# Explain what happens to a ray of light when it travels from air into a glass block at an angle to the normal, and then exits the glass block back into air.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 2.6 Refraction of light · Explain · 5 marks

> A ray of light travels from air and strikes the surface of a glass block at an angle to the normal. The ray passes through the glass and emerges from the other side back into air.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The ray slows down as it enters the glass
2. The ray bends towards the normal when entering the glass
3. This change in direction is called refraction
4. The ray speeds up again as it exits the glass back into air
5. The ray bends away from the normal when exiting the glass into air

## Key terms

- [normal](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/normal)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-happens-to-a-ray-dd26b58b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.