Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2023
First exams 2025
1 markDefine a transverse wave.
2 marksState two properties of a longitudinal wave.
2 marksState two examples of transverse waves.
2 marksState two examples of longitudinal waves.
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2 marksFig. 1.1 shows graphs of waves X and Y. The scales of the graphs are identical.
Fig. 1.1
Describe two similarities between the properties of waves X and Y.
1 markState one difference between waves X and Y.
2 marksDistinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves.
1 markExplain how it could be determined whether waves X and Y are transverse or longitudinal.
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2 marksExplain what is meant by a progressive wave.
4 marksAn elastic cord is fixed at one end and attached to a mechanical oscillator at the other end. Fig. 1.1 shows, at time t = 0, the shape of a section of the cord as the wave travels from left to right. W, X, Y and Z are four marked points on the cord.
The mechanical oscillator has a steady frequency of 5.0 Hz. The wave has a wavelength of 0.60 m and an amplitude of 0.030 m.
On the axes of Fig. 1.2 sketch the graph of the displacement of point X over the period t = 0 to 0.40 s. Add suitable scales to the axes.
2 marksFor time t = 0, state which of the points W, X, Y and Z
2 marksThe speed of point W on the cord at t = 0 is 0.94 m s–1. With the cord at its original tension, the frequency of oscillation is now doubled to 10 Hz.
The amplitude is kept at 0.030 m. Calculate the new speed of point W at t = 0. Explain your reasoning.
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3 marksExplain briefly how transmission of energy by a longitudinal wave differs from transmission of energy by a transverse wave. Give one example of a transverse wave.
3 marksWith the aid of a clearly labelled diagram explain how a sound wave in air transmits energy away from its source.
3 marksShort pulses of sound are reflected from a wall 30 m from the sound source. The reflected pulses return to the source after 0.18 s.
Calculate the speed of sound.
3 marksFig.1.1 represents the sound wave from part (c).
Fig. 1.1
Calculate the frequency of the sound wave.
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2 marksA large water tank is set up so that a wave can be generated at each end of the tank. The two waves, A and B, travel towards each other at the same speed.
Fig. 1.1 shows the variation of displacement of the water surface with distance travelled at a particular instant.
Fig. 1.1
Deduce how many times greater the amplitude of B is to the amplitude of A.
4 marksWave A has a frequency of 8.0 Hz.
Fig. 1.1
3 marksExplain how the stationary wave is generated in the tank.
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