angle of
refraction r.
3. Describe the action of optical fibres and their
use in medicine and communications technology.

4. 8.2 Refraction of light
4. State the meaning of critical angle.
5. Identify and describe internal and total internal
reflection using ray diagrams.

5. 8.3 Thin converging lens
1. Describe the action of a thin converging lens on
a beam of light using ray diagrams.
2. Use the terms principal focus and focal length.
3. Draw and interpret simple ray diagrams that
illustrate the formation of real and virtual images
by a single converging lens.
4. Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation
of a real image by a single lens.

6. 8.4 Dispersion of light
1. Describe the dispersion of light by a glass prism.

7. 8.4 Dispersion of light
1. Describe the dispersion of light by a glass prism.