Topic 4 (New) [64 marks]

A beam of coherent monochromatic light from a distant galaxy is used in an optics experiment
on Earth.

The beam is incident normally on a double slit. The distance between the slits is 0.300 mm. A
screen is at a distance D from the slits. The diffraction angle θ is labelled.

1a. A series of dark and bright fringes appears on the screen. Explain how a dark fringe is [3 marks]
formed.

1b. The wavelength of the beam as observed on Earth is 633.0 nm. The separation [2 marks]
between a dark and a bright fringe on the screen is 4.50 mm. Calculate D.

40 with water. The refractive index of water is

The air between the slits and the screen is replaced
 The air between the slits and the screen is replaced with water. The refractive index of water is
1.33.

1c. Calculate the wavelength of the light in water. [1 mark]

1d. State two ways in which the intensity pattern on the screen changes. [2 marks]

A loudspeaker emits sound towards the open end of a pipe. The other end is closed. A standing
wave is formed in the pipe. The diagram represents the displacement of molecules of air in the
pipe at an instant of time.

2a. Outline how the standing wave is formed. [1 mark]

X and Y represent the equilibrium positions of two air molecules in the pipe. The arrow
represents the velocity of the molecule at Y.

2b. Draw an arrow on the diagram to represent the direction of motion of the molecule at X. [1 mark]

2c. Label a position N that is a node of the standing wave. [1 mark]

41 of the pipe is 0.30 m. Calculate, in Hz,

The speed of sound is 340 m s –1 and the length
2d. The speed of sound is 340 m s –1 and the length of the pipe is 0.30 m. Calculate, in Hz, [2 marks]
the frequency of the sound.

42 an air–water boundary. A, B and C are parallel

The loudspeaker in (a) now emits sound towards
 The loudspeaker in (a) now emits sound towards an air–water boundary. A, B and C are parallel
wavefronts emitted by the loudspeaker. The parts of wavefronts A and B in water are not shown.
Wavefront C has not yet entered the water.

2e. The speed of sound in air is 340 m s –1 and in water it is 1500 m s –1. [2 marks]
The wavefronts make an angle θ with the surface of the water. Determine the maximum angle,
θmax, at which the sound can enter water. Give your answer to the correct number of significant
figures.

2f. Draw lines on the diagram to complete wavefronts A and B in water for θ < θmax. [2 marks]

A large cube is formed from ice. A light ray is43

incident from a vacuum at an angle of 46˚ to the
 A large cube is formed from ice. A light ray is incident from a vacuum at an angle of 46˚ to the
normal on one surface of the cube. The light ray is parallel to the plane of one of the sides of the
cube. The angle of refraction inside the cube is 33˚.

3a. Calculate the speed of light inside the ice cube. [2 marks]

3b. Show that no light emerges from side AB. [3 marks]

3c. Sketch, on the diagram, the subsequent path of the light ray. [2 marks]

Each side of the ice cube is 0.75 m in length.44

The initial temperature of the ice cube is –20 °C.
 Each side of the ice cube is 0.75 m in length. The initial temperature of the ice cube is –20 °C.

3d. Determine the energy required to melt all of the ice from –20 °C to water at [4 marks]
a temperature of 0 °C.
Specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 330 kJ kg –1
Specific heat capacity of ice = 2.1 kJ kg –1 k–1
Density of ice = 920 kg m –3

3e. Outline the difference between the molecular structure of a solid and a liquid. [1 mark]

45
Outline what is meant by the principle of superposition of waves.
4a. Outline what is meant by the principle of superposition of waves. [2 marks]

4b. Red laser light is incident on a double slit with a slit separation of 0.35 mm. [3 marks]
A double-slit interference pattern is observed on a screen 2.4 m from the slits.
The distance between successive maxima on the screen is 4.7 mm.

Calculate the wavelength of the light. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant
figures.

Explain the change to the appearance of the46

interference pattern when the red-light
4c. Explain the change to the appearance of the interference pattern when the red-light [2 marks]
laser is replaced by one that emits green light.

4d. One of the slits is now covered. [2 marks]

Describe the appearance of the pattern on the screen.

A student investigates how light can be used47

to measure the speed of a toy train.
 A student investigates how light can be used to measure the speed of a toy train.

Light from a laser is incident on a double slit. The light from the slits is detected by a light
sensor attached to the train.
The graph shows the variation with time of the output voltage from the light sensor as the train
moves parallel to the slits. The output voltage is proportional to the intensity of light incident on
the sensor.

5a. Explain, with reference to the light passing through the slits, why a series of voltage [3 marks]
peaks occurs.

48 light has a wavelength of 6.3 x 10 –7 m.

