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CAIE A-Level Physics AS 8 Superposition Questions

Practise applying superposition to waves, analysing stationary waves, diffraction and coherent interference, calculating related quantities and interpreting practical experiments.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • apply superposition to progressive and stationary-wave patterns, including resultant displacement, nodes, antinodes and wavelength
  • interpret and compare diffraction and interference patterns using aperture, wavelength, coherence, phase and path difference
  • calculate double-slit and diffraction-grating quantities from their governing relationships
  • describe wave experiments that demonstrate stationary waves, diffraction, interference or wavelength measurement

Covered syllabus points

8.1 Stationary waves8.2 Diffraction8.3 Interference8.4 The diffraction grating

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Two waves superpose. A resultant wave pattern is formed.
Which statement about the two waves must be correct?

A

They have the same amplitude.

B

They are of the same type.

C

They are transverse waves.

D

They travel in opposite directions.

Question 2

[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 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Microwaves are emitted from two sources at points X and Y. The two waves meet at point Z. The diagram shows the paths of the two waves.

Figure for Question 3 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

The waves emitted from points X and Y are coherent.
What is a direct consequence of the two waves being coherent?

A

There is a constant difference in the path lengths YZ and XZ .

B

There is a constant difference in phase between the two waves at Z.

C

There is a constant non-zero difference in frequency of the two waves at Z.

D

There is a constant non-zero difference in amplitude of the two waves at Z .

Question 4

[Maximum number: 1]

Light of wavelength 5.50×10−7 m5.50 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m} from a laser is incident normally on a diffraction grating.
The diffracted light is incident on a semicircular screen, as shown in the view from above.

view from above

view from above

A total of 9 bright dots are formed on the screen.
The grating is at the centre of the semicircle. The lines of the grating are vertical. The separation between adjacent lines in the grating is d.

What is a possible value of d ?

A

2.25×10−6 m2.25 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~m}

B

2.80×10−6 m2.80 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~m}

C

4.40×10−6 m4.40 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~m}

D

4.95×10−6 m4.95 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~m}

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