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CAIE A-Level Physics AS 8.2 Diffraction Questions

Practise defining diffraction, interpreting experiments and predicting how aperture width and wavelength affect the spreading pattern.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • define diffraction and identify its spreading behaviour around apertures or obstacles
  • describe or interpret diffraction experiments and relate the pattern qualitatively to gap width and wavelength

Covered syllabus points

8.2.1—The meaning of the term diffraction8.2.2—Experiments that demonstrate diffraction including the qualitative effect of

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

In which situation does diffraction occur?

A

A wave bounces back from a surface.

B

A wave passes from one medium into another.

C

A wave passes through a gap in a barrier.

D

Waves from two identical sources are superposed.

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

A water wave passes through a gap in a harbour wall and diffracts. The gap has a width of 8 m .

Figure for Question 2 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

The wave travels directly towards the gap.
For which wavelength is the diffraction of the wave greatest?

A

1 m

B

2 m

C

4 m

D

8 m

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Which statement gives a condition that enables diffraction to occur?

A

A source of waves moves towards a stationary observer.

B

A wave is partially blocked by an obstacle.

C

Two coherent waves are superposed.

D

Two waves are travelling through the same part of a medium in opposite directions.

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