The slits are separated by 1.5 mm and the laser
5b. The slits are separated by 1.5 mm and the laser light has a wavelength of 6.3 x 10 –7 m. [1 mark]
The slits are 5.0 m from the train track. Calculate the separation between two adjacent
positions of the train when the output voltage is at a maximum.

5c. Estimate the speed of the train. [2 marks]

5d. In another experiment the student replaces the light sensor with a sound sensor. The [2 marks]
train travels away from a loudspeaker that is emitting sound waves of
constant amplitude and frequency towards a reflecting barrier.

The sound sensor gives a graph of the variation of output voltage with time along the track that
is similar in shape to the graph shown in the resource. Explain how this effect arises.

49 12 cm apart and are connected to

Two microwave transmitters, X and Y, are placed
6a. Two microwave transmitters, X and Y, are placed 12 cm apart and are connected to [4 marks]
the same source. A single receiver is placed 54 cm away and moves along a line AB
that is parallel to the line joining X and Y.

Maxima and minima of intensity are detected at several points along AB.
(i) Explain the formation of the intensity minima.
(ii) The distance between the central maximum and the first minimum is 7.2 cm. Calculate the
wavelength of the microwaves.

50 rod antenna (aerial). The plane of

Radio waves are emitted by a straight conducting
6b. Radio waves are emitted by a straight conducting rod antenna (aerial). The plane of [2 marks]
polarization of these waves is parallel to the transmitting antenna.

An identical antenna is used for reception. Suggest why the receiving antenna needs to be be
parallel to the transmitting antenna.

The receiving antenna becomes misaligned 51

by 30° to its original position.
6c. The receiving antenna becomes misaligned by 30° to its original position. [3 marks]

The power of the received signal in this new position is 12 µW.

(i) Calculate the power that was received in the original position.
(ii) Calculate the minimum time between the wave leaving the transmitting antenna and its
reception.

A longitudinal wave is travelling in a medium52

from left to right. The graph shows the variation
 A longitudinal wave is travelling in a medium from left to right. The graph shows the variation
with distance x of the displacement y of the particles in the medium. The solid line and the
dotted line show the displacement at t=0 and t=0.882 ms, respectively.

The period of the wave is greater than 0.882 ms. A displacement to the right of the equilibrium
position is positive.

7a. State what is meant by a longitudinal travelling wave. [1 mark]

7b. Calculate, for this wave, [4 marks]

(i) the speed.
(ii) the frequency.

53
 7c. The equilibrium position of a particle in the medium is at x=0.80 m. For this particle at [4 marks]
t=0, state and explain
(i) the direction of motion.
(ii) whether the particle is at the centre of a compression or a rarefaction.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2019

International Baccalaureate® - Baccalauréat International® - Bachillerato Internacional®

Printed for Concordian International School

54
 Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations

Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations

1. For a system executing simple harmonic motion, the restoring force acting on the system is
proportional to the

A. displacement of the system from equilibrium.

B. amplitude of oscillation.

C. elastic potential energy.

D. frequency of oscillation.
(Total 1 mark)

2. The graphs show how the acceleration a of four different particles varies with their
displacement x.
Which of the particles is executing simple harmonic motion?

(Total 1 mark)

3 12 41 1 55
 Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations

3. The graph shows how the displacement varies with time for an object undergoing simple
harmonic motion.

Which graph shows how the object’s acceleration a varies with time t?

(Total 1 mark)

4. The graph below shows how the displacement x of a particle undergoing simple harmonic
motion varies with time t. The motion is undamped.

Which of the following graphs correctly shows how the velocity v of the particle varies with t?

(Total 1 mark)

3 12 41 1 56
 Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations

5. The graph shows measurements of the height h of sea level at different times t in the Bay of
Fundy.

Which of the following gives the approximate amplitude and period of the tides?

Amplitude Period
A. 6.5 m 6 hours
B. 13 m 12 hours
C. 6.5 m 12 hours
D. 13 m 6 hours
(Total 1 mark)

6. A particle oscillates with simple harmonic motion with period T.

At time t = 0, the particle has its maximum displacement. Which graph shows the variation with
time t of the kinetic energy Ek of the particle?

(Total 1 mark)

3 12 41 1 57
 Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations

Short answer questions

7. Simple harmonic motion

(a) A body is displaced from equilibrium. State the two conditions necessary for the body to
execute simple harmonic motion.

1. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) In a simple model of a methane molecule, a hydrogen atom and the carbon atom can be
regarded as two masses attached by a spring. A hydrogen atom is much less massive than
the carbon atom such that any displacement of the carbon atom may be ignored.

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement x from its
equilibrium position of a hydrogen atom in a molecule of methane.

