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CAIE A-Level Physics 7.2.2 Graphs of Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Practise interpreting transverse and longitudinal wave graphs, extracting wavelength, amplitude or phase and distinguishing diagrams from physical particle motion.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • interpret graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves, including displacement, compression and rarefaction
  • extract wavelength, amplitude or phase information from a wave graph and distinguish the graph from physical particle motion
  • use a graph to compare or explain propagation of the two wave types

7.2.2—Graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Question (a)

(a)

A progressive longitudinal wave travels through a medium from left to right. Fig. 4.1 shows the positions of some of the particles of the medium at time t0t_{0} and a graph showing the particle displacements at the same time t0t_{0}.

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1

Particle displacements to the right of their equilibrium positions are shown as positive on the graph and particle displacements to the left are shown as negative on the graph.

The period of the wave is T.

[ 4 ]

Question (i)

(i)

On Fig. 4.1, sketch a line on the graph to represent the displacements of the particles for the longitudinal wave at time t0+T4t_{0}+\frac{T}{4}.

[ 3 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

State the direction of motion of particle Z at time t0+T4t_{0}+\frac{T}{4}.

[ 1 ]
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