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Edexcel A-Level Physics AS 2.3.40 Phase Difference and Path Difference Questions

Practise Edexcel IAL Physics 2.3.40 by converting path difference into phase difference, identifying in-phase or antiphase waves and finding wavelength from maxima spacing.

Syllabus
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level
Course
Physics XPH11/YPH11
Level
AS

Exam points

  • convert path difference as a fraction of wavelength into phase difference in radians or degrees
  • identify in-phase or antiphase waves from half-wavelength or whole-wavelength path differences
  • use spacing between adjacent maxima to determine wavelength in interference data

Edexcel A-Level Physics AS 2.3.40 Phase Difference and Path Difference Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

A student investigated the reflection of microwaves from a metal plate and a glass plate. The metal plate reflects microwaves and the glass plate partially reflects microwaves.

A plan view of the apparatus is shown.

The metal plate, the transmitter and the receiver were kept in fixed positions. The value of d was varied by moving the glass plate.

Figure for Question Edexcel A-Level Physics AS 2.3.40 Phase Difference and Path Difference Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS
Figure for Question Edexcel A-Level Physics AS 2.3.40 Phase Difference and Path Difference Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

The student recorded values of d when the receiver showed a maximum value of intensity.

He recorded d for a sequence of five maxima.

Maxima | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
d / cm | 9.9 | 11.1 | 12.7 | 13.9 | 15.4

Figure for Question Edexcel A-Level Physics AS 2.3.40 Phase Difference and Path Difference Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

Determine the wavelength of the microwaves being transmitted.

Wavelength =

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