The mass of hydrogen atom is 1.7 ×10–27 kg. Use data from the graph above

(i) to determine its amplitude of oscillation.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) to show that the frequency of its oscillation is 9.1 × 1013 Hz.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

3 12 41 1 58
 Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations

8. Sketch two cycles of the displacement-time (x-t) relationship for a simple pendulum. Assume that its
displacement is a maximum at time 0 seconds. Mark on the graph a time for which the velocity is maximum
(labeled A), a time for which the velocity is zero (labeled B) and a time fro which the acceleration is a
maximum (labeled C).

9. The equation defining simple harmonic motion is a=-kx.

a) what are the units of the constant k?

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

b) Two similar systems oscillate with simple harmonic motion. The constant for system S1 is k,
while that for system S2 is 4k. Explain the difference between the oscillations of the two systems.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

10. Calculate the phase difference between the two displacement-time graphs shown in the figure. Give
your answers in
a) seconds

...........................................................

b) radians

...........................................................

c) degrees

...........................................................

3 12 41 1 59
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

1. On which one of the following graphs is the wavelength λ and the amplitude a of a wave
correctly represented?

A. λ
Displacement

0
0 Distance along
a wave

B. λ
Displacement

0
0 Distance along
a wave

C. λ
Displacement

0
0 Distance along
a wave

D. λ
Displacement

0
0 Distance along
a wave

(1)

2. The speed of a wave is defined as

A. the speed at which the particles of the wave vibrate.

B. the speed of the medium through which the wave passes.

C. the speed of transfer of the energy of the wave.

D. the speed at which the vibrations of the wave are produced.

(1)

60
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

3. Graph P shows how the displacement at one point in a wave varies with time.

Graph Q shows how the displacement in the same wave varies with distance along the wave at
one particular time.
Graph P

displacement

0
0 t1 t2 time

Graph Q

displacement

0
0 x1 x2 x3 distance

Which one of the following expressions gives the speed of the wave?

x1 x2 (x 2 − x1 ) (x3 − x1 )
A. B. C. D.
t1 t2 (t 2 − t1 ) (t 2 − t1 )
(1)

4. The diagram shows the variation with distance x along a wave with its displacement d.

The wave is travelling in the direction shown.

direction of travel
d

The period of the wave is T. Which one of the following diagrams shows the displacement of
T
the wave at later?
4
A. B.
d d

x x

C. D.
d d

x x

(1)

61
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

5. A source produces water waves of frequency 10 Hz. The graph shows the variation with
horizontal position of the vertical displacement of the surface of water at one instant in time.

The speed of the water waves is

A. 0.20 cm s−1.B. 4.0 cm s−1.C. 10 cm s−1.D. 20 cm s−1.

(1)

6. A water surface wave (ripple) is travelling to the right on the surface of a lake. The wave has
period T. The diagram below shows the surface of the lake at a particular instant of time. A
piece of cork is floating in the water in the position shown.

T
Which is the correct position of the cork a time later?
4

cork

A. B.

C. D.
(1)

7. The diagram below shows a transverse wave on a string. The wave is moving from right to left.

direction of wave

upwards

left right

downwards

In the position shown, point X has zero displacement and point Y is at a position of maximum
displacement. Which one of the following gives the subsequent direction of motion of point X
and of point Y?

Point X Point Y

A. left left

B. upwards upwards

C. downwards left

D. downwards upwards
(1)

62
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

8. The diagram below shows the displacement-position graph at a particular instant for a longitudinal
wave travelling along a spring.

displacement to right + C

0
0 B D position
displacement to left – A

A positive displacement on the graph indicates that the coils of the spring are displaced to the
right of their equilibrium position.

At which position along the spring is the displacement of two adjacent coils a maximum?

A. A B. B C. C D. D
(1)

9. Which of the following is a value of wavelength that is found in the visible region of the
electromagnetic spectrum?

A. 4 × 10–5 m

B. 4 × 10–7 m

C. 4 × 10–9 m

D. 4 × 10–11 m
(1)

10. Which of the following electromagnetic waves has a frequency greater than that of visible light?

A. Ultraviolet B. Radio C. Microwaves D. Infrared

(1)

Short answer questions

1. Waves on a string

A travelling wave is created on a string. The graph below shows the variation with time t of the
displacement y of a particular point on the string.

63
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

The variation with distance x of the displacement y of the string at t = 0 is shown below.

(a) Use information from the graphs to calculate, for this wave,

(i) the wavelength;

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) the frequency;

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii) the speed of the wave.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) The wave is moving from left to right and has period T.

(i) On graph 1, draw a labelled line to indicate the amplitude of the wave.
(1)

T
(ii) On graph 2, draw the displacement of the string at t = .
4
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

2. This question is about wave properties and interference.

The diagram below represents the direction of oscillation of a disturbance that gives rise to a
wave.

64
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

(a) By redrawing the diagram in the spaces below, add arrows to show the direction of wave
energy transfer to illustrate the difference between

(i) a transverse wave and

(1)

(ii) a longitudinal wave.

