IB Physics HL C.2.3 Wave Equation Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL C.2.3 by solving multi-step wave, sound and resonance calculations from graphs, phase and measured data.

Exam points

Combine v = fλ with phase, resonance and graph measurements in multi-step calculations.
Calculate wave speed, wavelength or frequency in sound, strings and electromagnetic examples.
Track units and scale conversions when wave data are given in mixed spatial and time forms.

[Maximum number: 2]

A spring, such as that in (a), is stretched horizontally and a longitudinal travelling wave is set up in the spring, travelling to the right.

The graph shows how the displacement x of one coil C of the spring varies with time t.

Figure for Question C.2.3—Wave equation question 1 — IB Physics HL

The speed of the wave is $3.0 \mathrm{~cm} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ . Determine the wavelength of the wave.

frequency $=\left(\frac{1}{T}=\frac{1}{0.80}=\right) 1.25 \mathrm{~Hz}$ ;
wavelength $=\frac{v}{f}=\frac{3.0}{1.25}=2.4 \mathrm{~cm}$ or $2.4 \times 10^{-2} \mathrm{~m}$ ;

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C.2.3—Wave equation question 1