CAIE A-Level Physics AS 8.1.1 And Use the Principle of Superposition Questions

Apply the principle of superposition to determine resultant displacement when waves overlap.

Exam points

Apply the principle of superposition to determine resultant displacement when waves overlap.

[Maximum number: 5]

(a)

A microwave of intensity $I_{0}$ and amplitude $A_{0}$ meets another microwave of the same frequency and of intensity $\frac{1}{4} I_{0}$ travelling in the opposite direction. Both microwaves are vertically plane polarised and superpose where they meet.

[ 5 ]

(i)

Explain, without calculation, why these two waves cannot form a stationary wave with zero amplitude at its nodes.

[ 2 ]

(ii)

Determine, in terms of $A_{0}$ , the maximum amplitude of the wave formed.
maximum amplitude = $A_{0}[3]$

[ 3 ]

$I \propto A^{2}$ $A^{2} / A_{0}{ }^{2}=\left(I_{0} / 4\right) / I_{0}$ $A=0.5 A_{0}$
Marking guidance:

maximum amplitude $=A_{0}+0.5 A_{0}$ $=1.5 A_{0}$

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CAIE A-Level Physics AS 8.1.1 And Use the Principle of Superposition Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)