(1)

A wave travels along a stretched string. The diagram below shows the variation with distance
along the string of the displacement of the string at a particular instant in time. A small marker
is attached to the string at the point labelled M. The undisturbed position of the string is shown
as a dotted line.

Directions of wave travel

(b) On the diagram above

(i) draw an arrow to indicate the direction in which the marker is moving.
(1)

(ii) indicate, with the letter A, the amplitude of the wave.

(1)

(iii) indicate, with the letter λ, the wavelength of the wave.

(1)

T
(iv) draw the displacement of the string a time later, where T is the period of
4
oscillation of the wave. Indicate, with the letter N, the new position of the marker.
(2)

65
 Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

The wavelength of the wave is 5.0 cm and its speed is 10 cm s–1.

(c) Determine

(i) the frequency of the wave.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

T
(ii) how far the wave has moved in s.
4
(2)

(Total 10 marks)
3. This question is about sound waves.

A sound wave of frequency 660 Hz passes through air. The variation of particle displacement
with distance along the wave at one instant of time is shown below.

(a) State whether this wave is an example of a longitudinal or a transverse wave.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) Using data from the above graph, deduce for this sound wave,

(i) the wavelength.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) the amplitude.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii) the speed.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

66
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

1. The diagram below is a snapshot of wave fronts of circular waves emitted by a point source S at
the surface of water. The source vibrates at a frequency f = 10.0 Hz.

The speed of the wave front is

A. 0.15 cm s–1. B. 1.5 cm s–1. C. 15 cm s–1. D. 30 cm s–1.

(Total 1 mark)

λ
2. Two waves meet at a point. The waves have a path difference of . The phase difference
4
between the waves is

π π π
A. rad. B. rad. C. rad. D. π rad.
8 4 2
(Total 1 mark)

3. Two waves meet at a point in space. Which of the following properties always add together?

A. Displacement

B. Amplitude

C. Speed

D. Frequency

(Total 1 mark)

5 34 21 1 63 3 67
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

4. The two graphs show the variation with time of the individual displacements of two waves as they pass
through the same point.

The displacement of the resultant wave at the point at time T is equal to

A. x 1 + x 2.

B. x1 – x2 .

C. A 1 + A 2.

D. A 1 – A 2.
(Total 1 mark)

5. The diagram below shows two wave pulses moving towards one another.

Which one of the following diagrams shows the resultant pulse when the two pulses are
superposed?

A. B.

C. D.

(1)

5 34 21 1 63 3 68
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

6. The diagram below shows two pulses on a string travelling toward each other.

Which of the following diagrams best shows the shape of the string after the pulses have passed
through each other?

A.

B.

C.

D.
(1)

7. Two coherent point sources S1 and S2 emit spherical waves.

Which of the following best describes the intensity of the waves at P and Q?

P Q
A. maximum minimum
B. minimum maximum
C. maximum maximum
D. minimum minimum
(Total 1 mark)

5 34 21 1 63 3 69
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

8. The diagram shows sunlight reflected from a lake surface. The reflected sunlight is
plane-polarized.

The plane of polarization of the reflected sunlight is

A. parallel to the lake surface.

B. perpendicular to the lake surface.

C. parallel to the direction of the reflected sunlight.

D. in the plane of the diagram.

(Total 1 mark)
9. Unpolarized light of intensity I0 is incident on a polarizer. The transmitted light is then incident on a second polarizer.
The axis of the second polarizer makes an angle of 600 to the axis of the first polarizer.

1
The cosine of 600 is . The intensity of the light transmitted through the second polarizer is
2

I0 I0 I0
A. I 0. B. . C. . D. .
2 4 8
(Total 1 mark)

10. Two polarizing sheets have planes of polarization that are initially parallel.

The incoming light on sheet 1 is unpolarized. The intensity of the light transmitted is I. To
I
reduce the intensity to , which sheet must be rotated and through what angle?
2

5 34 21 1 63 3 70
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

Sheet to be rotated Rotation angle

⎛ 1 ⎞
A. 1 only θ = cos–1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ 2⎠

⎛1⎞
B. 2 only θ = cos–1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠

⎛ 1 ⎞
C. 1 or 2 θ = cos–1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ 2⎠

⎛1⎞
D. 1 or 2 θ = cos–1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠
(Total 1 mark)

Short answer questions

1. This question is about intensity and amplitude.

At a distance of 15m from the source, the intensity of a loud sound is 2.0×10!! ! ∙ ! !! .
(a) Show that the intensity at 120 m from the source is approximately 3.0×10!! ! ∙ ! !! .

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

(2)

(b) Deduce how the amplitude of the wave changes.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

2. This question is about the interference of waves.

(a) State the principle of superposition.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

A wire is stretched between two points A and B.

