A ray of light emerges from a rectangular glass slab parallel to the incident ray but shifted sideways. (i) W…

Question

A ray of light emerges from a rectangular glass slab parallel to the incident ray but shifted sideways. (i) What is the name given to this shift? (ii) State any two factors on which the magnitude of this shift depends, and explain how each factor affects it.

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **(i)** The sideward shift of the emergent ray is called **lateral displacement** (or lateral shift). **(ii) Two factors:** - **Angle of incidence:** Greater the angle of incidence, greater is the lateral displacement. - **Thickness of the glass slab:** Greater the thickness, greater is the lateral displacement. *Source: Chapter 9, Section 9.3.1 – Refraction through a Rectangular Glass Slab* --- ## Explanation The question is 2 marks, so keep it concise. Examiners expect the correct term "lateral displacement" for part (i) (1 mark), and any two valid factors with a brief explanation of effect for part (ii) (1 mark). Other acceptable factors include the refractive index of the glass (higher refractive index → greater lateral displacement). Do not confuse lateral displacement with the emergent ray being parallel — these are two separate observations.

Science (086) — AI-generated practice question