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CAIE A-Level Physics AS 7.5 Polarisation Questions

Practise explaining polarisation as evidence for transverse waves and calculating transmitted intensity through single or multiple filters with Malus’s law.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • explain polarisation as evidence of transverse-wave behaviour and distinguish it from longitudinal behaviour
  • calculate and interpret transmitted intensity through polarising filters with Malus’s law, including multiple filters

Covered syllabus points

7.5.1—Polarisation is a phenomenon associated with transverse waves7.5.2—Malus’s law (I = I0 cos2θ ) to calculate the intensity of a plane-polarised

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Polarisation is associated with certain waves.
Which waves cannot be polarised?

A

radio waves from a transmitter

B

sound waves from a moving source

C

ultraviolet rays from the Sun

D

X-rays from an X-ray emitter

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

A student investigates the polarisation of microwaves. The microwaves from the transmitter are vertically polarised. A metal grille acts as a polarising filter when placed between the microwave transmitter and the receiver. The reading on the voltmeter is proportional to the intensity of microwaves transmitted through the grille.

When the transmission axis of the grille is vertical, the voltmeter reads 3.50 V .

Figure for Question 2 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

The grille is then rotated through an angle θ\theta. The voltmeter now reads 2.20 V .
What is θ\theta ?

A

37.5∘37.5^{\circ}

B

39.0∘39.0^{\circ}

C

51.0∘51.0^{\circ}

D

52.5∘52.5^{\circ}

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Which type of waves cannot be polarised?

A

radio waves

B

sound waves

C

ultraviolet waves

D

X-rays

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