A B

A standing wave is set up in the wire. This wave can be thought of as being made up from the
superposition of two waves, a wave X travelling from A to B and a wave Y travelling from B to
A. At one particular instant in time, the displacement of the wire is as shown. A background
grid is given for reference and the equilibrium position of the wire is shown as a dotted line.

5 34 21 1 63 3 71
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

A B

(b) On the grids below, draw the displacement of the wire due to wave X and wave Y.

Wave X

A B

Wave Y

A B

(4)
(Total 6 marks)

5 34 21 1 63 3 72
 Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

3. This question is about polarized light.

(a) Distinguish between polarized and unpolarized light.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) A beam of plane polarized light of intensity I0 is incident on an analyser. The direction of
the beam is at right angles to the plane of the analyser.

The angle between the transmission axis of the analyser and the plane of polarization of
the light is θ. In the position shown the transmission axis of the analyser is parallel to the
plane of polarization of the light (θ = 0).

On the axes, sketch a graph to show how the intensity I of the transmitted light varies
with θ as the analyser is rotated through 180°.

(2)
(Total 4 marks)

5 34 21 1 63 3 73
 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

Topic 4.4 Waves-Wave behaviour

1. Light travelling from water to air is incident on a boundary.

Y
Z air
X water
W

Which of the following is a correct statement of Snell’s law for this situation?

A. sin Z = constant × sin Y

B. sin W = constant × sin Z

C. sin X = constant × sin Z

D. sin W = constant × sin Y

(1)

2. Which one of the following correctly describes the change, if any, in the speed, wavelength and
frequency of a light wave as it passes from air into glass?

Speed Wavelength Frequency

A. decreases decreases unchanged

B. decreases unchanged decreases

C. unchanged increases decreases

D. increases increases unchanged

(1)

3. Sound waves move faster in warm air than in cold air. The diagram below shows plane waves in
cold air moving towards a boundary with warm air.

I
warm air
II

III

cold air boundary

IV

Which of the arrows shows the possible direction of waves after reaching the boundary?

A. I B. II C. III D. IV
(1)

74
 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

4. Which of the following diagrams best shows the path of a ray of monochromatic light through a
glass prism in air?

A. B.

glass glass
air air

D.
C.

glass
glass air
air
(1)

5. The diagram below shows plane wavefronts of a wave that is approaching the boundary
between two media, X and Y. The speed of the wave is greater in medium X than in medium Y.
The wave crosses the boundary.

boundary

medium X medium Y

Which of the following diagrams is correct?

A. B.

medium X medium Y medium X medium Y

C. D.

medium X medium Y medium X medium Y

(1)

75
 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

6. A pulse is travelling along a string attached to a wall.

pulse direction

Which of the following shows the shape of the string after reflection from the wall?
A.

B.

C.

D.

(1)

7. A string is held horizontally with one end attached to a fixed support. Two pulses are created at
the free end of the string. The pulses are moving towards the fixed support as shown in the
diagram below.

fixed support
string

Which one of the following diagrams is a possible subsequent picture of the string?

A. B.

C. D.

(1)

76
 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

8. The phenomenon of diffraction is associated with

A. sound waves only. B. light waves only.

C. water waves only. D. all waves.

(1)

9. A bat approaches an insect of wing span length d. The bat emits a sound wave. The bat detects
the insect if the sound is reflected from the insect.

refected waves incident waves

The insect will not be located if

A. the insect’s speed is less than the speed of the sound wave.

B. the insect’s wing beat frequency is greater than the frequency of the sound wave.

C. the length d is much greater than the wavelength of the sound wave.

D. the length d is much smaller than the wavelength of the sound wave.
(1)

10. Plane wavefronts are incident on a barrier as shown below.

barrier

Which of the following best shows the shape of the wavefronts on the other side of the barrier?
A. B.

C. D.

(1)

77
 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

11. The diagram below shows the arrangement for a Young’s double slit experiment.
single slit double slit

S1

monochromatic light source S

S2

The function of the single slit is

A. to direct the light towards S1 and S2.

B. to ensure equal intensities of light at S1 and S2.

C. to produce coherent light at S1 and S2.

D. to reduce the intensity of light at S1 and S2.

(1)

12. The waves from two light sources meet at a point. Which condition is essential for interference
to be observed?

A. Constant phase difference between the waves B. Equal amplitude of the waves

C. Equal frequency of the waves D. Equal intensities of the waves

(1)

13. Light from a double slit arrangement produces bright and dark fringes on a screen in the region
near point P, as indicated below.

P
coherent
light

double slit screen

not to scale

The light from the two slits has equal amplitudes on reaching point P.

Which one of the following gives the change, if any, in the appearance of the bright and the
dark fringes when the amplitude of the light wave from one slit is reduced?

