Edexcel IGCSE Physics B Properties of Waves Questions

Practise interpreting wave diagrams, definitions and calculations, from transverse motion and wavelength to Doppler shifts and refraction.

Exam points

describe transverse and longitudinal motion using vibration direction and wave travel
measure wavelength or period from a diagram, then apply any scale or time-base
use v = fλ, including rearrangement and unit conversion for light, sound or water waves

Covered syllabus points

3.2 Longitudinal and transverse waves 3.3 Wave definitions 3.4 Wave energy transfer 3.5 Wave speed equation 3.6 Frequency and period 3.7 Wave equations in context 3.8 Doppler effect 3.9 Reflection and refraction

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is about waves.

Which of these waves is longitudinal?

infrared

radio

sound

ultraviolet

[Maximum number: 4]

This question is about waves.

(a)

The diagram represents a wave.

Figure for Question (a) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

[ 1 ]

(i)

Determine the amplitude of the wave by measuring it with a ruler.

amplitude = ............ cm

[ 1 ]

(b)

Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[ 3 ]

(i)

Microwaves travel at a speed of 3.0 x 10^8 m/s in air.

A microwave has a wavelength of 2.7 cm.
Calculate the frequency of this microwave.

[wave speed = frequency x wavelength]

frequency = ............ Hz

Figure for Question (i) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

[ 3 ]

Marking points:
- substitution
- rearrangement
- evaluation

Example:
$3.0\times10^{8}=f\times0.027$ $f=\frac{3.0\times10^{8}}{0.027}$ $f=1.1\times10^{10}\ \mathrm{Hz}$

Accept:
- wavelength substitution in $\mathrm{cm}$ or $\mathrm{m}$
- $1.11\ldots\times10^{10}\ \mathrm{Hz}$

Marking guidance:
- Deduct 1 mark for a power-of-ten error.

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about optical fibres.

(a)

Optical fibres use light waves for communication.

Which of these is a correct statement about waves?

waves transfer energy, information and matter

waves do not transfer energy, information, or matter

waves transfer energy without transferring information or matter

waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter

[ 1 ]

(b)

A ray of light passes from air into a glass optical fibre.

Diagram 1 shows the path of the ray of light after it has passed through the boundary between air and the optical fibre.

[ 1 ]

(i)

State the name of the wave behaviour responsible for the path of the ray of light as it passes from air into the optical fibre.

[ 1 ]

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is about waves.

The diagram represents a wave.

Figure for Question 4 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Determine the amplitude of the wave by measuring it with a ruler.

amplitude = ............ cm

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is about optical fibres.

Optical fibres use light waves for communication.

Which of these is a correct statement about waves?

waves transfer energy, information and matter

waves do not transfer energy, information, or matter

waves transfer energy without transferring information or matter

waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is about sound waves.

A buzzer is an electrical device that produces sound.

The frequency of sound produced by the buzzer is 1400 Hz .

State the formula linking speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave.

(wave) speed = frequency × wavelength;

allow correct use of symbols and rearrangements e.g.
$\mathrm{v}=\mathrm{f} \times \lambda$
condone s as symbol for
speed

[Maximum number: 2]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines can take scans of the inside of a patient.

During the scan, music can be played through a loudspeaker to the patient.

The oscilloscope trace in the diagram represents a sound played to the patient.

Figure for Question 7 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Calculate the frequency of the sound wave.

frequency = ............ Hz

Marking points:
- substitution into given equation
- evaluation

Example:
$f=\frac{1}{0.002}$ $f=500\ \mathrm{Hz}$

Accept:
- ECF from 6(b)(i)

Marking guidance:
- Deduct 1 mark for a power-of-ten error from the candidate's answer from 6(b)(i).

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about sound waves.

A buzzer is an electrical device that produces sound.

The frequency of sound produced by the buzzer is 1400 Hz .

Sound travels at a speed of 340 m/s in air.

Calculate the wavelength of the sound wave from the buzzer.

wavelength = ............ m

[Maximum number: 5]

This question is about sound waves.

A buzzer is an electrical device that produces sound.

The frequency of sound produced by the buzzer is 1400 Hz .

Two students use this method to investigate sound from a moving source.

Student A connects a piece of string to the buzzer.
She spins round so that the buzzer moves in a horizontal circular path.
- she spins round at a slow speed
- she then spins round at a high speed

Student B stands several metres away from student A.

Figure for Question 9 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

The sound heard by student A is different to the sound heard by student B.
Discuss the differences in the sounds heard by student A and student B.

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is about optical fibres.

A ray of light passes from air into a glass optical fibre.

Diagram 1 shows the path of the ray of light after it has passed through the boundary between air and the optical fibre.

State the name of the wave behaviour responsible for the path of the ray of light as it passes from air into the optical fibre.

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (b)

Question (i)

Question 3

Question (a)

Question (b)

Question (i)

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10