Edexcel IGCSE Physics (b) Properties of waves Question Bank

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 ]

All question bank results loaded

Covered syllabus points

(b) Properties of waves question 1

(b) Properties of waves question 2

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (b)

Question (i)

(b) Properties of waves question 3

Question (a)

Question (b)

Question (i)