Bright fringes Dark fringes

A. Remains the same Remains the same

B. Becomes less bright Remains the same

C. Becomes less bright Becomes more bright

D. Remains the same Becomes more bright

(1)

78
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14. Two identical sources in a ripple tank generate waves of wavelength λ. The interfering waves
produce the wave pattern shown below.

II

III

IV

Along which of the labelled lines is the path difference between the waves from the sources
equal to 1.5 λ?

A. I B. II C. III D. IV
(1)

15. Water waves of wavelength 2.0 m are produced by two sources S1 and S2. The sources vibrate
in phase.

S1 S2

1m 3m

Point P is 1 m from S1 and 3 m from S2. S1 alone and S2 alone each produce a wave of
amplitude a at P. Which one of the following is the amplitude of the resultant wave at point P
when S1 and S2 are both emitting waves?

A. 2a

B. a

1
C. a
2

D. Zero
(1)

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Short answer questions

1. This question is about refraction.

(a) The diagram below shows a ray of monochromatic light incident on the boundary
between two media. The dotted line is the normal to the boundary.

normal

medium 1

boundary

medium 2

The refractive index of medium 1 is n1 and that of medium 2 is n2 and n1>n2. The ray is incident
at an angle to the normal that is less than the critical angle.

(i) Explain what is meant by critical angle.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) On the diagram above, draw lines to show the paths of the ray after it is incident on
the boundary.
(2)

(b) Derive a relationship between n1, n2 and the critical angle φc.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

2. This question is about refractive index and critical angle.

The diagram below shows the boundary between glass and air.

glass air

(a) On the diagram, draw a ray of light to illustrate what is meant by critical angle. Mark the
critical angle with the letter “c”.
(3)

A straight optic fibre has length 1.2 km and diameter 1.0 mm. Light is reflected along the fibre
as shown below.

1.2 km

1.0 km

At each reflection, the angle of incidence is equal in value to the critical angle. The refractive
index of the glass of the fibre is 1.5.

(b) Deduce that the length of the light path along the optic fibre is about 1.8 km.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

The speed of light in the fibre is 2.0 × 108 m s–1.

(c) Calculate the time for a pulse of light to travel the length of the fibre when its path is

(i) along the axis of the fibre.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

(ii) as calculated in (b).

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

3. This question is about waves.

(a) In the scale diagram below, plane wavefronts travel from medium 1 to medium 2 across
the boundary AB.

direction of travel

medium 1
A B

medium 2

State and explain in which medium the wavefronts have the greater speed.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) By taking measurements from the diagram, determine the ratio

speed of wave in medium1

.
speed of wave in medium 2

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

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4. This question is about waves and wave properties.

The diagram below shows three wavefronts incident on a boundary between medium I and
medium R. Wavefront CD is shown crossing the boundary. Wavefront EF is incomplete.

A C E

F
medium I

medium R

B D

(a) (i) On the diagram above, draw a line to complete the wavefront EF.
(1)

(ii) Explain in which medium, I or R, the wave has the higher speed.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the velocity v of one particle of the medium
through which the wave is travelling.

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

(b) (i) Explain how it can be deduced from the graph that the particle is oscillating.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Determine the frequency of oscillation of the particle.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii) Mark on the graph with the letter M one time at which the particle is at maximum
displacement.
(1)

(iv) Estimate the area between the curve and the x-axis from the time t = 0 to the time
t = 1.5 ms.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(v) Suggest what the area in b (iv) represents.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c) (i) State the principle of superposition.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

Two loudspeakers S1 and S2 are connected to the same output of a frequency generator and are
placed in a large room as shown below.

P
560 cm

580 cm
S1

550 cm
S2

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

Sound waves of wavelength 40 cm and amplitude A are emitted by both loudspeakers.

M is a point distance 550 cm from both S1 and S2. Point P is a distance 560 cm from S1 and
580 cm from S2.

(ii) State and explain what happens to the loudness of the sound detected by a
microphone when the microphone is moved from point M to point P.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii) Referring to the diagram above, the amplitude of the wave emitted by S1 is now
increased to 2A. The wave emitted by S2 is unchanged. Deduce what change, if any,
occurs in the loudness of the sound at point M and at point P when this change in
amplitude is made.

at point M: ......................................................................................................

......................................................................................................

at point P: ......................................................................................................

......................................................................................................
(4)

(iv) The loudspeakers are now replaced with two monochromatic light sources. State
the reason why bright and dark fringes are not observed along the line PM.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

Waves of frequency f and speed c are emitted by a stationary source of sound. An observer
moves along a straight line towards the source at a constant speed v.

(d) State, in terms of f, c and v, an expression for

(i) the wavelength of the sound detected by the observer.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) the apparent speed of the wave as measured by the observer.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 25 marks)

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

5. This question is about diffraction.

Plane wavefronts of monochromatic light of wavelength λ are incident on a rectangular slit of

width b. After passing through the slit, the light is brought to a focus on a screen distance D
from the slit as shown below. The width of the slit is comparable to the wavelength of the
incident light and b << D. The point P on the screen is opposite the centre of the slit.

b P

D
slit

screen

The sketch graph below shows that the variation with angle θ of the intensity of the light on the
screen.

intensity

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

(a) Explain qualitatively, this intensity distribution.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) The angle θ = φ is the angular half-width of the central maximum of the intensity
λ
distribution and is given by the expression φ = . Derive an expression in terms of D, λ
b
and b for the half-width d of the central maximum.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) The single slit is replaced by two rectangular slits of width b. The distance between the
centre of the slits is equal to 2b.

On the axes below, draw a sketch of the intensity distribution on the screen. (The
intensity distribution of a single slit is shown by the dotted line.)

intensity

(2)
(Total 7 marks)

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 Topic&4.4:&Waves/Wave&behaviour&

6. This question is about two-source interference.

A double slit is illuminated normally with coherent light. The interference pattern is observed
on a screen. The apparatus is shown below.

not to scale

coherent light
s

screen

The width of both slits in the double slit arrangement is increased without altering the separation s.

Describe and explain the effect, if any, of this change on

(a) the number of fringes observed;

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) the intensity of the fringes.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

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7. This question is about interference and diffraction.

Light from a laser is incident on two slits of equal width. After passing through the slits, the
light is incident on a screen. The diagram below shows the intensity distribution of the light on
the screen.

(a) The wavelength of the light from the laser is 633 nm and the angular separation of the
bright fringes on the screen is 4.00 × 10–4 rad. Calculate the separation of the slits.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) Light from the laser is incident on many slits of the same width as the widths of the slits
above. Draw, on the above diagram, a possible new intensity distribution of the light on
the screen.
(2)

(c) The laser is replaced by a source of white light. Describe, if any, the changes to the
fringes on the screen.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

Topic 4.5: Waves-Standing waves

1. Standing waves in an open pipe come about as a result of

A. reflection and superposition.

B. reflection and diffraction.

C. superposition and diffraction.

D. reflection and refraction.

(1)

2. For a standing wave, all the particles between two successive nodes have the same

A. amplitude only.

B. frequency only.

C. amplitude and frequency.

D. frequency and energy.

(1)

3. Which one of the following is correct for transfer of energy along a standing wave and for
amplitude of vibration of the standing wave?

Transfer of energy along Amplitude of vibration of

a standing wave the standing wave

A. None Constant amplitude

B. None Variable amplitude

C. Energy is transferred Constant amplitude

D. Energy is transferred Variable amplitude

(1)

4. A standing wave is established on a string between two fixed points.

T B
A U C

At the instant shown, point T is moving downwards. Which arrow gives the direction of
movement of point U at this instant?

A. A B. B C. C D. D
(1)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

1
5. Two particles X and Y are situated a distance λ apart on a stationary wave of wavelength λ.
2
The variation with time t of the displacement dx of X is shown below.

dX

0
0 t

Which one of the following correctly shows the variation with time t of the displacement dY of
particle Y?
A. dY B. dY

0 0
0 t 0 t

C. dY D. dY

0 0
0 t 0 t

(1)

6. The diagram below represents the fundamental (first harmonic) standing wave of sound inside a
pipe.

P Q

pipe

Which of the following correctly represents the displacement of the air at P and Q?

P Q

A.

B.

C.

D.

(1)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

7. A pipe, open at both ends, has a length L. The speed of sound in the air in the pipe is v. The
frequency of vibration of the fundamental (first harmonic) standing wave that can be set up in
the pipe is

v L 4v L
A. . B. . C. . D. .
2L 2v L 4v
(1)

8. A string with both ends fixed is made to vibrate in the second harmonic mode as shown by the
dashed lines in the diagram below.

P
Q

The solid line shows a photograph of the string at a particular instant of time. Two points on the
string have been marked P and Q.

Which of the following correctly compares both the period of vibration of P and Q and the
average speed of P and Q?

Period Average speed

A. same same

B. same different

C. different same

D. different different
(1)

9. Two pipes P and Q are of the same length. Pipe P is closed at one end and pipe Q is open at
both ends. The fundamental frequency (first harmonic) of the closed pipe P is 220 Hz.

The best estimate for the fundamental frequency of the open pipe Q is

A. 880 Hz. B. 440 Hz. C. 110 Hz. D. 55 Hz.

(1)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

10. A tube is filled with water and a vibrating tuning fork is held above its open end.

tuning fork
x

water

tap

The tap at the base of the tube is opened. As the water runs out, the sound is loudest when the
water level is a distance x below the top of the tube. A second loud sound is heard when the
water level is a distance y below the top. Which one of the following is a correct expression for
the wavelength λ of the sound produced by the tuning fork?

A. λ=y B. λ = 2x

C. λ=y–x D. λ = 2(y − x)
(1)

11. A source of sound is placed near the open end of a cylindrical tube that lies on a horizontal table.
The tube has some powder sprinkled along its length. The powder collects in piles along the
length of the tube as shown below.

source of sound d

The distance between two consecutive piles of powder is d and the speed of sound in the tube is
v. The frequency of the source is

v v
A. . B. . C. dv. D. 2dv.
2d d
(1)

12. A vibrating tuning fork is held above the top of a tube that is filled with water. The water
gradually runs out of the tube until a maximum loudness of sound is heard.

Which of the following best shows the standing wave pattern set up in the tube at this position?
A. B. C. D.

(1)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

Short answer questions

1. This question is about some properties of waves associated with the principle of superposition.

Stationary (standing) waves and resonance

(a) State two ways in which a standing wave differs from a continuous wave.

1. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) State the principle of superposition as applied to waves.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) A stretched string is fixed at one end. The other end is vibrated continuously to produce a
wave along the string. The wave is reflected at the fixed end and as a result a standing
wave is set up in the string.

The diagram below shows the displacement of the string at time t = 0. The dotted line
shows the equilibrium position of the string.

free end

fixed end

(i) The period of oscillation of the string is T. On the diagrams below, draw sketches
T T
of the displacement of the string at time t = and at time t = .
4 2

T
t=
4

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

T
t=
2

(2)

(ii) Use your sketches in (i) to explain why the wave in the string appears to be
stationary.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

2. This question is about wave phenomena.

(a) The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement x of one particle in a
sound wave.

The speed of the wave is 380 m s–1.

(i) Suggest, by marking the letter C on the t-axis of the graph above, one time at which
the particle could be at the centre of a compression.
(1)

(ii) Deduce the wavelength of the wave.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

(b) (i) Outline the conditions necessary for the formation of a standing (stationary) wave.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) A horizontal tube, closed at one end, has some fine powder sprinkled along its
length. A source S of sound is placed at the open end of the tube, as shown below.

heap of powder
source S

The frequency of the source S is varied. Explain why, at a particular frequency, the
powder is seen to form small equally-spaced heaps in the tube.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii) The mean separation of the heaps of powder in (b)(ii) is 9.3 cm when the frequency
of the source S is 1800 Hz. Calculate the speed of sound in the tube.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) The experiment in (b)(ii) is repeated on a day when the temperature of the air in the tube
is higher. The mean separation of the heaps is observed to have increased for the same
frequency of the source S. Deduce qualitatively the effect, if any, of temperature rise on
the speed of the sound in the tube.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

(d) The diagram below shows wavefronts produced by two sources S1 and S2 of sound that
are vibrating in phase.

B A B

S1 S2

The waves interfere constructively along the lines labelled A and B.

(i) State what is meant by constructive interference.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) On the diagram above, draw another line, labelled C, along which the waves
interfere constructively.
(1)

(iii) On the diagram above, draw another line, labelled D, along which the waves
interfere destructively.
(1)
(Total 17 marks)
3. This question is about waves and wave properties.

Travelling and standing (stationary) waves

(a) State two differences between a travelling wave and a standing (stationary) wave.

1. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

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 Topic&4.5:&Waves0Standing&waves&

(b) In the scale diagram below, plane wavefronts travel from medium 1 to medium 2 across
the boundary AB.

direction of travel

medium 1
A B

medium 2

State and explain in which medium the wavefronts have the greater speed.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) By taking measurements from the diagram, determine the ratio

speed of wave in medium1

.
speed of wave in medium 2

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(d) To demonstrate the production of a standing wave, Samantha attaches the end B of a
length AB of rubber tubing to a rigid support. She holds the other end A of the tubing,
pulls on it slightly and then shakes the end A in a direction at right angles to AB. At a
certain frequency of shaking, the tubing is seen to form the standing wave pattern shown
below.

A B

Explain how this pattern is formed.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(5)

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(e) The speed v with which energy is propagated in the tubing by a travelling wave depends
on the tension T in the tubing. The relationship between these quantities is

v=k T

where k is a constant.

In an experiment to verify this relationship, the fundamental (first harmonic) frequency f

was measured for different values of tension T.

(i) Explain how the results of this experiment, represented graphically, can be used to
verify the relationship v = k T .

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii) In the experiment, the length of the tubing was kept constant at 2.4 m. The
fundamental frequency for a tension of 9.0 N in the tubing was 1.8 Hz. Calculate
the numerical value of the constant k.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 20 marks)

99